2015: Around the World in Instagram Photos

A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 28, 2015 at 3:45am PST

  2015 was a banner travel year. I was just a crazy traveling girl who couldn’t say no. The adventures began in January with a crazy “mistake fare” trip I called Around the World in 8 Days and just kept going from there!  What follows is my year in travel, as highlighted by Instagram photos.

January: Around the World in 8 Days: Milan, Prague, Amsterdam, Tokyo

I flew from New York to Milan, and spent the day at Malpensa visiting airport lounges and using the fitness center at the Malpensa Sheraton Hotel.

#MilanCathedral made with #Legos #mXP #Malpensa   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 9, 2015 at 9:27am PST

That night I flew to Prague.  I spent three nights in Prague, at the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel. I really love Prague and especially enjoyed running there.

The best! A morning run on the Charles Bridge #Prague #running #beautiful A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 11, 2015 at 1:41am PST

#selfie at #PragueAstronomicalClock #Prague #iSuckAtSelfies   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 11, 2015 at 7:54am PST

A day in Plzen, including a visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery.

#brewerytour #plzen #PilsnerUrquell A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 10, 2015 at 3:39am PST

Pilsner Urquell Tour- finally the sample! #Plzen #Czech #beer   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 10, 2015 at 5:42am PST

From Prague, I flew to Amsterdam, where I had a 20 hour layover.  I got a chance to see my good friend, Marijn. We went to a nice restaurant, De Plantage.

#DePlantage cafe in Amsterdam A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 12, 2015 at 10:11pm PST

I traveled from Schipol to Narita on KLM, and was actually quite impressed with the Economy Comfort service. I spent only two nights in Tokyo, at the Hyatt Regency.  I feel like there’s so much to see and do in Tokyo.

Went to my first conveyor belt sushi restaurant! #Shinjuku #tokyo #sushi   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 13, 2015 at 11:52pm PST

Buddhist Temple in park across from @hyatt #seenonarun #tokyo #Shinjuku #aroundtheworldin8days A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 14, 2015 at 4:59pm PST

Love the cocoon building! #seenonarun #tokyo #Shinjuku #aroundtheworldin8days   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jan 14, 2015 at 4:57pm PST

For the return flight, I treated myself to an award ticket in Business class on JAL Airline using American Airline miles.And so ended my Around the World in 8 days trip.

February: Austin, Texas

In February, Won’t Run joined me on a trip to Austin, Texas. We loved the city! We liked the art and quirkiness of the city, as well as the Hyatt Regency and the Driscol Hotels. The Austin Marathon was a hoot.

I met a pirate while running the @austinmarathon #RunYerBootyOff A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Feb 15, 2015 at 12:45pm PST

Hanging out with Stevie Ray Vaughn #austin #running   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Feb 14, 2015 at 1:08pm PST

March: Savannah, Georgia

A quick weekend trip to Savannah to meet up with some friends. I adore the Andaz Hotel.

So nice to be back (home) at @andazsav @andaz @hyatt – I love you so! A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Mar 6, 2015 at 8:00pm PST

March: India: Agra and Delhi

Another trip of a lifetime. This was another mistake fare that worked out in my favor (many of them don’t).  A few hundred bucks to fly (economy) on Emirates Airline to Delhi, India via Dubai.  I was in Dubai last year, so I chose not to spend time there.  In Delhi, I met up with my friend Karen – and we traveled to Agra and Delhi together. We stayed at the new Hilton Doubletree hotel in Agra and the Hyatt Regency in Delhi.  Karen’s been to India before, so I let her take charge on planning.  We had a great time! We saw so much!!

