Slow Travel Diaries

Most people who visit Montenegro head straight for Kotor or Budva. But what about Ulcinj, a small seaside town near the Albanian border? These are my first impressions after a few days here—and what it’s really like to commit to a full month in a lesser-known spot. What about cafés to work from? The internet? Things to do? Is it charming, or just boring? > Sign up for my monthly newsletter at S...

In this episode, I share the practical tips I wish I knew before coming to Tirana. From safety and money to food, day trips, and daily life, you’ll hear what blogs get right...and what they don’t. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few months, this guide will help you settle in with ease. Sign up for my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaris.com HERE.

Three visits. Nine months. Countless small moments that made this city more than just a stop between visa runs. In this episode, I share the little stories, surprising lessons, and one thing I wish I’d done differently before saying goodbye To leave me a voice message, just tap here: SlowTravelDiaries.com/Voicemail I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode and the podcast! To sign up for...

A month in Durrës, Albania—what it’s like to stay, slow down, and take care of yourself while traveling. What you should know before choosing Durrës as a base How to make short trips feel more grounded The kind of travel that doesn’t rely on checklists Little routines that bring comfort in new places A personal health check-in—and what it taught me TAP HERE to Sign up for my monthly newsletter at...

Ever feel a nudge to be creative again? In this episode, I’m talking about what happens when you finally have space. Maybe it's after a big move, a breakup, a career shift—a next chapter in life. I’m sharing the books, practices, and honest thoughts that helped me reignite creativity. Whether you’re starting fresh, traveling, or simply craving more inspiration, this one’s for you. Don't fo...

The last Q&A was one of the most listened-to episodes of Slow Travel Diaries—so we’re bringing it back. This time, I asked a few close friends to send in questions they were genuinely curious about—and they delivered. We cover everything from slow travel and burnout to identity and building a sense of home on the move. Bonus: I’m joined by my boyfriend, Bal Sieber, for the last segment to answ...

I’m in Durrës, Albania! A place you might not know much about. But one with deep roots as an ancient port city. A city that's going through a fascinating present-day transformation. Today, I share a bit of its rich history. What it’s like to settle in as a solo traveler. And how I’m slowly finding my rhythm again in this seaside city. Sign Up for my Monthly Newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com

When you start building a life abroad, the question of who am I in all this? always comes up. This episode is about that journey—navigating labels, letting go of old ones, and discovering a new way to name the life I'm living now. Sign up for my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com You can also find me on Instagram: @KaphrynLee

Whether you're just curious about life in Albania or planning a slow travel experience, this one’s packed with insight, stories, and heart. In today’s episode, I unpack the reasons why I keep coming back. We’ll talk about: • What it’s really like living in Tirana as a slow traveler • Why Albania is a top pick for digital nomads • The everyday moments that make this city feel like home • And so...

Ever wonder what it really takes to live a slow travel lifestyle? This week, I’m answering your questions—from staying productive when the scenery keeps changing to dealing with loneliness, starting over (again and again), and the small rituals that help me feel at home anywhere. If you’ve been curious about the behind-the-scenes of this life, this one’s for you. I'd love to hear from you. Fin...

This month, I spent four weeks in Marseille—and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t the easiest city to settle into. In this Looking Back episode, I’m sharing what made it challenging, what helped me feel grounded, and what I’ll take with me. We’ll get into the city’s deep-rooted history, its complex present, and how that tension shows up in everyday life—from its layered neighborhoods to its midday rhythms...

What if the best part of a trip isn’t what you see, but what it brings up in you? This week, I share our weekend trip from Marseille to Paris—but before I get into that, I want to talk to you about where this podcast is heading. We chat about: Becoming more than a travel guide Taking the train from Marseille to Paris Renting electric bicycles in a new city Having dinner on my own in Paris Sign up...

Not going to lie— Marseille is the kind of place that frustrates you one minute and wins you over the next. I didn’t fall for it right away, but the food, the sea, and one unforgettable hike are starting to change that. We chat about: My hike to the Calanques and what you should know before you go A neighborhood that reminds me of Berlin The contrast between Marseille’s grittiness and refinement T...

