Scottsdale, AZ – Meet Kathy Anderson, a spirited Arizona native, retired traveler, and cruise tourism enthusiast, with a passion for traveling the world by sea, art, and discovering hidden treasures across the globe. As The Port of Call Shopper, Kathy is celebrating her first year of documenting her journey to vibrant ports of call, where she uncovers the finest in local art, craftsmanship, fashion, food, and decor. Her cruises and travels this past year have taken her to 26 ports in 10 countries, including Alaska cruises, and her stories are quickly becoming a go-to source for travelers eager to experience waterfront travel destinations through the eyes of local artisans.
In 2023, Kathy blended her passion for boating and shopping, and her experience in the travel and retail industries into a one-of-a-kind mission. She travels the world’s waterways and shores in search of authentic, handmade creations that reflect the cultural heart of each destination. From the indigenous Alaskan arts of Ketchikan to the vivid rooster paintings of Key West and handcrafted Shaker brooms in Vancouver, her stories offer readers a rich cultural tapestry woven through the hands of local artists, crafters, and designers.
"Every port holds a story," says Kathy. "I’ve met incredible artisans whose work embodies the soul of their culture and sharing that with other travelers is a great joy."
To date, Kathy has published over 20 articles, highlighting everything from Huichol beadwork in Puerto Vallarta to hand-tooled leather in Santa Barbara, and breathtaking blown glass art in New Orleans. Each story brings to life the intricate process behind the artists’ creations, while also informing readers where to visit studios and galleries to personally witness the artists at work.
Travel trends support Kathy’s quest. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travelers are increasingly seeking out unique, local experiences—particularly those involving indigenous crafts and family-run businesses. Kathy’s writing taps into this retail trend, offering an authentic, first-hand look at the artisans and creators that define a region’s identity.
As she heads into her second year of writing, Kathy is charting new courses to ports in the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Latin America, including an enchanting holiday voyage through sparkling Christmas markets along the Danube River, from Prague to Vienna and Budapest. As a retired traveler, she is also excited about exploring more of Alaska's scenic coastlines through cruise tourism.
For Kathy, this journey is about much more than travel. "It’s about discovering each destination’s historic and traditional arts, many of which have been handed down from generation to generation," she shared. "Each artist I’ve met has an extraordinary story that is a true reflection of their talent.”
About Kathy Anderson
For over 26 years, Kathy was at the helm of Anderson Retail Tourism Marketing, a company that brought tourism marketing strategies to premier shopping centers and retailers across iconic U.S. cities and travel destinations. Renowned as a Retail Tourism Specialist, Kathy represented clients at travel trade shows and media marketplaces in over 23 countries on 4 continents. Now, she’s swapped the corporate world for the open seas, spending her days cruising, writing, and living aboard a 52-foot motor yacht with her husband, Scott, and rescue dog Cooper, in San Diego. Together, they’ve made a life on the water—a fitting environment for a woman who’s always cruising toward new horizons.
Media Contact
Name
Port Of Call Shopper
Contact name
Kathy Anderson
Contact phone
602-920-2482
Contact address
7878 N 16th Street Suite 221
City
Phoenix
State
AZ
Zip
85050
Country
United States
Url
https://www.portofcallshopper.travel