Family on bench #TajMahal #Agra #india @unesco @websta_me   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Mar 12, 2015 at 5:27pm PDT

obligatory photo in front of Taj Mahal! #travel #india #Agra A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Mar 13, 2015 at 2:10pm PDT

A special day visiting the #Sikh Temple in New Delhi, India with @paramjit.singh.1428921 and @konorth #travel #India #travelskills #TBEX   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Mar 14, 2015 at 5:51pm PDT

#SufferTheChildren this photo was taken somewhere on the drive from Agra to Delhi. The poverty was heartbreaking especially in the eyes of the children who would smile at you, tap on the car windows begging for money repeatedly touching their mouths to show you they were hungry. #India #travel A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Mar 21, 2015 at 12:05am PDT

April: Atlanta, Georgia

In April, I attended the Freddie Awards in Atlanta. The next day, I participated in a plane pull with a Boarding Area and Delta team.

Plane Pulling #globalHashtag @delta #Atlanta @angelinaaucello @boardingarea @prior2boarding @inknburn   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on May 1, 2015 at 7:09am PDT

May: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I flew directly from Atlanta to Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Marathon. Due to heat and other factors, I switched to the half marathon. It was a great weekend – a very pretty, well-organized event. .

May – June: Luxembourg and Dusseldorf, Germany.

In May, I went to Luxembourg to run the ING Luxembourg Night Half Marathon. Luxembourg is such a storybook pretty city. I stayed at the Novotel Luxembourg Center Hotel.  I enjoyed sightseeing, walking around and running there.

Pretty fountain and statue #luxembourg A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on May 30, 2015 at 4:58am PDT

I took the train from Luxembourg to Dusseldorf and spent one night at the Hyatt Regency, before flying home the next day on Air Berlin.

Finally found my way here! @hyatt #hyattRegencyDusseldorf #inahyattworld   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on May 31, 2015 at 10:06am PDT

#menclimbingbuilding #medienhafen #dusseldorf #germany A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jun 1, 2015 at 12:44am PDT

July: Orlando, Florida

In July, Won’t Run and I visited Orlando. We stayed a few nights at the Hyatt Place in Lake Mary and a few at the Hyatt Grand Cypress. Each was very different, but we liked them both. We didn’t go to Disney or Universal, but we had a great time.

A nice paved trail to run or cycle #lakeMary #Heathrow #Florida #running   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Jul 11, 2015 at 3:53am PDT

August: Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Lima, Peru

In August, Won’t Run and I went to Iguazu Falls and Lima. I don’t think either of us knew what to expect, but we loved both places.

The falls are insanely immense – words fail me! #IguazuFalls #Brazil @ymxbyyellowman @zox A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Aug 18, 2015 at 1:14am PDT

#Churrascaria #churrascariadoGaucho #grilledmeat #skewer #Brazil #FozDoIguacu #food #foodporn maybe chicken hearts?   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Aug 19, 2015 at 1:43am PDT

I wonder what he’s thinking. #BuddhistTemple #FozDoIguacu #IguazuFalls #Brazil #iphone6 #webstapick #travel A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Aug 19, 2015 at 1:47am PDT

In Lima, Peru, we stayed at the Radisson Blu in Miraflores, which was a really nice hotel. The city and the colors were so vibrant, the food was delicious, the sights were interesting, and the running along the Atlantic ocean were all great.

Finally! Arrived at @radisson #decapolis #Miraflores – love the art and sexy elegance @clubcarlson #peru #lobby #ClubCarlsonAmbassador   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Aug 20, 2015 at 10:29pm PDT

A rooftop pool by day – a happening pool bar by night @clubcarlson #radissonDecapolisMiraflores #Lima #Peru #ClubCarlsonAmbassador #WillRunForMiles A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Aug 31, 2015 at 11:11am PDT

September: Paris and South Africa

In September, I went on another crazy trip. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to visit Capetown. And it happened. My flights were via an Etihad mistake fare. My first flight (of many) gave me a chance to spend an afternoon in Paris.

