School
UPG College of Management
Expertise
Sustainable travel, Family trips, Solo travel
- Kirtana has lived in Mumbai — one of the world's busiest cities — for years and has extensively explored its famous nightlife and food scene.
- She's used to traveling by plane, train, bus, and — on one occasion — even an old, broken-down Jeep, so she knows how to stay comfortable in rough situations.
- Whenever she has the time, she loves to explore new places, try local cuisine, and seek out pet-friendly spots to take her dog.
Experience
Frequently visiting South India to see her large extended family, Kirtana spent years going on long vacations with them, so she knows how to plan and pack for extended stays. She's also ventured into solo travel and has amassed a library of tips on how to stay safe as a woman traveling alone. Her favorite trips include stargazing at a remote forest lodge in Gujarat, a relaxing vacation in a quiet river town in Kerala to decompress, and an adventure- and shopping-filled trip with friends to the Himalayas. In her free time, she enjoys exploring pet-friendly restaurants and activities with her rescued stray dog, Loki.
Education
Kirtana graduated with a bachelor's degree in Journalism in 2019 and currently works in SEO and travel writing.
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If you're in Houston and want to check out a fun suburb, this one has well-maintained parks, fun local restaurants, and affordable places to stay.
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Wisconsin
By Kirtana Menon
A little town in Wisconsin has all the allure of a Swiss getaway, with wine and cheese tastings and other activities that make the Midwest feel like Europe.
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This Texas Hill Country escape near Fredericksburg offers rare giraffe encounters, conservation experiences, and panoramic ranch views in a secluded setting.
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There are plenty of popular ski resorts in Canada, but these five offer shorter lift lines, uncrowded slopes, and a chance to enjoy a laid-back experience.
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Arkansas
By Kirtana Menon
Hidden in the Ozarks is this pleasant Arkansas town with festivals, outdoor fun, and a lot of history. Plus, it provides easy access to other hotspots.
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To eat like a local in the iconic Mediterranean country of Spain, follow Rick Steves’ advice and look for these elements when choosing a restaurant.
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Air Travel
By Kirtana Menon
If you happen to misplace something while going through airport security, this underrated TSA service can help reunite you with your lost belongings.
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Tips and Hacks
By Kirtana Menon
Planning a cross-state road trip or renting a car somewhere you've never driven? Here are the 5 most bizarre traffic laws you could unintentionally violate.
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Delaware
By Kirtana Menon
If quaint towns and beautiful beaches are your idea of a dream retirement, then this East Coast state full of charm and close-knit communities could be for you.
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Air Travel
By Kirtana Menon
Are you a gate camper? If you answered 'yes,' you'll want to know how getting to the airport too early can backfire (and maybe even make you miss your flight).
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A new law just went into effect in Mexico, so if you're taking a cruise to any port there, leave this item on the ship or risk getting a huge fine on shore.
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Colorado has so many picturesque hiking trails, but the five longest boast some of the most beautiful nature you'll ever see, making them well worth the effort.
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Air Travel
By Kirtana Menon
This one style of footwear is worn through the airport by many fliers, but there are several reasons to opt for a different type of shoe instead.
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Orlando, Florida
By Kirtana Menon
Convenient to the major parks, this welcoming gastropub offers a unique atmosphere and Japanese street foods you won't typically find at your local sushi place.
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This Alaskan train ride snaking between Anchorage and Fairbanks treats passengers to a winter wonderland with a great chance for Northern Lights views.
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The West is known for its spectacular mountains, but it's often the canyons that provide incredible and unique perspectives. Here are five to check out.
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North Carolina
By Kirtana Menon
This charming North Carolina town an hour from Raleigh blends its history as a mill town with fresh food and entertainment options, and a hip walkable downtown.
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Nashville is known for its music scene, rightfully so, but don't sleep on its under-the-radar destinations for high-end and thrift shopping, either.
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If you miss the vibe of ski culture in the 1970s, don't despair! A resort nestled in Colorado's Winter Park is offering up all the groovy amenities and themes.
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Just under two hours east of Tallahassee, Florida, there is a scenic city in Georgia with tons of lakes perfect for camping, fishing, and relaxing.
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Colorado
By Kirtana Menon
Skip the popular Colorado ski resorts of Vail and Aspen for the quiet, undisturbed slopes of an abandoned ski resort that offers pristine runs and no crowds.
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Tips and Hacks
By Kirtana Menon
Are you a chronic overpacker? Don't worry — there's one easy color hack that can help you pack exactly what you need without stuffing your suitcase.
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The numbers have been crunched: This unexpected wild West state is the best place overall in 2025 for women to live safely, happily, and healthily.
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North Carolina
By Kirtana Menon
This county in North Carolina took a beating due to hurricanes in 2024, but now it's ready to welcome back visitors and get its tourism sector back in action.
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Colorado
By Kirtana Menon
Aspen and Vail garner the glamour, but these five alternative ski resorts boast the same pristine Colorado mountain snow conditions, with way less crowds.
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This Vermont resort is the oldest Nordic skiing retreat in the state, offering year-round beauty and a large amount of unforgettable winter experiences.
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Kentucky
By Kirtana Menon
The Bluegrass State has its fair share of gorgeous swimming holes, but here are some of the most notable, most beautiful, and most pristine lakes in the state.
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