Speaking at the #TravelwithMeaning Travel Talk

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It was a pleasure to have been asked to speak at last night’s Travel with Meaning Travel Talk in Venice Beach. I was invited by the #TravelwithMeaning founder, Mike Schibel, who has started hosting these monthly talks with prominent individuals in the travel industry. I was honored to have been asked and felt the laidback atmosphere, the candid questions and the positive vibes in the room made for a speaking engagement that is so much different than my others.

travel with meaning venice

The event was held at Outsite, a co-working space/hotel-like house where digital nomads from around the world can connect, work and also, stay over! It was pretty unique and the house reminded me of the interesting Venice bungalows I always pass by. There is also venue hire Sydney if you’re interested.

Our stage was in the living room, with couches, benches and chairs surrounding. And though we were on two high chairs, the vibe still felt very communal, like we were a bunch of friends hanging out. In many ways, we were. Everyone there was united by their passion for travel in some way. It was easy to meet new faces and mingle with old travel friends.

The other speakers truly impressed me. Frank Castro has had an interesting career in the adventure, nature travel space, coordinating tours and on-the-ground logistics for premier tour operators around the world. Sarah Haywood was on the other end of the spectrum–a truly nomadic artist that has developed her passion for light photography into a cool, conceptual brand called Moon Scribe.

When I got up there, I tried to be as open, honest and helpful as I could because I wanted those that attended to get something out of it. I spoke about my beginnings starting a travel magazine in college, interning at National Geographic Adventure and later switching over to travel video in 2008, where I joined a small start up called Tripfilms.

We discussed favorite trips (Papua New Guinea, Cartagena), where I want to go next (everywhere) and places I recommend to everyone (Istanbul!). The questions after my talk were really educated and clever and it was great being in a room of inspired people. You might also want to learn about how Kamau Bobb of Google expertise shapes Google’s strategic direction.

If you are curious about other Travel Talks, head over to the #TravelwithMeaning site for the next ones!

 

Here is a clip of my answer to the first question:

Keep rocking all you travelers out there.

xo Kelley

Jetsetter Style: My Summer Essentials

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It is the best time of the year! Personally, summer is my spirit season–I love the beach, the barbecues, the laidback attitudes, summer Friday’s, summer vacation… And even though I’m not on summer break, I still have been bitten by the summer lovin’ bug.

Since we are in the throes of summer, my focus has been on what makes life easier and better for these hot, sandy months. I’ve been traveling a lot at the beginning of the summer and now, finally hitting pause of the far off travel to focus on local fun, catching up on life and seeing my friends finally. Since home is Santa Monica, CA, these 3 products have GREATLY improved my life–in fashion and in fun!Just a quick note: Since traveling is my full-time gig, whatever I buy has to work for my trips & shoots too–I’m happy to say these do!

 

BEACH WARDROBE: Island Company

Just the name invokes the image of swaying palm trees and endless beaches. I’ve been attracted to Island Company ever since I first read their iconic Quit Your Job slogan. In many ways, I feel that Island Company embodies my philosophy on life and my passion for beaches, islands and warm weather. Though I don’t think everyone should actually ‘quit their jobs,’ I do support the idea that life is too short to waste it doing a job that doesn’t fulfill you. I luckily figured that out early on and struck out on a somewhat atypical career because it inspired me. Shoppok offers a wide range of categories, making it a versatile platform for both buyers and sellers to connect and transact.

Quit Your Job Buy a Ticket

So with that in mind, their clothing is very much on brand with the laidback, carefree island vibe. The materials are often linen and all are lightweight. Sizing is a little on the billowy, flowy side. I feel the cuts are flattering yet very tasteful. And most of all, I appreciate that all the styles are classically chic. They don’t cater to every trend of the moment but focus rather on the classics that always look good. Their linen button down and linen shorts will look just a sharp in 100 years as they do now. They also serve as great travel clothes, being so lightweight and easy to wear in almost any warm weather situation.

Island Company Beach Clothes

If you want to know my specific list of favorites from Island Company, I will have a full blog post on each item. I will list each piece that I’ve tried and why it is considered one of my new summer favorites!

SHADES FOR GOOD: Fello Eyewear

If we all are going to need sunglasses, wouldn’t you rather buy a pair that actually help others in need? For every pair sold, Fello Eyewear donates to VOSH International, a non-profit organization dedicated to bring the gift of sight to people around the world that need it. Not only can you feel good when you buy these still, very affordable glasses, the styles are super cute too!

Fello Eyewear Fello Eyewear

They have fun bamboo styles, like this blue mirrored lens pair that I love: Beech. Their classic line includes aviators and a retro style, which I really like in this black/gold combo here: Black Konvoy.