It’s rough after an overnight flight to go into Paris for only a few hours, but it’s still better than not going to Paris at all #pontneuf #paris #locks #locksoflove   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Sep 9, 2015 at 10:36am PDT

Then I was on my way to South Africa. I spent the first night with a friend’s brother in Johannesburg, and the next day flew to Capetown. I was in Capetown for 4 nights, split between the Radisson Blu Waterfront, and another Radisson Blu in Seapoint.

I made it to Capetown! A lifelong dream! And this is a gorgeous suite! #ClubCarlsonAmbassador @clubcarlson #radissonblu #radissonbluwaterfront #willrunformiles A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:00am PDT

#signalHill #TableMountain #capetown #ClubCarlsonAmbassador   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Sep 12, 2015 at 7:23am PDT

Loved the wine tour from @winefliestours with tour guide #granwell aka #LordG #winefliestours #capetown #southafrica #stellenbosch #paarlmountain #ClubCarlsonAmbassador A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:07pm PDT

My trip home via Abu Dhabi and a Jetihad flight from hell was a PITA, but it was worth it – as I got to go to South Africa!

The worst flight but the best flight attendant! @hint.mint @etihadairways #jetairways #flightfromhell #jetihad #abudhabi #jfk #WillRunForMiles   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Oct 11, 2015 at 5:14am PDT

October: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In October, I went to Ft. Lauderdale for TBEX (Travel Blogger Exchange), including a three-day media trip which showcased the city from a luxury perspective. This was another amazing trip.

Ohmygod! The view! #wfortlauderdale @whotels @spg @tbexevents @visitlauderdale #hellosunny @wfortlauderdale A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:57am PDT

Before my #detox signature treatment at @ritzcarlton #massage #wow @tbexevents @visitlauderdale #luxury #hellosunny #rcmemories   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Oct 26, 2015 at 7:54am PDT

Grilled octopus @s3sunsurfsand @hiltonhotels #hiltonfortlauderdalebeachresort @tbexevents @visitlauderdale #hellosunny #instafood A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Oct 26, 2015 at 12:02pm PDT

For the latter half of the week, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66, attended TBEX programs and events.

Is my yacht included? #Presidentialsuite #partyatkats @hyatt @hyattconcierge #hellosunny @tbexevents #tbexflorida @visitlauderdale #inahyattworld   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Oct 28, 2015 at 1:31pm PDT

November: Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador

I was invited, along with 5 awesome journalists, to visit Quito and Cuenca. This was an incredible journey. And I do mean a journey. We bonded with each other and with each place we visited. The hospitality and generosity we received, the hotels we visited, the guides who guided us, the restaurants that served us – it was all beyond belief. Quito:

Cotopaxi Volcano – the highest volcano in South America – is Active and erupting. I took this photo from a plane. @quitoturismo #ExperienceQuito #QuitoHeritage #TalkingAboutQuito #ecuador #visitquito #travel #trlt #tbex #webstagram #instatravel #MatadorN A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 5, 2015 at 6:19am PST

@hotelplazagrandeuio is exquisite! this suite takes my breath away! From the carved doors to the rose petals decorating the bathroom! #beauty #luxury #instatravel #instaluxury @quitoturismo #ExperienceQuito #QuitoCosmopilitan #plazagrandequito @ecuadortravel   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 5, 2015 at 7:45am PST

High above the old city in #quito is the #virginofquito. #TalkingAboutQuito @quitoturismo #QuitoHeritage #ExperienceQuito #ecuador #instatravel #webstagram A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 5, 2015 at 3:26pm PST

Church of the Company of Jesus, Jesuit Church, all covered in gold leaf #Quito #ExperienceQuito #QuitoHeritage @quitoturismo @visitecuador #WillRunForMiles #instatravel   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 6, 2015 at 3:32pm PST

At the scientific “real” Center of the World. Latitude 0 #centeroftheworld #ecuador #Quito #ExperienceQuito #equator #instatravel #WillRunForMiles A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 7, 2015 at 10:47am PST

Cuenca:

