Kate Boardman: Embracing the Unknown, One Journey at a Time
Kate Boardman has always been driven by curiosity—a curiosity that took her from a small town in Massachusetts to over fifty countries, and across six continents. Her story is one of following instincts, embracing the unknown, and seeking a life beyond the ordinary.
A World Beyond the Cubicle
Kate’s first leap into the unknown was at age 15, as an exchange student in Germany. This experience transformed her perspective and gave her the confidence to pursue a life defined by adventure. “I knew I wanted to be ‘international,’” Kate recalls, “but back then, that only meant studying something with ‘international’ in the title.” She chose international business, but after graduating, found herself in a job that drained her spirit.
By the age of 24, she knew she needed a change. She quit her cubicle job and moved to Thailand for what she thought would be a year of teaching English and traveling. “One year turned into twelve,” she laughs. Teaching became a way for Kate to immerse herself in different cultures, living in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bahrain, and Guatemala, and experiencing the richness of life in each place.
The Sensory Journey of Travel
Kate's travels have always been about more than just the destination—they’re about the sensory experiences that bring a place to life. “Bali smells like incense. Every morning, the Balinese put out offerings with incense, and you can smell it as you drive down the street,” she says, painting a vivid picture of a place where spirituality permeates the air.
Markets have also become a cornerstone of her travel experience. “I love markets. The colors, the smells, the noise—it's life happening in real-time,” she shares. Whether it’s the street vendors in Vietnam with their conical hats or the bustling bazaars filled with spices, these moments speak to Kate’s deep appreciation for the vibrancy of everyday life. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with the essence of Boheme Fragrances’ Wanderlust collection—each fragrance evoking a memory, a sense of place, and a feeling.
The Generosity of Strangers
One of Kate’s most cherished experiences is the profound connection she has found with people around the world. Living with host families, being invited to meals, and witnessing how strangers have opened their homes to her, she believes travel has shown her the best of humanity. “My host dad in Germany even has my name tattooed on his arm,” she says, still in awe of the bond formed during her exchange year as a teenager.
For Kate, the warmth and generosity of people are what make travel meaningful. “People who have the least are often the most willing to give. I’ve been embraced by strangers countless times—whether in Southeast Asia, South America, or Iran,” she notes. Her experience in Iran was particularly eye-opening: “The media paints such a negative picture, but Iranians are the kindest people I've met. The culture, the hospitality—it's nothing like what we’re told.”
Empowering Solo Travel
Solo travel has not only shaped Kate’s life but also empowered her in countless ways. She believes that traveling alone is one of the most transformative experiences anyone, especially women, can undertake. “The first step is to just do it,” she encourages. “Traveling solo forces you to navigate new environments, adapt, and grow more confident. You learn that you can do anything.”
Kate acknowledges the fears that many women face, especially when traveling alone, but she has found that with the right precautions—like choosing safe accommodations and staying aware—solo travel is incredibly rewarding. “You're never really alone. You always have the choice to meet people and create connections,” she says.
Creating New Adventures
Today, Kate is on a new journey—one of entrepreneurship. She’s building a travel content creation business, sharing her experiences, and planning group trips that aim to inspire others to see the world as she has. Her passion lies in creating opportunities for people to immerse themselves in cultures and experience the beauty of our planet firsthand.
Kate’s story is one of constant exploration—of both the world and herself. And her journey, filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of the places she’s visited, is a perfect reflection of Boheme Fragrances’ mission: to evoke the spirit of wanderlust and celebrate the beautiful diversity of the world through scent.
We wanted to know what Kate's favorite Bohème product was
Kate's Bohème Edit
Goa
$49
Several hundred kilometers south of Mumbai lies a beachside paradise so distinctly separate from its northern neighbor that it might be in a different universe altogether. The scent of bergamot sparkles like the sun over the Arabian Sea, energizing the mind while the warm blend of nag champa and white musk soothes the soul.
Roam More
ROAM by Bohème
Are you ready to be inspired by the adventurous spirit of women travelers from around the world? Welcome to "Roam by Boheme," an exciting new blog series that takes you on a journey through the eyes of inspiring women who have embarked on exciting adventures and explored fascinating destinations.