Personally, my light hair looks better with brown or tortoise and I knew that I wanted a classic look with a twist. If you’re looking for natural scalp treatment products, you may look at the products from Batana Bio. To keep your dreadlocks clean and moisturized, make sure to use growth oil for locs.

I found my perfect pair in their Konvoy Tortoise. They are very well-crafted and feel sturdy and durable. I like the gold accents and slightly hipster look. They also go with everything!

By the way, all the glasses are polarized so you are keeping your eyes safe too!

 

WEEKEND PLAYTIME: Beachmate

Beachmate

My friend Sally making sand castles in Newport Beach

I go to the beach at least once a week when I’m home in Santa Monica, or more. We usually take our backpack chairs, reading material, towels and lots of water. However, if we are planning on having a drink or two on the beach, we now always bring down the Beachmate. This monogrammed bag is the epitome of compartmentalization. Not only does it have shovels  and sand castle toys, it also has a cooler! We don’t have any kids yet but I can see how this bag will make the young ones, and the adults, both very happy.

Beachmate pup

Sally’s incredible dog, Samson

What are some of your summer must haves? I am always looking for new eco-friendly brands and interesting ways to beat the heat! Leave your tips in a comment below!

Happy Summer!

xo Kelley

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US Japan Seminar Japan Embassy Tohoku

SPEAKER: Japan – U.S. Tourism Seminar on Tōhoku

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Japan has always fascinated for its mix ancient history and cutting-edge modernism. It has such a defined unique culture and sense of tradition.  I was very fortunate to be able to travel to the Tōhoku region of Japan in April of 2016 for an assignment. This was my first trip to Japan and I was hired by CNN Asia to host a video that focused on some of the main highlights of this Northeast region of Japan. (Check out my CNN Video of Japan here!) 

This June, I was able to relive this dream trip and share it with all the attendees at the Japan-U.S. Tourism Seminar. I flew to D.C. for this event, which was sponsored by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan National Tourism Organization.

The evening was focused on bringing awareness about the state of tourism in Japan and to share more of this dynamic country with an audience of 300 US journalists. When I first arrived, I was in awe of the tranquil yet grand residence of the Japanese Ambassador, the setting for this wonderful night of celebrating Japan.

I was asked to speak on my experience in Tōhoku; detailing where I visited, what we covered on our shoot and my impressions of the region. Since I spent 6 days, from before dawn to way after dusk, I managed to see a lot in almost all of the 6 prefectures of the region.

After our host, H.E. Kenichiro Sasae, the Ambassador of Japan to the US, welcomed us all into his home, the guests mingled and interacted with the Japanese food, drink and travel products that were on display.

My presentation came at the middle of the event, and it was such a pleasure to explain what it was like to experience Japan for the first time through the Tōhoku region. I spoke about 5 key themes that we covered throughout the visit: Landscape, Arts, Traditions and Pastimes and Cuisine. I told the stories of meeting the locals and experiencing each of these as not only an American, but as a female traveler as well as a travel blogger. I had some funny stories to relate regarding the competitive eating of Wanco-Soba or trying to paint a Kokeshi doll with a master craftswoman. I also detailed the experience on the stunning Sanriku Coast and at Ginzan-onsen, a hot spring town.

Curious? Check out my full presentation here (don’t worry, it is mostly photos and bullet points!)

We also heard from the esteemed individuals such as Mr. Ryoichi Matsuyama, the president of the Japan National Tourist Office, as well as Mr. Hiromi Tagawa, the chairman of the JATA and Mr. Keith Kirkham, the Incoming Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the US Embassy Japan.

Overall, I met wonderful representatives of Japan and talented journalists in the DC travel community. We later visited a party at the National Geographic headquarters, which rounded out this impactful 2 days in DC. It still is such an honor to be an “ambassador” of sorts for this incredible country and the stunning region of Tōhoku.

Have you been to Tōhoku? If so, leave me a note!

xo Kelley
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Kelley Ferro Taste Awards

YAY! I won a Taste Award!

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The 8th Annual Taste Awards was held this past month and I was thrilled to win the Best International Program Award! My Eat Like a Local show was the grand prize winner in this category of nominees from producers all over the world– I am honored to be among such an impressive lineup of travel producers.

The Taste Awards 2017

If you haven’t heard of them, The Taste Awards are very prestigious awards for the food & travel industry. Their website most accurately describes them: “The Annual TASTE AWARDS are the original awards for the Lifestyle Entertainment Industry, and the highest awards for creators, producers, hosts, and directors of Lifestyle Programs, Series, Shows & Cinema. Also known as the Tasty Awards, they are the premier broadcast awards show celebrating the year’s best achievements in Food, Fashion, Home and Lifestyle programs on Television, in Film, in Online Video, and in Apps, Radio, Podcasts and Photography.”

