Welcome to The Hodo Journal — your go-to space for travel tips, inspiration, and real talk from the road. Whether you’re dreaming up your next getaway or knee-deep in planning, you’ll find insights to help you travel smarter, dream bigger, and explore with confidence.
From destination ideas to packing advice and honest reflections, this blog is here to guide, spark curiosity, and remind you that the world is always worth exploring — one meaningful trip at a time.
Hi there — and welcome!
I’m so glad you’ve landed here. The Hodo Journal is a space I created to share more than just travel tips and destination guides — it’s a journal of experiences, lessons, inspiration, and little moments that make each journey unforgettable.
As a travel planner, I spend a lot of time helping others bring their dream trips to life. But behind every itinerary is a passion for exploration — the kind that’s shaped by real stories, hidden gems, missed turns (and the magic they sometimes lead to), and the people we meet along the way.
Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just love to dream about where the road could take you, this blog is for you. I’ll be sharing travel advice, curated recommendations, personal stories, and honest reflections — all to help you feel more confident, inspired, and connected to your travels.
Thanks for reading. I’m so excited to see where we go together.
Wander well,
Kami
For those who live to wander.
Hello friends! I’m Kami, founder of HodoSoul Travels and a Certified Travel Professional. My love for exploring the world started long before I made travel my career—and over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to turn my passion into a way to help others see the world, too.
From the charming streets of Paris to the rolling hills of Italy, the vibrant energy of Germany’s cities, the laid-back vibes of Jamaica, and the turquoise waters of Cozumel, I’ve experienced the magic of travel firsthand. I’ve cruised the open seas, studied abroad, and I’m counting down the days to my upcoming adventure in Sicily.
Each journey has shaped my approach to travel planning—rooted in creating seamless, personalized experiences for my clients. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, a cultural deep-dive, or an epic group getaway, I’m here to make it stress-free and unforgettable.
At HodoSoul Travels, I take care of the details—from flights and hotels to excursions and hidden gems—so you can focus on what matters most: living the experience. My goal? To help you travel smarter, dream bigger, and create memories that last a lifetime.
So… where to next? Let’s start planning your perfect trip.
Wander well,
Kami
For those who live to wander.
From Ancient Temples to Seaside Dreams
There are trips that feel like checklists—and then there are trips that feel like they sink into your bones, staying with you long after you’ve returned home. My journey through Sicily was the latter. Each stop revealed a different layer of the island’s story: history etched in stone, flavors that lingered on my palate, and landscapes so cinematic they hardly seemed real.
I began in Palermo, where life spills into every piazza and market. The city hums with a vibrant chaos, from the swirl of Vespas to the scent of fresh arancini frying on the street. Just outside, Monreale offered a quieter reverence—the golden mosaics inside its cathedral shimmered with centuries of devotion.
Further west, Erice felt like stepping into a medieval dream. Perched high on a mountain, its cobbled streets and misty views carried an old-world magic. Nearby, the Trapani Salt Pans stretched across the horizon, white against the blue sky, reminding me that even the simplest landscapes can be breathtaking.
History called again at the Valley of the Temples, where the ruins of ancient Greece stand proud against rolling hills. Walking among those columns was like tracing the footprints of civilizations past.
But it was the trio of CefalĂą, Mt. Etna, and Taormina that captured my soul.
Cefalù charmed me instantly—a seaside gem where pastel houses lean toward the water, and sunsets turn the coastline into a painting. I wandered narrow lanes, lingered at café tables, and let the Mediterranean waves wash away time.
Mt. Etna was a force of nature in every sense. To stand on its slopes, with steam rising from the earth beneath my feet, was both humbling and exhilarating. It’s not just a volcano; it’s a reminder of how alive our planet really is.
And then, Taormina—perched high above the sea, with bougainvillea spilling over stone walls and the ancient theater opening to views of both Etna and the endless horizon. It was romantic, dramatic, and completely unforgettable.
