While most of the young people were traveling through Europe, environmental sciences student Kathleen Karmin began the journey of visiting Every US state. She made it to 25 before she turned 25, and it was recently discontinued No. 27 with Basil. We sat down with Kathleen to ask the obvious big question: Why?
sOh, why every US state?
I went to Ireland a while ago and caught the travel bug, and thought, “Oh my God, I want to travel everywhere! But maybe I should start with the US.” When I was younger, I visited many states with my family, and my parents were always looking to do more. We had this close friend who had been able to visit all 50 US states, so that was probably where I got my inspiration. And the crazy thing is that she and her family did all 50 states together.
How many have you done so far?
I am 25 years old and have completed 27 states. The goal is 50. I don't really have a set time, but I want to go as quickly as possible. Now that I'm in my twenties, I feel like I can appreciate the differences between countries that much more. Each one has its own unique culture and history. There is so much to see and do.
That's impressive!
Thanks! It has been hard squeezing in all the travel with work and study. I graduated from college at 21, then worked for a while in finance. But in my final year of college, I realized I was interested in the environment and climate change, so now my goal is to learn about the earth, about ecology and food webs, and especially the economics of natural resources. I am now a graduate student, studying environmental science and foreign policy at Johns Hopkins University.
What are your favorite countries so far?
My favorite state is either Arizona or Washington. Arizona because I'm obsessed with the desert, and the Grand Canyon blew my mind. Washington because I loved seeing all the pines constantly. Also, having Mount Rainier looming over you as you drive down the street is absolutely amazing.
How do you plan to finish your 50th term?
I almost feel it will be easy to reach my goal, because I have a lot of friends who have moved far away to other parts of the country. I have connections everywhere: my grandparents and aunt in Seattle, and my cousin in Texas. I was traveling with my cousin and he turned to me and said, "Let's go to Oregon!" And I said, "Okay, let's do it!" The air there was amazing, that clean mountain air. Very different from the air in Maine or Texas.
How did you end up on an intrepid journey?
I've been taking this Energy Technology class, and I've decided to go on your journey - Los Angeles to Vegas. So I went out west and actually saw three different types of energy technology. I saw the San Gorgonio wind farm in Southern California on the way to Joshua Tree National Park. Then I saw in Vegas hydro power at the Hoover Dam and solar farm. It was incredible.
Any highlights?
It was a journey that changed my life. I didn't just tick the 27'sThe tenth state, but the Grand Canyon was just the coolest thing I've ever seen. Every second I was there in complete awe. Before my visit, I wasn't into geology. Like, rocks, who cares? Then I saw the Grand Canyon and I said, 'Oh my God, look at those rocks! Just giant rocks. I feel like, as beings on this Earth, we should all experience as much as we can. To be like, “Wow! This is where I live. This is my planet."
Have you traveled with Bassel before?
yes! My first daring trip was to Niagara Falls (I knocked a few states off the list on that trip, too!). It was me, the leader, and one other person in this matter. On our trip to Vegas were three girls from New York, two guys from Europe, a solo female traveler from New Zealand, and a dentist from the US. You really connected with our leader, Lisa. She has become a good friend and when I move out west I will call her again and meet her in Vegas.
So what's the next step in your mission?
I recently saw that Intrepid now does Glacier National Park And the Badlands National Park! Both are on my list. I also want to do Circuit Parks in UtahWhere to go and visit all the national parks!
Do you want to explore the United States? We just launched a group of New and renewed American flights For the year 2022!
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