We were lucky to catch up with Katie Andrews recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
For me, self-care is yoga. It started as a way to move my body, get some exercise, work on my balance and flexibility, and also as a way to support my mental health. But over time, it’s become my maintenance — something I rely on to keep me grounded and centered.
I’m naturally a planner. My mind is always running ahead to the next project, the next deadline, the next idea. Yoga has taught me how to slow down, how to breathe through the moments that feel overwhelming, and how to come back to the present instead of constantly living in what’s next.
It’s also taught me how to pause — and that pause is so important. The pause gives me space to think before reacting, to reset before responding, and to show up more calmly and intentionally in every part of my life.
On the mat, it’s the one hour of my day where my brain can finally turn off. Off the mat, it’s given me the tools to handle stress, to find perspective, and to remember that I’m just a small piece of a much bigger picture.
That practice has made me far more effective in my work and in life. I’m more patient, more grounded, and better able to navigate challenges with clarity and grace. In many ways, yoga isn’t just self-care — it’s what allows me to keep showing up as my best self.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the founder of Katie Andrews Travel, where I blend years of experience as both a travel advisor and international tour operator to design custom luxury vacations tailored around each client’s interests, pace, and purpose. I don’t just plan trips — I design journeys.
From transformative retreats to hidden-gem getaways, I create meaningful, personalized travel experiences for curious souls and conscious travelers. Whether you’re hosting a retreat, planning a family escape, or craving solo adventure, every detail is designed to connect you with the world’s most unforgettable destinations.
What sets my work apart is the balance between intention and access. I offer seamless planning and insider connections through a network of boutique partners that unlocks exclusive properties, unique cultural experiences, and authentic moments that invite travelers to go deeper, not harder. With years of international travel planning behind me, I combine deep industry knowledge with a passion for creating journeys that awaken the senses, deepen connection, and leave you transformed.
In addition to personalized travel, I also specialize in retreat planning. I provide logistical and creative support for facilitators, teachers, and coaches so they can stay focused on their purpose while I handle the details. From contracts and communications to bookings and on-site coordination, I help bring their vision to life seamlessly. My goal is to bridge the gap between inspiration and flawless execution, allowing retreat leaders to create extraordinary experiences without the overwhelm.
Recently, I launched a new chapter of Katie Andrews Travel — Hidden Gem Escapes, a curated series of small-group journeys that blend wellness, remarkable hidden gems, and affordable luxury. The first edition will debut in Newport, Rhode Island, at the Newport Marriott Resort & Spa, March 27–29, 2026. This exclusive weekend invites guests to experience the perfect balance of Gilded Age grandeur and coastal serenity.
I’m especially excited to partner with The Bodhi Spa Newport for a private wellness event featuring their signature Water Journey, along with a historic lunch at The Carriage House at The Elms Mansion and hidden gem dining experiences at some of Newport’s most beloved local favorites.
But Hidden Gem Escapes is about more than travel — it’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and rediscovering wonder in places that feel both new and familiar. During our Newport edition, we’ll do exactly that. Each afternoon features a “Choose Your Path” experience, giving guests the freedom to explore Newport’s treasures at their own pace. From hands-on glassblowing at Thames Glass, to exclusive spa discounts for Katie Andrews Travel guests, to a Hidden Spaces Treasure Hunt designed for thrifters and antique lovers — every detail is crafted to inspire discovery and connection.
This is truly the beginning of something special.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are adaptability, genuine compassion, and relationship-building.
Adaptability has been everything. The travel industry changes constantly — from global events to new technology to shifting client expectations. Early on, I learned that being flexible and open-minded wasn’t just helpful, it was essential. My advice to others would be: don’t resist change. Learn from it. Every challenge is an opportunity to refine your process and strengthen your resilience.
Genuine compassion has also shaped how I approach both my clients and my collaborators. Travel is deeply personal — people come to you with their dreams, emotions, and expectations. Meeting those moments with empathy builds trust and meaningful connection. My advice would be to always lead with heart. Listen more than you speak, and remember that compassion isn’t weakness — it’s what creates relationships that last.
And finally, relationship-building. This industry thrives on connection. Some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from nurturing genuine relationships with clients, partners, and peers. My advice would be to invest time in people — not for what they can do for you, but because shared trust and respect open doors that transactions never could. Collaboration and community will take you further than competition ever will.
Adaptability taught me to bend without breaking, compassion taught me to lead with heart, and relationship-building taught me that success is always a shared experience.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
If I only had a decade left, I’d spend it traveling — with my husband, my daughter, and my closest friends. I’d want to see as much of the world as I could with the people I love most, not to collect stamps in a passport, but to collect moments — the kind that stay with you long after the trip is over.
I’d slow down and savor every experience: long dinners overlooking the ocean, quiet mornings with coffee and conversation, spontaneous adventures that remind us what it feels like to be fully alive.
I’d choose meaning over motion — less about how much I could do and more about how deeply I could live it. I think I’d still be doing what I do now, in a way — creating experiences that help people connect, restore, and see the beauty in the world and in each other.
Because for me, that’s what travel — and life — is really about.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katieandrewstravel.com
- Instagram: @katieandrewstravel
- Facebook: @katieandrewstravel