Marseille is layered, messy, beautiful—and it doesn’t reveal itself easily. If you slow travel, you know: the first few days can make or break how you feel in a place. In today’s episode: A rough landing and the lessons tucked inside it The overlooked details that shape your everyday Finding calm in a city that pulls you in every direction A first look at what’s keeping me grounded here Don’t miss...

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to spend a month in Cannes—this one’s for you. More than just red carpets, Cannes has a slower rhythm and a livable kind of luxury that might surprise you. We’ll chat about: Morning routines made better by the sea What’s worth trying at the local market A quieter side of luxury you can actually feel Day trips to Antibes and Nice (and how they compare)...

In this reflection episode, I’m unpacking something personal—the hesitation I sometimes feel sharing my "digital nomad", slow travel lifestyle. Not because I don’t love it, but because of how I think others might see it. If you’ve ever worried about being misunderstood, I think this one will resonate. Give it a listen.

Yes, we begin with Cannes (where I am right now)—but we're actually talking about how certain places give you space to imagine new chapters of your life… And what to do when you’re craving that feeling but can’t exactly move to the French Riviera. We chat about: Why feeling good in your body can lead to unexpected clarity How changing your environment shifts your inner pace 5 ways to create that f...

This might be the best morning routine I’ve ever had. Let’s talk about what life looks like right now in Cannes—from the jogs by the sea to the market finds and everything in between. Don’t miss a closer look at my month in the French Riviera: Subscribe to my newsletter—⁠⁠ ⁠TAP HERE.⁠⁠⁠ And of course, follow the podcast so you don’t miss our weekly episodes!

Make your slow travel life easier. In this episode, I’m sharing the travel tips that help me settle in, stay comfortable, and actually enjoy the experience. How I find my next destination What to pack to feel at home How to pack for all seasons Essential apps for Europe The routine that makes all the difference Subscribe to my newsletter—⁠⁠ TAP HERE.⁠⁠ And of course, don’t forget to follow the pod...

In this episode, I’m breaking down why Budapest stands out (for me) from other European cities I’ve been to (27+ countries and counting). If Budapest isn’t on your list yet, it might be after this episode. Subscribe to my newsletter— ⁠TAP HERE.⁠ And of course, don’t forget to follow the podcast so you don’t miss next week’s episode!

Istanbul wasn’t on my bucket list. In fact, I wasn’t sure I even wanted to go. But after spending a month living and working there, I have to admit—I was wrong about a lot of things. From misty morning walks over the Galata Bridge to the unexpected ritual of Turkish tea, here’s what stood out the most about my time in Istanbul. What We Talk About: Why Istanbul ended up being our next stop (even th...

Was Cappadocia as magical as the photos —or just another overhyped Instagram destination? My boyfriend and I just got back, and in this episode, we’re looking back at our trip, revisiting our predictions, and sharing what made the experience special What we talk about: The best way to get to Cappadocia—flights, shuttles & what to budget for What we were most excited about vs. what actually sto...

Cappadocia, Turkey! Dreamy winter wonderland or just really cold? Before heading there, my boyfriend Bal and I are making some predictions—what we’re excited about, what might be overhyped, and whether we’ll actually wake up for sunrise. Let’s see if we get it right! Join my Slow Travel Community on Facebook, just ⁠⁠TAP HERE.⁠⁠ Sign up for my monthly newsletter - ⁠⁠TAP HERE!

“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 questions. It’s not easy to explain in one neat sentence, so today, we’re breaking it down. What slow travel really is, why people choose it, and why it changes more than just where you live. Join my Slow Travel Community on Facebook, just ⁠TAP HERE.⁠ S...

Istanbul wasn’t what I expected— but in the best way. I thought I knew what this city would be like, but after a week here, I’m seeing it in a whole new light. From the coffee culture to street cats to unexpected quirks, here’s what’s stood out so far: 🔹 The café scene and working from Istanbul 🔹 Safety, surprises, and things I didn’t see coming 🔹 Why I started a Facebook group for slow travele...