We recently had the chance to connect with Linda Konde and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Linda, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Many times. I’ve learned through personal experiences that what is for me will not pass me by. At the end of the day, rejection is protection, and something better is always waiting around the corner.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Linda, and I’m a journalist, copywriter, editor, and author with Lonely Planet and National Geographic. The best way to describe myself? The DRC made me, Sweden raised me, Los Angeles changed me, and London takes care of me.
I run Vacay Stories, a digital travel and lifestyle publication that shares content designed to inform, teach, and inspire readers to connect with people and cultures through travel, food, hotels, and more.
Having lived in four different countries (and with a lifelong love of travel), I’m passionate about connecting people through storytelling. What makes Vacay Stories unique is its focus on weaving inspiration with practicality, from curated London guides created by locals to hotel and restaurant features that give readers the confidence to plan and explore.
Right now, I’m focused on growing the platform, expanding our digital travel guides, and continuing to create content that connects people to places and experiences around the world.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I moved to Los Angeles. Most people stick to their city when they first leave home, but at 22, I packed my bags and flew to LA without ever having set foot in the US before. At the time, it didn’t feel like a huge deal to me, but looking back, it really was a bold leap of faith.
That move changed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve always had a strong sense of self, but living in LA pushed me to grow and get to know myself on a much deeper level. The US had always felt so far away; it was a place I’d dreamed about.
Once I got there, though, everything shifted. Suddenly, the world didn’t feel so big or out of reach anymore. I’d always been the kid who enjoyed flipping through geography books, daydreaming about faraway places, and moving to LA lit that spark in me. It gave me the travel bug!
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Life is full of surprises. As amazing as it would be to experience only success, the truth is that sometimes you have to go through tough times to realise just how strong you really are and that you can pull yourself through even the hardest situations.
Suffering is inevitable, but after the rain comes the sunshine. Accepting the things you cannot change can bring a sense of peace, even in the middle of challenges.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family, faith, kindness and integrity. And oh – dreaming big!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop worrying so much. Especially when you’re goal-oriented, it’s easy to get caught up in the how and the if, but honestly, when has worrying ever helped? I’d also focus on not putting energy into things that don’t really matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vacaystories.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevacaystories
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vacay-stories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VacayStories
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacay.stories
Image Credits
All images belong to Vacay Stories except for the image of Stockholm, which is a free image from Unsplash.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
