--- title: "Author: Kyle Kroeger" url: "https://viatravelers.com/author/klkroeger/page/53/?format=markdown" type: "archive" --- # Author: Kyle Kroeger > Kyle Kroeger, founder of ViaTravelers.com, is an American immigrant living in Amsterdam. He has personally explored over 15 countries, 30 US states, and over 20 national parks across 4 continents, gaining firsthand experience in diverse global cultures. As a travel photographer, visualizing experiences is paramount to his contributions to ViaTravelers, contributing over 10,000 photos from around the world. Kyle's perspective in immersive cultural experiences stems from his time living in Italy, where he developed a deep appreciation for authentic local interactions. As a trusted voice in the travel industry, he's transitioned from a finance professional to a full-time traveler, applying his analytical skills to create data-driven travel recommendations. Kyle's commitment to continuous exploration is demonstrated by his bold decision to relocate from Minneapolis to Amsterdam with his family, allowing for in-depth, long-term travel throughout Europe. He started ViaTravelers.com to help travelers experience a fully immersive cultural experience as he did initially living in Italy. He's a converted finance nerd and Excel jockey turned world wanderer (and may try to get lost on purpose). After visiting 12 countries and 13 national parks in a year, he was devoted to creating and telling stories like he'd heard. Plus, after spending more time on airplanes and packing, he's learned some incredible travel hacks over time as he earned over 1 million Chase Ultimate Rewards points in under a year, helping him maximize experiences as much as possible to discover the true meaning of travel. He loves listening to local stories from around the world and sharing his experiences traveling the globe. He loves travel so much that he moved from his hometown of Minneapolis to Amsterdam with his small family to travel Europe full-time. - [Borobudur Temple Guide: Tickets, Hours, History, and Visiting Tips](https://viatravelers.com/borobudur/) — Borobudur is open daily, but climbing the monument requires a separate structure ticket. This guide covers current hours, ticket types, transport from Yogyakarta, history, etiquette, nearby temples, hotels, and planning tips. - [Silfra Rift in Iceland: Snorkeling, Diving & Visitor Guide](https://viatravelers.com/silfra-rift/) — Snorkel or dive Iceland’s Silfra Rift with current rules, parking fees, water temperatures, gear advice, and an honest guide to what to expect. - [16 Best Things to Do in Polignano a Mare, Italy](https://viatravelers.com/polignano-mare/) — Explore the 16 best things to do in Polignano a Mare, Italy! This guide unveils a beautiful, underrated beach town with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters—perfect for a weekend escape. - [16 Essential Packing Tips for Travel to Maximize Your Trip](https://viatravelers.com/essential-packing-tips/) — Maximize your next trip with these 16 essential packing tips for travel! Avoid excess baggage fees, shampoo explosions, and inefficient space with smart strategies, including using packing cubes and rolling clothes. - [25 Bizarre Festivals You’ve Got To Try Yourself](https://viatravelers.com/bizarre-festivals/) — Chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill or jumping a stack of babies — these 25 festivals prove some communities celebrate on a completely different level. - [Lombard Street, San Francisco: How to Visit the Crooked Street](https://viatravelers.com/lombard-street/) — Lombard Street’s famous crooked block runs downhill between Hyde and Leavenworth streets in Russian Hill. Plan your visit with current cable car and bus details, driving rules, accessibility notes, photo spots, history, nearby sights, and hotel options. - [Barranca del Cobre: Exploring Mexico’s Stunning Copper Canyon](https://viatravelers.com/barranca-del-cobre/) — Beyond the Grand Canyon, Mexico's Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) offers North America's deepest, most extensive canyon system. Explore challenging hikes, dramatic vistas, and ancient civilizations in this 37,000-mile natural wonder. - [19 Best Music Festivals to Attend This Summer](https://viatravelers.com/summer-music-festivals/) — Summerfest has held the 'World's Largest Music Festival' title since 1968 — and after seeing the lineup, it's hard to argue. - [27 Most Bizarre Roadside Attractions in the United