• Home
  • Work With Me!
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Kristin Winet

Writer | Traveler

  • Home
  • About
  • Writing
    • Travel Writing
    • Food Writing
    • Creative Nonfiction
    • Research & Scholarship
  • Books
  • Teaching
  • CV

About Me

I’m glad you’re here! Read on to learn a little bit more about me and what I do.

I’m Kristin.

Eating sticky rice in Thailand

I am an award-winning writer, photographer, and teacher. I am also a traveler, by either heart or experience (sometimes I’m not sure which!) and a new mom to two little ones (we had some time on our hands during the pandemic…!). We live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona in a hundred-year-old bungalow with a big mesquite tree in the backyard. It’s a nice place to be for now.

I have a Ph.D. in travel writing, which sounds crazy, sometimes, but really just means I studied travel writing for my dissertation. For those of you who are interested in that sort of thing, I looked at contemporary travel writing through a feminist lens and argued for us to see travel writing as more inclusive and open to diverse voices and perspectives. At one time, I thought I was going to be a professor of English, but now that life has taken me in new directions, I’m happy I did my dissertation for other reasons. For one thing, I’ve learned to live more carefully, love more mindfully, and understand others more compassionately. I write to inspire others to see the world differently, to enjoy life more deeply, to find interesting details in unexpected places, to find beauty in the world where I can, and to teach other travelers to respect the places they tread and to think critically about the privilege of a traveling life.

If you were to ask me why I write, I would say that I write for two reasons: I write to find beauty in our complex world, and I write to add a new perspective on travel. I’m an interesting case–I love to think about travel and writing almost as much I love actually doing the traveling and the writing.

What’s My Story?

I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. The furthest I traveled was to California (once, for my aunt and uncle’s wedding) and to New York (and then Florida!) to visit my grandma. My love for travel came around during college at the University of Georgia: after a summer-abroad program that took me to a language immersion program in Valencia, Spain, I decided to pack up and move to the very small, intensely gorgeous fish-shaped island of Malta to work at an international English school, where I fell madly in love with ricotta-filled pastries, the Maltese language, and my international cohort of teachers (we still meet up on the island every few years, by the way, although our 2020 Reunion was, like everything else, on Zoom…but that’s another story!). 

Some of my favorite traveling companions from all around the world

In 2006, after college, I went to Cartagena, Colombia, where I taught English at a local university and learned to love empanadas, Gabriel García Marquez, and–would you believe it?–blogging! I started my first blog there to keep my family at home updated on my travels, and by the end of my year there, I’d learned a little bit about digital storytelling and how to upload pictures from my 5 MP point-and-shoot digital camera. But I still have to wonder: How could that have only been in 2007?

I completed my MFA in Creative Nonfiction (with an emphasis in travel writing) from the University of Arizona a few years after that while teaching writing courses to undergraduates and working as the nonfiction editor for Sonora Review, our national literary magazine. A year later, I decided I wanted to know more about writing and how people actually learned to write, so I started my Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition and wrote my dissertation on professional travel bloggers and how they adopt or reject the concept of the colonial “tourist gaze” in their writing, photography, and videography. If you’re into such academic things, I invite you to read more about my scholarly work here on my site.

I also became a travel writer during this time. I figured, hey, if I’m going to write about travel writing, I should be doing it, too. My “big break” came in 2013 when I was invited by the Taiwan Tourism Board to come to Taiwan for nine days to write about it. The trip lit a fire in me. I realized, almost overnight, that I might just have something special to contribute to the wider world of travel writing. I guess you could say I fell in love, and I’ve been working as a freelance travel writer ever since.

After I graduated, my husband (poet and graphic illustrator Ryan Winet) and I moved to Florida, where we taught at a small liberal arts college. Though we learned to love the swamplands of Florida, we didn’t love the politics that came along with teaching in a small college, so we had a baby, Riley, packed up and moved back to the Sonoran Desert in late 2019 with our two cats, Giuseppe and Luigi. We took jobs teaching in the Writing Program and have since taken on new challenges–right now, for instance, I’m teaching writing, facilitating faculty learning communities, and leading workshops on things like inclusive teaching and emotional learning. It’s been a wonderful change of pace.

We added sweet baby Zoey to the mix early last year and, well, here we are: a poet and a travel writer trying to figure out how to be parents (that probably deserves its own book….).

Where Am I Now?

So, here we are, back where we started.

