“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
Who Am I?
Hi! I’m Cari, a tax attorney/fellow lover of travel. When I am not exploring my home base of Chicago, I can be found traveling the world! I am typically planing three to four new trips – no matter how many trips we already have planned. And by planning, I mean planning! I know many travelers prefer to “wing it,” but I like to have a solid plan in place. That way, I can make the most of my short time away (like, knowing when things I want to see are closed). At the very least, I like to have a solid plan in case nothing better presents as an option – of course, I am also totally cool with trashing all of my plans and hitting up that “hip” local place instead of what was on my itinerary.
What’s the Deal with this Blog?
First of all, this is not a “I quit my job to travel full time and love it!” kind of blog. I have a job. And roots. And a very cute dog named Evie (after Rachel Weisz’s character in “The Mummy”). I just happen to really love to travel. I started this blog as a way to keep up with friends and family (*cough* my mom *cough*) as I traveled; however, over time it has morphed into something bigger.
Now, this has become a place where I keep all my best “Tips and Tricks” – including in the “Itineraries – and “Travel Store” sections in the top navigation bar. I hope that all my detailed planning over the years will help you sort out the finer details of your own trips (and maybe save you a few of the headaches I have gone through in the process).
That being said, if you aren’t interested in planning all the minutia, I’ve partnered with an amazing boutique luxury travel agency, MavenLuxe, whose travel specialist and affiliates can assist you. You can contact MavenLuxe directly here!
How Do I Make Time to Travel?
Many people ask me, “With a full-time job, how do you make time to travel?” While it’s not easy, but it’s important to me, so I make it work. I plan ahead, save my money, work hard while I am not on vacation, and make the most of my time while away.
I like to experience new places and cultures, and I am always on the search for the best local food, tours that will put me directly in contact with the locals, and the best activities possible so that I don’t waste what little holiday time I have.
Where Have I Been?
You will as easily find me staying at a five-star beach resort as an AirBnB, eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant as a local street vendor, and everything in between. I have been to all 50 states, over 40 countries, and, most noteworthy, all seven continents! (Don’t believe me on that last one? Check out my “Destinations” page.)
Where Do I Want to Go?
My travel wish list is always growing, and the current shortlist of my dream destinations includes:
– EUROPE: Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Iceland, Scotland, Norway
– AFRICA: Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana
– ASIA: Korea, Cambodia, UAE
– SOUTH AMERICA: Panama, Peru, the Galapagos, Colombia
– MIDDLE EAST: Oman, Egypt (Again)
– OCEANIA: New Zealand (North Island), Fiji
– NORTH AMERICA: Tulum, Mexico City, Montreal
– THE CARIBBEAN: St. Lucia, St. Barth’s
For a more detailed list, check out my “Wish List” page!
