We had the good fortune of connecting with Kika Claude and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kika, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’m thankful that my current situation encourages a work-life balance. It still feels weird that my current bosses do not contact me if I’m not in the office. That is so different from my last two bosses who expected me to drop everything whenever they needed me. I’m learning to embrace it, and I definitely appreciate it. I am also very grateful for my side hustles which allow me to create my own hours, and work as much, or as little, as I want to.

With that in mind, I am constantly planning trips to maximize my time away. My travels always incorporate a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Nothing worth having comes easy, and my story is certainly no exception. Before I knew who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, there were a few detours along the way. While I am proud of myself for overcoming the many obstacles, I know that I am still far from my end goal and that there is so much I still have to accomplish and master. I went to school and got three degrees before deciding to do something I actually love and that makes me happy (write a travel blog). I do not regret anything because all of my life experiences have shaped me into the woman I am today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am an awesome NYC tour guide! Whenever I host out-of-towners, we walk the Brooklyn Bridge and take a ferry to Staten Island to get the best views of Lady Liberty. We do an in-depth tour of Downtown Manhattan (focusing on the best places to eat), but I also take my guests to Coney Island (in Brooklyn) and to Astoria or Howard Beach (in Queens). A lot of people miss out on the not-so-hidden gems of the outer boroughs. In SoFla, I take everyone to Wynwood. I just enjoy the street art so much and there is always something cool to eat or see.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents! I would not be the person I am today with such a passion for exploring the world had it not been for them. They encouraged my curiosity from a very young age, buying me all sorts of books and taking me on trips to expand my imagination.

Website: www.sometimeskikatravels.com

Instagram: @sometimeskikatravels

Other: Email: kika@sometimeskikatravels.com

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