Living in the Sonoran Desert is interesting, that’s for sure. It’s both magical and prickly (and, let’s face it, hot), but most of the time, we love it here. Whenever we can, we do things like drive down to Mexico for the weekend with friends and swim in the sea and eat fresh mangos, or hike up Sabino Canyon and look for waterfalls. We’re also teaching our little ones, who are now one and three, to love the world as much as we do….although we’re finding that they teach us almost more than we teach them.

Puerto Penasco, our favorite beach town in Northern Mexico

The past two years have definitely changed my life, as it has no doubt changed all of ours. But through everything, I still LOVE doing this kind of work – I love thinking about my responsibility as a traveler and my capabilities (as well as limitations) that come with this privileged and amazing work. I hope that comes through in my writing.

Where Have I Traveled?

I always get this question, and I think it’s an interesting one. For one thing, does traveling to more countries make me more qualified as a travel writer? What about if I write a story about a place that’s literally in my backyard…does that make me any less of a travel writer?

But alas, the question is always looming. At this point in my life, I’ve traveled to 36 different countries. That number still astounds me. To have leveraged my writing to do something I love so much amazes me. I am humbled and honored to do this work I do–and I hope it carries me through for the rest of my life.

Hanging out with a sea anemone on a press trip in Taiwan

I’ve spent time living and teaching in Europe and South America, and I’ve traveled throughout North America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. There’s still so, so much more to see.

What Do I Believe About Travel?

Though it’s not always possible to stay awhile, I believe in traveling slowly when I can, in savoring moments, in trying out new languages, in getting lost for no particular reason, in visiting those little-known places, in leaving positive impressions, in finding laughter in unexpected encounters. I believe in participation, in immersion, in confusion, in giving up the idea that our way is the best way, and in looking forward to those unexpected meaningful, memorable moments that happen when we simply let go and live. I believe in learning about local foods, working sustainability to leave small footprints, and connecting with local communities. And I am committed to making sure that everything I write upholds these values and respectfully tells the stories the way the characters in my stories would tell them.

Meeting new friends in Switzerland

I can’t wait to meet you and hear about your journey, too! Email me at kristin [at] kristinwinet [dot] com if you’d like to chat, get some advice on traveling, or just share tips, books, or awesome resources.

And if you’re interested in working with me, check out my Work With Me page to see samples of my work and campaigns I’ve worked with in the past. I’d love to add you to the mix!

Yours in travel,

Kristin

Meet Kristin

I'm a writer, teacher, traveler, and a new mom living in the sunny Sonoran Desert! I write to share stories about our complex, beautiful world, and I teach to help others think more deeply about their words and their stories. Read More…