States](https://viatravelers.com/roadside-attractions-in-us/) — A man covered his Houston house in 50,000 beer cans. That's just number one on this list. - [Riding a Ferry? Here are 6 Tips for Ferry Travel](https://viatravelers.com/ferry-travel/) — Navigating ferry travel doesn't have to be stressful. Learn 6 essential ferry travel tips, from checking schedules to arriving early, to ensure a smooth and confident journey on your next trip. - [13 Worst Airports That’ll Make You Hate Flying](https://viatravelers.com/worst-airports/) — Tired of travel headaches? Our list of the 13 worst airports identifies common pitfalls, from crowded terminals to tricky runways like Princess Juliana International. Learn which airports to avoid for a smoother journey. - [5 Mother Sauces: How Well Do You Know Them?](https://viatravelers.com/5-mother-sauces/) — Unlock the secrets behind the 5 French mother sauces that form the foundation of global cuisine. This guide details béchamel, velouté, espagnole, tomato, and hollandaise, revealing their history and influence on everyday dishes, helping you truly know your sauces. - [Visiting The Wooldridge Monuments In Mayfield, KY](https://viatravelers.com/wooldridge-monuments/) — Faulkner referenced them. They're real. Eighteen marble figures staring east in a small Kentucky cemetery — commissioned by one eccentric bachelor. - [17 Ways to Make Travel Easier for Your Next Trip](https://viatravelers.com/make-travel-easier/) — Packing light changed every trip I've taken. So did travel insurance — the one time I actually needed it saved me $4,000. - [Swallow’s Nest Castle: Crimea’s Fairytale Castle on a Cliff](https://viatravelers.com/swallows-nest-castle/) — Uncover the enchanting Swallow's Nest Castle, Crimea's fairytale Neo-Gothic gem perched dramatically on Aurora cliff. This guide reveals the romantic history and unique charm of this must-see Black Sea attraction, perfect for your next vacation. - [Lord Howe Island: The World’s Last 7 Miles of Paradise](https://viatravelers.com/lord-howe-island/) — Journey to Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Australia's east coast. This untouched paradise, just a 2-hour flight from Sydney, offers pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and the world's southernmost coral reef. - [11 Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre National Park, Italy](https://viatravelers.com/things-to-do-in-cinque-terre/) — Five villages, one trail, and a local white wine that never leaves the region. Cinque Terre rewards the ones who slow down. - [Stairway to Heaven: The Allure Of Hawaii’s Haiku Stairs](https://viatravelers.com/stairway-to-heaven-oahu/) — Ascend Oahu's challenging Stairway to Heaven for breathtaking views of the Ko'olau Mountains and North Shore. This rigorous Haiku Stairs hike offers stunning Hawaiian scenery, perfect for adventure seekers. - [10 Ways To Avoid the Fast Food Trap! ](https://viatravelers.com/fast-food-traps/) — Struggling with fast food? Learn 10 practical ways to avoid the fast food trap and maintain healthy eating habits on the go. Get expert tips to save money and find healthier options, even when traveling with kids! - [Great Blue Hole Belize: Diving, Snorkeling & Visitor Guide](https://viatravelers.com/blue-hole-belize/) — Belize’s Great Blue Hole is a 1,000-foot-wide marine sinkhole at Lighthouse Reef. Compare diving, snorkeling, aerial tours, safety, weather, and logistics. - [11 Must-Try Fighter Jet Experiences in Your Lifetime](https://viatravelers.com/fighter-jet-experience/) — Flying a fighter jet over Las Vegas costs less than a weekend at the Bellagio — and nothing else on your travel bucket list comes close. - [Top 7 Upside-Down Houses Around the World](https://viatravelers.com/upside-down-houses/) — Furniture bolted to the ceiling, cars parked on rooftops — these seven upside-down houses are genuinely disorienting in the best way. - [10 Best Worst Cheese in the World](https://viatravelers.com/best-worst-cheese/) — Some of these cheeses crawl with live maggots. Others smell like a rotten sock. All of them taste better than they have any right to. - [Hoh Rain Forest: Travel Guide to Washington’s Rainforest](https://viatravelers.com/hoh-rainforest/) — Plan your perfect escape to Washington's Hoh Rain Forest, a rare, lush ecosystem in Olympic National Park. This guide offers insights into its unique features, from verdant mosses and ferns to abundant wildlife, ensuring an unforgettable Pacific Northwest getaway.