Hello friends!

It’s a new year — and you know what that means… the trip planning has officially begun! ✈️

I don’t know about you, but every January I get that itch to start mapping out where I’m headed for the year. There’s something about fresh calendars and freezing temps that makes me want to book all the trips.

Destination Spotlight: Lake Oeschinensee, Switzerland

If you’ve never heard of Lake Oeschinensee (pronounced “uh-shin-en-say”), get ready to add it to your bucket list.

This alpine lake in Switzerland is absolutely unreal — and hiking the Panorama Trail above it was one of my favorite experiences of our summer trip.

I captured a time lapse of the hike so you can see the views for yourself. 👉 Watch the Oeschinensee time lapse here​

Seriously, you’ll want to see how blue the water is.

Travel Tip: Get Travel Insurance

After a string of delayed and cancelled flights last year — including missing a cruise 😬 — I’ve officially learned my lesson: travel insurance is a really good idea most of the time.

Here’s why: Airlines only compensate you for delays or cancellations that are within their control. If it’s weather-related? You’re usually on your own. And hotel reimbursements? Don’t count on them unless the airline caused the issue.

Even last year, when we missed our cruise due to an American Airlines maintenance problem, we weren’t provided any reimbursement toward the cruise we missed.

There are a lot of travel insurance options out there, and not all of them are created equal. If you have an upcoming trip you want protected, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to share recommended options based on your travel style and plans.

Where in the World is Kenzie Headed Next?

This month, I’m keeping things closer to home — heading up to Ski Brule for a weekend on the slopes! I haven’t skied in two years, so wish me luck (and no injuries 😅).

Travel Product of the Month: Packable Jacket

This jacket has officially earned a permanent spot in my suitcase — I love it so much, I bought it in two colors.

I wore it in both Alaska and Switzerland, and it was perfect: warm enough for chilly hikes, but lightweight enough to squish into the corner of my backpack without taking up space. It’s also not bulky, which makes it great for layering or tossing in a daypack when the weather’s unpredictable.

If you’re looking for a solid cold-weather travel layer that won’t weigh you down: Check out my go-to travel jacket here​

Talk soon,
Kenzie

Affiliate Disclaimer: This email may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Travels with Kenzie — it helps me keep creating helpful content for your adventures!