The Blonde Abroad

Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Follow Kiersten on her adventures!

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Escape the winter chill for a place where the sun shines all year ☀️ @waldorfastoriacostarica
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This brand-new property is truly a dream—incredible ocean views, luxury amenities, and more pools than I’ve ever seen at a hotel in my entire life.

🧖‍♀️ The Spa

A sanctuary of modern wellness and local healing traditions—volcanic mud rituals, rainforest-inspired therapies, and personalized treatments that feel deeply grounding.

🛎️ Amenities

World-class service, beachfront access, curated excursions, a stunning collection of pools, and elevated touches everywhere you turn. Newly opened, but already operating like a seasoned 5-star icon.

💦 Kids’ Club

With crafts, toys and an outdoor playground—traveling with littles has never felt so easy (or so fun).

🥑 The Food

Fresh, locally sourced Costa Rican flavors blended with elevated dining. Oceanfront bites, poolside snacks, and beautifully crafted dishes you don’t have to leave the property to enjoy.

🦜 Nature & Wildlife Adventures

Costa Rica never disappoints when it comes to nature, but this trip was next-level. We took a private boat tour with @nolimitadventurescr and the kids are still talking about it. We spotted turtles gliding through the water, discovered remote beaches, and even squeezed in some tubing—pure magic for the little ones and the grown-ups alike.

We’re already counting the days until we come back. ✨ If you’re looking for a luxury family-friendly getaway in Costa Rica, this is your spot!

A huge thank you to @waldorfastoriacostarica for hosting us on this sunshine-soaked getaway!
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#costarica #waldorfastoria #luxurytravel

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Escape the winter chill for a place where the sun shines all year ☀️ @waldorfastoriacostarica •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This brand-new property is truly a dream—incredible ocean views, luxury amenities, and more pools than I’ve ever seen at a hotel in my entire life. 🧖‍♀️ The Spa A sanctuary of modern wellness and local healing traditions—volcanic mud rituals, rainforest-inspired therapies, and personalized treatments that feel deeply grounding. 🛎️ Amenities World-class service, beachfront access, curated excursions, a stunning collection of pools, and elevated touches everywhere you turn. Newly opened, but already operating like a seasoned 5-star icon. 💦 Kids’ Club With crafts, toys and an outdoor playground—traveling with littles has never felt so easy (or so fun). 🥑 The Food Fresh, locally sourced Costa Rican flavors blended with elevated dining. Oceanfront bites, poolside snacks, and beautifully crafted dishes you don’t have to leave the property to enjoy. 🦜 Nature & Wildlife Adventures Costa Rica never disappoints when it comes to nature, but this trip was next-level. We took a private boat tour with @nolimitadventurescr and the kids are still talking about it. We spotted turtles gliding through the water, discovered remote beaches, and even squeezed in some tubing—pure magic for the little ones and the grown-ups alike. We’re already counting the days until we come back. ✨ If you’re looking for a luxury family-friendly getaway in Costa Rica, this is your spot! A huge thank you to @waldorfastoriacostarica for hosting us on this sunshine-soaked getaway! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #costarica #waldorfastoria #luxurytravel

I found foodie paradise… and it’s in New England 🦞🍩🍺
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More specifically, Portland, Maine!

Last fall I took a roundtrip around New England for some leaf peeping, fall frolicking, and most importantly, for all of the eats. And while there are a LOT of incredible places to eat around New England, it’s Portland that has some of the absolute best foods.

From sweet potato donuts to fries made in duck fat to some of the best oysters I’ve ever had, this place is literally heaven.

Some of our fav spots:
@holydonutmaine
@eventideoysterco
@duckfatmaine
@highrollerlobsterco
@twelvemaine
@_rose_foods_
@allagashbrewing
@js_oyster

If you want even MORE of the best local food spots around all of New England, I’ve compiled an extensive guide.

Let me know if you want the MAP and I’ll be sure to send it your way!
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#newengland #portlandmaine #visitmaine #foodie

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I found foodie paradise… and it’s in New England 🦞🍩🍺 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ More specifically, Portland, Maine! Last fall I took a roundtrip around New England for some leaf peeping, fall frolicking, and most importantly, for all of the eats. And while there are a LOT of incredible places to eat around New England, it’s Portland that has some of the absolute best foods. From sweet potato donuts to fries made in duck fat to some of the best oysters I’ve ever had, this place is literally heaven. Some of our fav spots: @holydonutmaine @eventideoysterco @duckfatmaine @highrollerlobsterco @twelvemaine @_rose_foods_ @allagashbrewing @js_oyster If you want even MORE of the best local food spots around all of New England, I’ve compiled an extensive guide. Let me know if you want the MAP and I’ll be sure to send it your way! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ #newengland #portlandmaine #visitmaine #foodie

These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨
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Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better.

