Kathryn Anderson
Travel and Wellness Expert, Author, Freelance Writer, Speaker, and Award-Winning Blogger
Hello friends, my name is Kathryn Anderson, but you can call me Kat. I am a travel and wellness expert and the creator and author behind the Coffee & Mascara Travel Blog. I’m a born-and-raised BC gal who resides in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Having left the corporate world of marketing behind me, I now work from home (or on the road) as a freelance writer and blogger. My mission is to inspire people to live their best life through travel, adventure and self-care. Thanks for being here!
I am truly blessed to call Vancouver home. I have been
Healing Through Travel and Fitness
Growing up, my father was the Vice-Principal of a high school, as well as a contributing writer to the travel section of our local newspaper. From very early on, I was inspired to become a travel writer and see the world.
When my father passed away, I was just 21 years old and wholly unprepared for what came next. The devastation was unimaginable, but through travel and fitness, I found myself again.
I took a semester off from university to backpack around Australia for 3 months. Returning home, I took up boxing and used martial arts as an outlet for my anger. I know first-hand the benefits of dealing with your grief instead of ignoring it. Through therapy, travel, and fitness, I became whole again.
Travel Writing and Blogging
This website is both my blog, a venue for sharing my affinity for living a healthy, active lifestyle, and encouraging others to do the same, as well as my online portfolio that showcases my published freelance articles.
You will notice a common thread in my writing that focuses on living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. You’ll never read about the latest diet or workout fads because I don’t believe in that stuff. Fitness is a lifestyle, and I want to live a fun and fulfilling life, not one with restrictions. And I want the same for you.
As a travel and wellness expert, I have been featured in top publications worldwide. You can see all of my press mentions where I’ve been quoted, had my photography showcased, or had my Instagram posts featured.
When Condé Nast Traveler included me in a round-up, I actually squealed 😆 Most recently, I garnered a mention in National Geographic, and I nearly passed out.
Author
Most recently, I added author to the list.
My book, 100 Things to Do in Vancouver Before You Die, was released in Spring 2026 with Reedy Press — part of a travel guide series featuring bucket-list experiences in cities around the world.
I had the honour of writing about the first Canadian city in the series… the one I’m lucky enough to call home: Vancouver.
It was a big undertaking (to say the least), and seeing it come to life has been equal parts exciting and surreal. There’s something pretty special about holding a copy in my hands and knowing it’s now helping people experience Vancouver in a completely different way.
Travel and Wellness Expert
My background is largely in marketing within the natural health foods industry. I worked as a brand manager and then marketing manager for two different, prominent vitamin and supplement manufacturing companies in the Vancouver area. I absolutely loved my time working in the health foods industry.
In what seems like two lifetimes ago, I owned and managed my own vitamin and supplement store, a Reflex in Langley, BC. As a BCRPA-Certified Fitness Instructor, I taught a variety of different fitness classes for over 12 years.
I hope that by sharing my travel and wellness tips with you on this site, I will inspire you to get out and explore the world in a fun and healthy way. Fitness has always played a huge role in my life. My mother will tell you that as a child, I didn’t walk anywhere, I did cartwheels 😂
As an expert at the intersection of health, wellness and travel, I want to share with you—and inspire you—to stay fit and healthy while travelling. After all, without your health, you won’t be going very far. Suffice it to say that health is my top value—and priority—in life.
Travel and Wellness Coaching Calls
I offer services for people who are looking for guidance on how to travel in a healthier way. I provide a judgment-free coaching call to assist you with how to navigate the food options while away, as well as how to incorporate fitness into your travels.
I will arm you with the tools you need to enjoy your travels while maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Why Coffee and Mascara?
In case you were wondering… as for the name of my blog, coffee and mascara are two things I CANNOT live without. Anyone who travels as much as I do knows the value of a strong cup of coffee and voluminous mascara. Coffee to help me stay awake, and mascara to help me look like I’m awake.
If you want even more travel and wellness tips, tricks and inspiration, I always share the goods on Instagram. Let’s be friends 🤗
Yours in health,
~ Kathryn Anderson