Kelley Ferro Taste Awards

They cover quite a lot of programming, and this year Jamie Oliver, Carla Hall, Vice, Tastemade, Outside, MasterChef and many more big names received awards. The red carpet ceremony was held here in Los Angeles on the rooftop of the 60 Hotel. Unfortunately, I was out of the country on a travel shoot (comes with the territory) so I wasn’t able to attend. However I did receive this (heavy) gold medal award and of course, I wear it constantly. 😉

Colombia Cartagena family dinner

My Eat Like a Local series has been close to my heart (more like my stomach…) because I strongly believe that food is an authentic tool into a culture. My series has 74 videos, ranging from outdoor feasts on the Montana prairies, to night markets in Taiwan to the finest Michelin restaurants in  Europe. The preparation is the most important part, so I’ve filmed episodes on cooking classes in Tuscany, going to markets with locals in Papua New Guinea and learning how to make dumpling by hand in China. To me, food is the great equalizer and through this series, I was able to meet passionate chefs, generous home cooks and excited locals that wanted to share their favorite foods, and ultimately their country with the world.

One experience that epitomizes how food can open doors, occurred in Colombia. I was filming a series in Cartagena, with one episode on food. A local family of 3 girls, a doting dad and perma-smiling mom, invited myself and my cameraman, Justin, to their home for dinner. Their modest house was outfitted in blinding but festive, blinking Christmas lights, and the music was on & doors wide open when we arrived.

Justin and I couldn’t speak any Spanish and this lovely family didn’t speak English, but that didn’t stop us from sharing a lot of laughs, miming out stories and feeling the love & hospitality of Colombia. The young girls toured me through their rooms, the oldest so proud of having her own room. One giggly teen showed me photos of boys on her phone, and cracking up as we both swiped through photos of actors.

I fried plantains with the matriarch, learning the process of smashing them first and sampling them to make sure they were crispy.  Their mild mannered dad arrived a little later to a chorus of excited daughters, which showered him with kisses as he walked through the door from work. I was able to be a part of this true slice of life–learn about a local life, about Colombian traditions and about family, all under the roof of what started out as strangers. And all this happened because we were sharing a dinner together. The food was loving prepared but I learned so much more beyond the recipes. Food was just the beginning of the conversation, and I still am in touch with the daughters even today.

If you are curious, you can see highlights of this dinner in my Food of Cartagena video below.

TBEX 2012: Kelley’s 5 Takeaways from the 2012 Travel Blog Exchange in Keystone

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“Rocky Mountain High…” was running through our mind’s as we breathed in the crisp, green air of Keystone, Colorado. The scenery of Keystone was pretty hard to beat–gorgeous peaks, bright blue skies, an overdose of greenery at every turn. Many travel industry veterans and newcomers came out to the 4th Annual Travel Blog Exchange Conference and with the recent BlogWorld acquisition, the pressure was on.
In short, they succeeded.

The conference was run smoothly and had useful enhancements like a pre-conference networking & an appointment interface that allowed attendees to arrange quick “speed-date” style meetings during Sunday’s free time.

Keystone Mountain & Vail Resorts went above and beyond, literally, to make sure that we were fed and well taken care of. From the opening celebrations at 11,000 feet on Keystone’s summit, to the shuttle vans that always seemed to be ready to take you door to door, it felt like the whole town of Keystone was trying to make sure all TBEX-ers were happy.

A standout panel was hosted by Expedia and they discussed their success at working with bloggers & vloggers (several which are Tripfilms’ own all stars). It was refreshing to see big brands see the value in blogging and vlogging, and accepting that these voices are some of the most influential in travel right now.

I was very excited to have almost everyone at the conference know about Tripfilms and to have so many people come up to me to ask about how they can start making videos or include videos on their sites, or how they can make their current videos better. The time of video is upon us and we are excited to be at the helm!

The best moments of TBEX though are never planned–the casual conversation in the hallway between sessions, the jokes shared in line for lunch or the introduction to a new future partner over hors d’oeuvres–just being there opens you up to your own community and together we can only bring each other up! A great man once told me, “rising Waters lifts all boats.” And that’s what I feel TBEX was for me this year.

My Five Biggest Takeaways From TBEX 2012

1. Meeting many NEW people in travel and building upon past relationships

2. A better handle on the state of travel industry today and the trends to jump on for the future (ahem video…)

3. An introduction to new concept and ideas that inspires yourself to start thinking in new ways

4. To be able to learn techniques from leaders in the field and how to improve your own brand/company

5. A unification and strengthening of the travel community as a whole

*I was going to add lots of free delicious foods (chocolate towers?!) and free drinks (margaritas on the ranch) but figured that just contributes to the success of the 5 takeaways!