Exploring Life & Business with Kendyl Grender of Kendyl Travels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendyl Grender.

Hi Kendyl, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When people ask how I got started as a travel content creator, I usually laugh and say, “I was in a quarter-life crisis, crying in my car on the way to work, so I gave it everything I had to change my life.” It sounds dramatic, sure—but it’s also the truth.

Like a lot of people, COVID forced me to slow down. For the first time since college, I had the space to really think about what I wanted out of life. And once I did, I couldn’t unsee it: the 8-to-5 grind, working for someone else five days a week, was draining me. I tried to push through, but by 2021, when we returned to the office, I was crying in my car before walking in every morning. That’s when I knew—this life wasn’t for me.

What I did know was that I loved travel. I used every bit of PTO to take trips abroad, squeezing long weekends in Mexico and week-long getaways to Europe out of my modest budget. Over the years, I got really good at stretching our dollars—using travel points, hunting for deals, and planning dream trips on a budget. Even with a household income under $100k, my husband and I made travel a priority.

So when I hit that emotional breaking point at work, everything just… clicked. I had knowledge to share, a passion I couldn’t ignore, and a deep desire to build a life on my own terms. I hesitantly posted my first Instagram Reel. I started a blog. And then I committed to a year-long project called Europe for Free, where I documented how I was saving up points and miles to quit my job and take a five-week trip across Europe with my husband.

That project gave me purpose—and a reason to keep showing up, even when it was hard or awkward (especially as an introvert trying to talk on camera). I worked long hours, doing both my day job and building something on the side. But I knew I wanted travel to be my career. So I kept going.

Everything shifted during that Europe trip in May 2022. For the first time, people started following along. Brands reached out. I earned my first $100. And while it wasn’t life-changing money, it was proof of concept. That was the moment I realized—this could actually work.

Now, over two years later, I host group trips and retreats around the world with strangers-turned-friends. I coach others on how to travel more for less. My blog earns passive income. And I consult with businesses too, helping them reach travel-savvy audiences.

It’s taken a lot of grit and late nights, but I’ve built a career I love—and a life that finally feels like mine.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been so many moments where I considered quitting—whether it was imposter syndrome creeping in or the financial instability that comes with building something from the ground up. I still face struggles today, just different ones than when I first started.

In the beginning, I genuinely didn’t think I was cut out for this. I’m a private person. I keep a small circle. I’m not naturally outgoing, and the idea of talking about myself on camera felt…exposing. It made me feel naked in a way I wasn’t used to. Putting your story out there, especially in such a vulnerable way, is uncomfortable—and for me, it took a long time to even feel okay doing it.

Imposter syndrome hasn’t gone away, even as I’ve built a loyal and engaged audience. I’ll look around and think, “How did I get here? Do I even deserve this?” When someone signs up for one of my group trips, my first thought is still, “Wait—they want to spend time with me?” Even with glowing reviews and genuine connection, those thoughts linger.

These days, the challenges have shifted. I’m focused on finding a financially sustainable path while staying true to my values—especially when it comes to ethical tourism and responsible content creation.

I care deeply about how we show up in the world as travelers. When you visit a place, you’re a guest in someone else’s culture. That matters. And it frustrates me how often I see travel creators ignoring that—overcrowding already over-toured spots, partnering with companies that exploit local communities, or chasing a perfect photo at the expense of respecting the people who live there.

I want to show a different approach: one that’s thoughtful, intentional, and community-oriented. But the reality is, it’s hard to balance that with the demands of SEO and social media algorithms. There’s always a tension between creating content that’s searchable and shareable…and creating content that aligns with your values.

And on top of that, I’m still navigating how to make a stable income. Yes, I’m paying myself now—but I haven’t quite found the perfect model. I’ve realized brand deals aren’t the answer for me long-term. I’m picky about who I work with—I only share products or services I actually believe in—and honestly, much of the influencer space feels performative. So lately, I’ve been building toward more independent revenue streams. I want a business I can control—one that feels honest and aligned.

So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Kendyl Travels is more than a travel brand—it’s a space built on the belief that incredible travel experiences don’t have to be expensive, overwhelming, or out of reach. I help people travel better for less through approachable content, honest advice, and a deeply intentional approach to tourism.

At its core, Kendyl Travels is about empowering others to see the world in a way that’s financially accessible and socially responsible. I specialize in budget travel strategies, award travel using points and miles, group trips and retreats, and crafting immersive itineraries that go beyond the basic tourist checklist.

What sets Kendyl Travels apart is that I don’t just preach cheap travel—I live it. I’ve built this brand by showing exactly how my husband and I travel on a budget with transparent pricing for every trip, and I continue to share the same strategies with my community. I care just as much about how we travel as where we go. That means everything from promoting ethical travel practices and respecting local cultures to avoiding over-tourism and working only with partners and brands I truly believe in.

I’m probably best known for breaking down complex travel strategies—like using travel credit cards or booking award flights—into something that actually makes sense. My audience knows I’m not trying to sell them a dream, I’m here to give them the tools to make their own dream trip happen.

In addition to my travel content, I offer group trips and retreats around the world that are designed to bring like-minded travelers together in community—not just for sightseeing, but for meaningful shared experiences. I also coach individuals one-on-one who want to learn how to use points and miles to make travel more sustainable in their lives.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that people trust me. They trust that the advice I give is honest, that the trips I lead are thoughtfully designed, and that I will always prioritize people and purpose over profit. And that’s exactly how I want it to stay.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is helping people believe that they can live the life they want—especially when it comes to travel.

When I tell people about all the places I’ve been and the experiences I’ve had, the response is almost always the same: “I wish I could do what you do.” And more often than not, that’s immediately followed by a reason why they can’t—usually time or money.

That’s what drives me now: helping people realize that they don’t have to be rich or retired or “lucky” to see the world. You don’t need to quit your job or wait for the perfect moment. You just need the right tools, some creativity, and the belief that it’s worth prioritizing.

What matters most to me is breaking down those mental and financial barriers that hold people back from living fully. I want to show that travel can be intentional, ethical, and accessible—because everyone deserves to feel the kind of joy, wonder, and connection that travel brings. And so many people want it but they just don’t know how to access it.

And if I can help someone take their first trip, book that dream flight with points, or just believe that it’s possible for them too—that’s the most rewarding part of all of this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kendyltravels.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendyltravels
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kendyltravels