The universe rewards calculated risk and passion

Accolades, otherwise known as ego strokes

  • “Kristi Keller is a talented writer whose essays never fail to make me smile except when they make me cry. Either way, I savor every word and always leave feeling some type of emotion, and isn't that the hallmark of great writing? I don't know Kristi in real life, but if I did, I'd totally give her a ride to the airport if she needed one, and I bet she'd do the same for me.”

    -Tracey Folly

  • “Kristi is like a kindred spirit to me, part of my soul family. Through the months of reading her published pieces and later her substack newsletter, I could sense a raw, fiercely passionate, strong, and kind heart in her. She is full of spirit, grounded energy, and compassion.”

    -Yan Huang

  • “Some people think of Kristi as a travel writer but she's much more. She's a passionate person who feels her work deeply and cares more about what she does than even she lets on at times. Those who have read beyond her travel writing know who she is as a person and how much that person slips into her writing.”

    — Alan Asnen

  • "Kristi, You are a gifted writer. I first encountered you back in 2019 via your travel stories and dug into your work with delight. But what blows me away is how you honor your son and your grief through writing. Mind-blowlingly creative and heart-wrenching. You've touched my wanderlust, my funny bone, and my heart. It's an honor to be a fan!"

    -Marilyn Flower

  • "I make sure never to miss Kristi Keller's stories. It's not every day you encounter personal essays that offer such a blend of humor and heart, anchored by a perspective that never shrinks from facing the pain, wonder, and often ridiculousness of life. I always finish reading her stuff feeling a little sharper of wit and larger of spirit."

    -Jan M Flynn

  • "Kristi Keller is a writer of astonishing versatility. From informative and entertaining pieces on travel to intensely moving reflections on love and loss, she is one of a very select group of writers that I go out of my way to read every time they publish."

    -Ryan Frawley

  • "Kristi's writing is a pleasure to read. Sharp, incisive, funny, and unashamedly opinionated. And I say this in a good way. Her writing is strong and worth reading whether we agree with the point of view or not. Read her work to enjoy a slice of great writing while you get a glimpse of her feisty persona."

    -Anu Anniah

  • "Kristi is one of the brightest and most enthusiastic people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting through the passion we share for beautiful Jamaica. She is a talented writer; she has a great understanding of people and the skills to communicate their stories to the world with wonderful humor and compassion."

    -Theresa Goodall

Notable travel writing experiences & achievements

  • 2011 Jamaica Blog Awards - I won an actual trophy in Kingston, Jamaica, for the best Jamaica blog written by a foreigner.

  • Our Jamaica Magazine - Annual contributor in the Jamaica Hotel & Tourism Association magazine.  Found in every hotel and resort on the island.

  • 2017 Forbes Luxury Travel Guide - Contracted to review Jamaica’s top luxury resort in Montego Bay, which evolved into a life-changing story and event.

  • 2009 to 2019 Independent Accommodation Reviews - Unlimited invitations to write hotel, resort, and villa reviews.  By far the most rewarding aspect of my travel writing career.

  • 2009 to 2019 - Meeting hundreds of people from all over the globe throughout my destination writing career. From business relationships to everyday good humans, I will be forever grateful.