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Can a few simple words change what you do next? In this episode, I explore the surprising connection between World Cup chants and personal mantras. The science behind why repetition works, and the two phrases I come back to whenever I need to push through resistance. Find me on Instagram @KaphrynLee Sign up to my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

In this second episode of my six-part series, DETAILS, I’m talking about consistency. The part where the routine exists, you know what to do, but you just don't feel like doing it. I share what I'm working towards right now, and a few small reframes from Tim Ferriss and Rich Roll that have changed how I think about showing up. Share your morning routine with me on Instagram @KaphrynLee You can also sign up for my newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

After a long break, I’m back with the first episode of a new six-part series called Details. In this episode, I share the daily routine I’ve been building since settling in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and the small rituals helping me feel grounded in this chapter. Find me on Instagram @KaphrynLee Sign up for my newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

Thinking back on Tel Aviv. A city that surprised me, felt easy to settle into, and showed me a completely different side of the region than I expected. Sign up for my newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com Reach out to me on Instagram at @KaphrynLee

In part one of this short series, I’m reflecting on my time in Beirut, Lebanon, and Jerusalem, and sharing what stayed with me years later — the beauty, the history, and what travel there taught me. Don't forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com TAP HERE to sign up now :)

After two years away, I’m back in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. In this episode, I talk about returning with more perspective, what this place gave me then, and why it feels meaningful to be here again now. Don't forget to join my free monthly newsletter! Head to SlowTravelDiaries.com to sign up now!

In this episode, I’m taking you through the Mexico City neighborhoods I’ve been exploring — Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, and Del Valle — sharing what they actually feel like day to day, where I’ve been eating, and how I spend my weekends here. And at the end, I share something I didn’t expect to say this soon — I’ve decided to leave Mexico City. I talk about why, what I learned about myself in these three months, and how listening to your body and your preferences is sometimes the most honest decision you can make. Don't forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

Coming back to Mexico, I’m not the same person I was five years ago. In this episode, I unpack what it really means to return to a place as a different version of yourself. How identity shapes belonging, and the hard question underneath it all: Does this city support who I’m becoming? Sign up for my monthly newsletter, where I share personal stories and things to do in every new place I travel to: SlowTravelDiaries.com

After a month in Mexico City, I’m sharing my honest first impressions. We talk about what daily life actually feels like here — how people interact, how neighborhoods function — and why settling has been harder than I expected after two years of slow traveling through Europe. Sign up for my newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

Slow Travel Diaries is evolving beyond places and into the routines, mindset tools, and inner work that support change. This trailer shares where the podcast is headed—and my continued journey from life abroad. Sign up for my newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

Guilt is a quiet part of slow travel that doesn’t get talked about enough. And then there’s the question: “You’re doing what?!” If you’ve ever told friends or family you’re thinking about slow traveling (or already doing it), you’ve probably been met with confusion, concern, or a lot of questions. It’s not easy to explain in one neat sentence. So today, we’re breaking it down. Love to hear your story, email me at [email protected] or send me a DM over on Instagram @KaphrynLee And don't forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter over at SlowTravelDiaries.com

Already feeling behind? Same. Today, I talk about the pressure that comes with the start of a new year—and how I’m reframing what January means to me. Plus, a re-air of one of the most played episodes from 2025: "Slow Travel Tips: Travel Smarter, Pack Lighter." To sign up for my newsletter, go to SlowTravelDiaries.com to get monthly stories, guides, and lessons from my slow travels around the world.

Happy New Year! As I reflect on the year behind us and think about what’s next, I wanted to start the year with an episode that invites a little pause and perspective. Today, I’m resharing one of the most listened-to Slow Travel Diaries episodes of the year—a Q&A on slow travel, loneliness, starting over, and finding your rhythm when life keeps changing. Sign up for my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

In this episode, I reflect on my three-month stay in Porto, Portugal. I revisit how I felt early on, and what ended up holding true. If you’re looking for specific travel recommendations on Porto, I share those in my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com In this episode, I talk about: The pressure to get oriented quickly in a new city How routines helped me feel settled, and where they started to limit me What actually stood out food-wise after a longer stay What it was like living in the Cedofeita neighborhood What it feels like to close one chapter and step into the next

This is the first episode of a new series I’m calling Afterthoughts—a space to reflect on what’s stuck with me after guest episodes, what I’ve looked up since, or what I’m now curious to try. It’s also where I’ll share other thoughts that don’t quite fit into city-specific episodes—like what this lifestyle is teaching me, and what I’m still figuring out along the way. Feel free to email your review to [email protected] or send it via Instagram DM @kaphrynlee. Sign up for my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com