Sicily is a tapestry woven from contrasts: ancient and modern, rugged and refined, wild and welcoming. Each town I visited left me with a new story, but Cefalù, Etna, and Taormina reminded me why I travel in the first place—to be surprised, to feel deeply, and to carry pieces of a place home in my heart.
For those who live to wander, Sicily is more than a destination—it’s an experience that embraces you, challenges you, and invites you back again and again.
Let's Talk.
We get it—those flashy online deals make it tempting to click, pay, pack, and go. 🌍 But here’s the truth: what looks like a bargain at first glance can quickly turn into hidden fees, stressful logistics, and a vacation that feels more like work than wonder.
At HodoSoul Travels, we believe your journey should be inspiring, effortless, and filled with the kind of moments you’ll never forget. That’s why working with a trusted travel advisor isn’t just about booking—it’s about creating experiences designed with care, value, and peace of mind.
Here’s why it makes all the difference:
1. Save Time & Skip the Stress
Planning should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Instead of drowning in endless tabs, reviews, and confusing policies, I take care of every detail—flights, hotels, transfers, activities, even dining reservations. You get to focus on the fun part: dreaming about where you’ll go and what memories you’ll create.
2. Unlock Exclusive Perks & Value
Those VIP upgrades, champagne welcomes, and better room views? They’re not just luck. Travel advisors have access to exclusive perks, insider rates, and industry connections that you won’t find online. I maximize your budget so you get more value—and no surprise fees.
3. Travel with Confidence
From visas to insurance, from destination insights to knowing which resorts are under construction, I stay ahead of the details so nothing catches you off guard. My expertise ensures your trip comes together seamlessly, just as you imagined.
4. A Lifeline When Plans Change
Cancelled flights, long hold times, unexpected delays—when things go wrong, you don’t have to go it alone. I’m your advocate, ready to step in, rebook, and smooth out the bumps so you can keep enjoying your journey. Think of me as your personal travel safety net.
5. A Journey Designed Around You
Every traveler is unique, and every trip should be too. Whether it’s adventure, romance, family connection, or cultural exploration, I take time to understand what matters most and create an itinerary that feels personal, meaningful, and stress-free.
6. Travel Smarter, Not Harder
DIY booking may seem cheaper, but missed opportunities, hidden costs, and mistakes often add up. With HodoSoul Travels, your investment is optimized for value, your time is respected, and your memories are priceless.
✨ At the end of the day, travel should be an escape from stress—not a second job. When you work with HodoSoul Travels, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re starting a journey that’s seamless, memorable, and made just for you.
Let’s turn your travel dreams into reality. 💫
Why Now's the Time to Plan 2026 Travel
As the clocks fall back and the days get a little shorter, there’s something about this time of year that invites us to slow down. Maybe it’s the cozy mornings, the earlier sunsets, or that one precious extra hour that somehow feels like a small gift. Whatever it is, I always find myself dreaming a little more this time of year — especially about travel.
There’s something about fall and winter that makes us start dreaming of faraway places, isn’t there? When the world feels quieter, it’s the perfect moment to start imagining where you want to go next. And while 2026 might sound far away, it’s actually the perfect time to start planning.
The truth is, the best trips — the ones where everything falls into place — usually start long before takeoff. Planning early means more choice, better rates, and less stress later on. But beyond all that, it’s about giving yourself something to look forward to. A new destination to daydream about on a chilly day. A reminder that there’s always something exciting on the horizon.
So as you sip your coffee this weekend or settle into that extra hour of daylight savings, let yourself dream a little. Picture where 2026 could take you — maybe it’s a mountain escape in Colorado, a vineyard in Tuscany, or a quiet island where the only plans are to slow down and breathe.
Wherever your heart wanders, I’d love to help you start turning those dreams into plans. 2026 will be here before we know it - let's make it the year your travel dreams finally take flight.