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

Join Me On Instagram

kristinwinet

Here’s the scoop: having a baby changes a lot of Here’s the scoop: having a baby changes a lot of things. It changes your daily rhythm, your space to think, your ability to throw stuff in a backpack and just go somewhere, the solitude of a writing life. I’ve been working on figuring out who I am in this new life, so I decided to take a baby step this weekend and hop back - slowly! - into my travel writing self 🙌 So tonight, I’m out exploring Cat Mountain Lodge, a super-cute boutique hotel right at the foot of the Tucson mountains 🏔 This pic is from the entrance ☀️ Ryan and Riley came for dinner and toured the property with me - and they’ll be back in the morning for a sunrise breakfast ☕️ Everything still feels weird and unknown, but it also feels messy and new. I’m glad for baby steps...I’m glad to be here❤️ Gladly taking advice from mamas who are also travelers!
.
.
.
#whyilovewhereilive #tucson #mountains #catmountainstation #travelwriter #travelmom #visitarizona #catmountainlodge #arizona #southernaz @catmountainstation5520 @visittucson
I know that babywearing has been a custom around t I know that babywearing has been a custom around the world for centuries (probably millenia?). Today, I see why ❤️ I finally figured out how to put on the Moby wrap and snuggle little Riley into it! When we’re feeling a little more brave, I might even take him out of the house and walk with him around the neighborhood 🥰 What a wild ride...so far, we’ve made it six weeks together!
.
.
.
#babywinet #mobywrap #babywearing #travelmom #newmom #newmomlife
My morning view, a little different than what I’ My morning view, a little different than what I’m used to! ❤️ Our little Riley James, seeing the world for what always feels like the first time 🥰
.
.
.
#momtraveler #babywinet #newmom
Hi world, I’m Riley! Nice to meet you 🙂 My mom Hi world, I’m Riley! Nice to meet you 🙂 My mom’s been a little busy lately, but she’s back (and promises not to post a million baby photos). **Happy one month birthday to our newest adventure!**
.
.
.
#babywinet #newbaby #baby #newmom
A man, his fish, and four hungry travelers 😂 An A man, his fish, and four hungry travelers 😂 And, omg, his fresh ceviche!!! *swoon* @abedhabush @viasabra
Our next day started off with a stroll down 2,000 Our next day started off with a stroll down 2,000 year old tile in the ancient ruins of Caesarea....I have to say, it's looking pretty good! 🤣😍 @viasabra
I love texture 😉😀😁 We don't get enough of I love texture 😉😀😁 We don't get enough of it here in the states...we always want to cover up every ding, dent, peel, or crack. I like this. Walking the streets of Tel Aviv 😍
Yummy vegetables! 🥑🍆🥔🥕🍄 Yummy vegetables! 🥑🍆🥔🥕🍄
On our #foodtour through the illustrious #Carmelma On our #foodtour through the illustrious #Carmelmarket with our first guide, Anat from @viasabra! Tel Aviv seriously has some of the best street markets you could ever imagine 😍 I'll try not to inundate you with food pics 😉
One of Israel's biggest controversies: whose hummu One of Israel's biggest controversies: whose hummus is the **best** hummus? If it's from #Abuhasan, then it's chunky and topped with fava beans. Ryan adored it...me...? Well, it did have beans on top, and they kind of looked like Mexican refried beans. I think I'll keep looking for my favorite hummus 🤣@viasabra
One of my FAVORITE things ever came at the end of One of my FAVORITE things ever came at the end of Day 1, and guess what? It starts with a pita!! 😂 This is an Iraqi Jewish food called #sabich. It's fabulous. And I love the chef who makes it - he told us he was an architect because everything is layered precisely inside the pita (namely fried eggplant and hard boiled eggs, among other things) 🥙🥙🥙
Yes, this is a carbonated water with plants in it. Yes, this is a carbonated water with plants in it. And we got to drink it (eat it?) while sitting in an old pickup truck in Levinsky Market (They have no seating in the market, so the owner drives his truck around and keeps parking it in different spots!) @visit_israel #levinskymarket
Starting our first morning off right - with a food Starting our first morning off right - with a food tour of Carmel Market, which is one of the best street food #markets I've ever been to. Here, we got to taste this thing called #burika, which is a Lebanese street food. Basically, it's a fresh #pita stuffed with mashed potatoes and fried egg and smothered in this spicy harissa red sauce. Never have I ever had something like this!! @viasabra @deliciousisrael @visit_israel
I didn't mention this in my first pic, but we are I didn't mention this in my first pic, but we are here with @rollinscollege as part of an #RIG grant to explore a question: Is there such a thing as an Israeli cuisine? 🌿🌱 We are working with @viasabra on our journey!

So, naturally, we start by exploring hummus. And when the famous #Abuhasan hummus spot in Jaffa is packed to the brim for lunch, you get the hummus as takeout and sit in the street 😉😉
Welcome to our Tel Aviv food tour!! I don't always Welcome to our Tel Aviv food tour!! I don't always post #food pics, but this trip kind of necessitates it 😄 Here we are, Tel Aviv, and first up? Falafel, of course 😁
Before we head off on our newest adventure, I need Before we head off on our newest adventure, I need to wrap up my #Mardigras series!! This pic is from the Dragons Ball, which we were invited to after interviewing the King! #alabamaroadtrip #kwalabama #alabama
Never a place without beads during Mardi Gras 👍 Never a place without beads during Mardi Gras 👍 @tweethomeal @inbirmingham @city_of_mobile @visitalbeaches #alabamaroadtrip #mobile #joecainday #mardigras #mardigras2018
Mardi Gras wouldn't be complete without a visit to Mardi Gras wouldn't be complete without a visit to Church St Graveyard. Joe Cain, the man responsible for reviving carnival after the civil war, is buried here.  Plus? It's full of cherry blossoms! 🌱🌿 @tweethomeal @inbirmingham @city_of_mobile @visitalbeaches #alabamaroadtrip #mardigras #mardigras2018 #mobile #kwalabama
If it can be fried, it will be fried. The mantra a If it can be fried, it will be fried. The mantra around here 🤣 @paninipetes @tweethomeal @inbirmingham @city_of_mobile @visitalbeaches #alabamaroadtrip #mardigras #mardigras2018
Peanuts are a very big thing here 😍👌 @tweeth Peanuts are a very big thing here 😍👌 @tweethomeal @inbirmingham @city_of_mobile @visitalbeaches #alabamaroadtrip #mobile #alabama #sweethomealabama #kwalabama #mardigras2018 #mardigras #mobilemardigras #deepsouth #alabamatourism
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Follow me on Twitter