We brought with us:

• The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips!
• The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options!
• The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast!
• The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible.
•The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need!

Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more
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#noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking

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These might just be the best travel bags ever ✨ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ Ollie and I recently traveled to Washington and brought the @noreceptionclub travel bags along. And I have to say, these bags have completely changed how I pack with a toddler. Traveling with a little one means not only making sure you have every snack, every toy, and every detail covered — but also making sure you have it all within reach. And if it can look good too? All the better. We brought with us: • The Getaway Bag, which works as a diaper bag when your kids are extra little (and as a family travel backpack for bigger kids), includes customizable compartments, an insulated lunch bag and even stroller clips! • The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel with a cubby system and dividers that you can pull out and hang in hotel closets for optimal convenience. It even has backpack straps and a luggage pass-through for other carrying options! • The Sidekick V2 has its own compartment in the Getaway Bag and is great for small day trips and hands-free storage. The mesh pockets hold smaller items while the magnetic flap in the back makes it easy to grab baby wipes fast! • The Dopp Kit, made with parents in mind, keeps personal care essentials organized and accessible. •The Sliders Complete Set with clear windows and smart compartments making it easy to see and grab everything you need! Pack smarter for family adventures and get your hands on the @noreceptionclub bag that speaks to you! Use BLONDEABROAD20 for $20 off purchases of $150 or more •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ #noreceptionclub #familytravel #travelwithkids #noreceptionclubpartner #travelbags #travelpacking

#EGAmbassador Wondering where to plan next year’s adventures? 🗺️
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If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation destination, one that’s not all over your feed or overrun with tourists, then @expedia’s got you covered!

Expedia just launched Unpack ’26, their definitive guide to emerging travel trends for the year ahead, powered by first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, and enriched by global insights, Unpack is designed to help travelers explore more consciously and creatively.

Some of these were a HUGE surprise, but I wasn’t shocked to see The Cotswolds made the cut! I traveled there last fall and fell in LOVE! So much so that I’m planning a month-long stay with Ollie so he can enjoy all of the cute lambs and cozy cottages too!

The Cotswolds are a region in the UK compromising of over 100 villages and 300 towns! There’s so much to be discovered here, but these are the 7 villages you have to visit if you’re planning a trip to The Cotswolds this fall and beyond:

•Castle Combe
•Bourton-on-the-Water
•The Slaughters
•Stowe-on-the-Wold
•Broadway
•Snowshill
•Bibury

For more amazing, best-kept travel secrets, check out @expedia’s Unpack ‘26 list (in my stories) and hurry to book your travels before these less-explored gems become part of the beaten path!

Have you been to The Cotswolds? Which were your favorite villages?
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#UnpackTravelTrends #autumn #TheCotswolds

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#EGAmbassador Wondering where to plan next year’s adventures? 🗺️ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ If you’re looking for a different kind of vacation destination, one that’s not all over your feed or overrun with tourists, then @expedia’s got you covered! Expedia just launched Unpack ’26, their definitive guide to emerging travel trends for the year ahead, powered by first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, and enriched by global insights, Unpack is designed to help travelers explore more consciously and creatively. Some of these were a HUGE surprise, but I wasn’t shocked to see The Cotswolds made the cut! I traveled there last fall and fell in LOVE! So much so that I’m planning a month-long stay with Ollie so he can enjoy all of the cute lambs and cozy cottages too! The Cotswolds are a region in the UK compromising of over 100 villages and 300 towns! There’s so much to be discovered here, but these are the 7 villages you have to visit if you’re planning a trip to The Cotswolds this fall and beyond: •Castle Combe •Bourton-on-the-Water •The Slaughters •Stowe-on-the-Wold •Broadway •Snowshill •Bibury For more amazing, best-kept travel secrets, check out @expedia’s Unpack ‘26 list (in my stories) and hurry to book your travels before these less-explored gems become part of the beaten path! Have you been to The Cotswolds? Which were your favorite villages? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠ #UnpackTravelTrends #autumn #TheCotswolds