Kelly Westhoff

http://kellywesthoff.com

Kelly Westhoff was a regular contributor to GoNOMAD and a member of our blogger's team. Before the importance of the bedtime routine and children invaded her life, Kelly was a traveler — the kind who would throw all her stuff in a backpack, hit the road, and write about her adventures. She lives in Minnesota.

Donaldsonville, Louisiana: Road Trip Back in Time

Donaldson, Lousiana: Kelly Westhoff reports on the many churches, parks, and the downtown center of Donaldson, Louisiana.

Women’s Travel: Pack Your Best Lipstick

Kelly Westhoff writes about the popularity of travel guides written for women travelers. Beth Whitman, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, Marybeth Bond and more.

Visiting Ensenada: A Bus Trip to Mexico’s Wine Country

Kelly Westhoff takes a bus from San Diego to Tijuana then to Ensenada, the heart of Mexico’s wine country, possibly home of the world’s first margarita.

Minneapolis Steps Into the Spotlight

Kelly Westhoff writes about the many theaters, museums, libraries, bookstores, music venues, and other cultural offerings.

Remarkable Girls on the Go

Explore new titles written by women, including Eat, Pray, Love and Roads Less Traveled. Join us on a captivating literary journey!

Travel Journal Tips

Writer, teacher, traveler Kelly Westhoff suggests some tips on keeping a journal about your travels. A travel journals gives you something to review later

Tips on Keeping a Travel Journal

Writer, teacher and traveler Kelly Westhoff suggests some tips on keeping a journal about your travels, Travel journal ideas

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay’s Fabled Ombu Tree

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay: Kelly Westhoff describes her trip to Cabo Polonio, Uruguay, to view the rare Ombu Tree.

Memoirs of 10 Women with Wanderlust

Adventures, mishaps, loves and successes on the road of life By Kelly Westhoff I have a bad case of wanderlust. When I am not traveling, I think about traveling. I surf the web for deals on airfares. I stare at maps. I hang out in the travel sections of bookstores….

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Take a few minutes to travel the world with The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. Brought to you by the long-running GoNOMAD travel website, The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you audio stories from destinations around the globe. It’s short-form… 3-7 minute long episodes. No jarring AM radio-style theme songs, no ads, just an interesting short travel story and some food for thought, from editor Max Hartshorne. Fun!
While you’re planning your next trip or travel adventure, download and listen to The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

GoNomad is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
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The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one’s hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.