Tweets by @kristinwinet

More about Kristin

I'm a writer, teacher, traveler, and a new mom living in the sunny Sonoran Desert! I write to share stories about our complex, beautiful world, and I teach to help others think more deeply about their words and their stories. Read More…

recent posts

  • Looking Back on Year One: Joining a National Teaching & Learning Network for Future Faculty
  • “We’re Here For You:” The Unsolicited COVID-19 Email
  • A Look at Miami for Digital Nomads

Archives

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Looking for something?

kristinwinet

Here’s the scoop: having a baby changes a lot of Here’s the scoop: having a baby changes a lot of things. It changes your daily rhythm, your space to think, your ability to throw stuff in a backpack and just go somewhere, the solitude of a writing life. I’ve been working on figuring out who I am in this new life, so I decided to take a baby step this weekend and hop back - slowly! - into my travel writing self 🙌 So tonight, I’m out exploring Cat Mountain Lodge, a super-cute boutique hotel right at the foot of the Tucson mountains 🏔 This pic is from the entrance ☀️ Ryan and Riley came for dinner and toured the property with me - and they’ll be back in the morning for a sunrise breakfast ☕️ Everything still feels weird and unknown, but it also feels messy and new. I’m glad for baby steps...I’m glad to be here❤️ Gladly taking advice from mamas who are also travelers!
.
.
.
#whyilovewhereilive #tucson #mountains #catmountainstation #travelwriter #travelmom #visitarizona #catmountainlodge #arizona #southernaz @catmountainstation5520 @visittucson
I know that babywearing has been a custom around t I know that babywearing has been a custom around the world for centuries (probably millenia?). Today, I see why ❤️ I finally figured out how to put on the Moby wrap and snuggle little Riley into it! When we’re feeling a little more brave, I might even take him out of the house and walk with him around the neighborhood 🥰 What a wild ride...so far, we’ve made it six weeks together!
.
.
.
#babywinet #mobywrap #babywearing #travelmom #newmom #newmomlife
My morning view, a little different than what I’ My morning view, a little different than what I’m used to! ❤️ Our little Riley James, seeing the world for what always feels like the first time 🥰
.
.
.
#momtraveler #babywinet #newmom
Hi world, I’m Riley! Nice to meet you 🙂 My mom Hi world, I’m Riley! Nice to meet you 🙂 My mom’s been a little busy lately, but she’s back (and promises not to post a million baby photos). **Happy one month birthday to our newest adventure!**
.
.
.
#babywinet #newbaby #baby #newmom
A man, his fish, and four hungry travelers 😂 An A man, his fish, and four hungry travelers 😂 And, omg, his fresh ceviche!!! *swoon* @abedhabush @viasabra
Our next day started off with a stroll down 2,000 Our next day started off with a stroll down 2,000 year old tile in the ancient ruins of Caesarea....I have to say, it's looking pretty good! 🤣😍 @viasabra
I love texture 😉😀😁 We don't get enough of I love texture 😉😀😁 We don't get enough of it here in the states...we always want to cover up every ding, dent, peel, or crack. I like this. Walking the streets of Tel Aviv 😍
Yummy vegetables! 🥑🍆🥔🥕🍄 Yummy vegetables! 🥑🍆🥔🥕🍄
On our #foodtour through the illustrious #Carmelma On our #foodtour through the illustrious #Carmelmarket with our first guide, Anat from @viasabra! Tel Aviv seriously has some of the best street markets you could ever imagine 😍 I'll try not to inundate you with food pics 😉
One of Israel's biggest controversies: whose hummu One of Israel's biggest controversies: whose hummus is the **best** hummus? If it's from #Abuhasan, then it's chunky and topped with fava beans. Ryan adored it...me...? Well, it did have beans on top, and they kind of looked like Mexican refried beans. I think I'll keep looking for my favorite hummus 🤣@viasabra
Load More...
Copyright © 2023 · Designed by Krizzy Designs