The #flowermarket in #cuenca #ecuador – these lilies were so pretty! #visitcuenca #cuencaciudadviva @turismocuencaec @visitecuador #lilies #flowers #travel #nationalgeographic #yahootravelexplorers #wanderlust #instatravel #instaecuador #trvl #ttot A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 28, 2015 at 3:33am PST

The #skyline of #Cuenca – #visitcuenca #cuencaciudadviva @turismocuencaec #ecuador #spire #church #willrunformiles #instatravel #webstagram #travel   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 14, 2015 at 4:10am PST

Woman selling candles outside of a church #Cuenca #ecuador #visitecuador #visitcuenca #cuencaciudadviva @turismocuencaec @ecuadortravel #instatravel #nationalgeotravel #yahootravelexplorers #indigenous #willrunformiles #webstagram #instapeople #wanderlust #shotwithiphone6 #travel #trlt #ttot #liveauthentic @cntraveler #explore A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 17, 2015 at 3:21am PST

Who owns the road? On the mountainous drive around the #andesmountains from #Cuenca to the airport in #guayaquil we met up with a very focused group of #llamas and perhaps an #alpaca ! #visitecuador #cuencaciudadviva @turismocuencaec #instatravel #instazoo #animals #webstagram #instagram #instabeauty #ttot #trlt #travel #shotwithiphone6 #nofilter #yahootravelexplorers #tbex #AFAR #nationalgeotravel #lonelyplanet #animalkingdom   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 15, 2015 at 3:09am PST

Waking up in #Cuenca #ecuador @turismocuencaec #viewfrommybalcony #visitcuenca #cuencaciudadviva #instatravel #webstagram #willrunformiles A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 10, 2015 at 5:24am PST

We also visited a beautiful courthouse in Cuenca.

The Supreme Court of Justice in #Cuenca – I peered in from the doorway to this beautiful courthouse as I believed entry was limited. Then I handed my business card to the guard showing that I was an attorney and that I too worked for a Court, albeit in New York. They then opened the doors for us and the director of the Court, Stephano, greeted us and showed us around. The artwork there like the artwork in the rotunda at the New York State Supreme Court depicts the development and importance of law and of Justice. I’m so glad I had my business card with me! #travel #visitcuenca #cuencaciudadviva #instatravel #instalaw #court #courthouse #nysba #nycla #aba #lawyer #justice @turismocuencaec #ecuador @ladydeelg @trippingwithterri @tracykaler @itsolgamaria @stylenbeautydoc   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 14, 2015 at 4:38am PST

November: Nashville, Tennessee

What a fitting way to finish out my year of travel –  the Flying Monkey Marathon! This was my second monkey – I think I’m hooked!

Getting ready for #monkeymarathon – with temps expected in the 20s at the start I’ll be wearing a few more layers #flatkathy #marathon #layers #monkey #flyingmonkey #willrunformiles #tennessee #nashville #percywarnerpark @hokaoneone @ymxbyyellowman #running   A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 21, 2015 at 6:28pm PST

#percywarnerpark the location of the #monkeymarathon is spectacularly beautiful albeit so hilly it brings you to your knees! #running #fitness #fitnessmotivation #willrunformiles #trentsucks #nashville #tennessee #flyingmonkey #instarunners #instarunning #yahootravelexplorers @womenshealthmag @womensrunningmagazine @runnersworldmag @monkeytrent #instanature #friends #marathon #webstagram #webstapick #shotwithiphone6 #runitfast @dbolton44 @cbaumann2727 #runchat @runitfast @runnerscommunity A photo posted by Kathy – Will Run For Miles (@katstarr_) on Nov 23, 2015 at 4:26am PST

All I can say is that it was a phenomenal year in travel. What’s up for next year? So far, I’m planning slowly. I probably overdid it a bit last year, though I enjoyed every moment. Conversely, my running and marathoning suffered a bit. I’d like to re-find the balance, but… we shall see what the year brings.