Thread Caravan x OUTLIERS
MEET caitlin
I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia but have called Oaxaca, Mexico home for the past 6 years. I am the founder of Thread Caravan, a travel company that hosts experiences centered around place-specific cultural crafts, with emphasis on textiles and ceramics.
When I’m not hosting Thread Caravan trips, I run a textile residency program in Oaxaca, called TEXERE, and an animal rescue project, Caravana Canina.
I love animals and nature, and learning about a place and its people through the lens of craft.
MEMORABLE TRIPS
BIG ISLAND, HAWAII — When I used to live on Maui, my partner at the time and I took a trip to the Big Island of Hawai’i. This trip was an adventure from the moment it started, a practice in letting go and enjoying the present moment. On our flight over, the airline lost our luggage, and said they’d be able to get it to us the next day. Luckily my partner had made friends with the local man next to him on the plane who invited us to stay at his family home for the night. Upon arriving, we learned that it was a family member’s birthday. There was a huge pig roast, a slip in slide, and very good vibes. We parted ways with them the next day and spent the rest of the week exploring the nature of the island, hiking the volcanoes and swimming with dolphins in a protected bay. The nature here is absolutely stunning, and we loved spending getting to know the people here too.
INDIA — The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know. India has a depth so profound and complex, I could spend years studying here and always have more to learn! I am particularly drawn to the textile history of the country, and meeting the artisans in their distinct communities.
CAMBODIA — I actually lived in Cambodia for a year. During my time based in Phnom Penh, I was fortunate to travel around to other parts of the country. In particular, I loved traveling to Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat and the other temples are located. I must have visited more than 5 times. By the third or fourth time, I’d already visited the big temples so instead I spent my time biking around to the lesser known sites, picnicking with friends under the banyan trees as monks passed by. Cambodia has a very recent traumatic past, yet there is so much beauty that survives to this day. If you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend visiting lesser known areas after the obligatory Siem Reap stop. For example, Chambok offers a rural homestay experience, and in Mondulkiri you can hike with elephants.
FAVOURITE STAYS
Rosemary — Marrakech
Jardin des Biehn — Fez, Morocco
Anzan Atitlán — Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
The Johri — Jaipur, India
Rosemary
A new hotel created by designer Laurence of LRNCE, it feels everything in this space was well considered and custom made, down to the music playlists in each of the 5 rooms.
Marrakech
Jardin des Biehn
If I could live in any hotel, I think it would be this one! The detailed design provides inspiration at every corner, and the lush gardens allow guests to spend the day enjoying the fresh air in one of the many green nooks.
Fez, Morocco
Anzan atitlán
Lake Atitlan is where our Thread Caravan trips first started, and it holds a special place in my heart. Anzan is run by a close friend Dita, who lives on site with her menagerie of rescue dogs and birds. It always feels like returning home when we stay in this beautiful place.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
The Johri
We are fortunate to host our Jaipur groups in this beautiful space! Another boutique hotel where absolutely every detail has been considered and custom-made, and the staff is amazing!
Jaipur, India
TRAVEL WISH LIST
BOLIVIA — After years of dreaming, we will be traveling to Bolivia in 2025 for a high mountain Andes trek in partnership with Las Cholitas Escaladoras. I am so excited to be immersed in these sacred mountains, guided by strong women, always admiring textiles.
LADAKH, INDIA — Another Thread Caravan trip that I am so excited to be launching this upcoming year! I got my first glimpse of the mighty Himalayas in 2022 and have been eager to go back ever since. In our August 2025 retreat, we will host a group in Ladakh as we work with local artisans to learn about the region’s sheep and yak fibers and weave textiles on the backstrap loom.
KARNATAKA, INDIA — Another place on my India wishlist. Northern Karnataka is home to an African-Indian population, the Siddi peoples, who create prolific applique embroidered quilts. Anitha Reddy is a great resource for learning more about Siddi quiltmaking. I hope to visit on my next trip to India.