Most asked questions
Where have you been?
Living in Europe has allowed me to explore many European countries (my goal is to visit all of them!). In fact, I’ve seen more European countries than US states…and I was born & raised in Michigan.
So here’s where I’ve been in Europe:
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegonia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K. (England, Scotland and Wales) and Vatican City.
Outside of Europe, I have visited:
Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Vietnam
What is your favorite country?
Honestly, this is a nearly impossible question to answer. I have something positive to say about everywhere I have visited. But, if I had to choose one country it would either be Switzerland or Norway. Switzerland has been my favorite since I first visited in 2018. This summer (2023) I visited the Lofoten Islands in Norway and it was the first place that gave the Swiss Alps a run for their money!
I also have to give an honorable mention to my home state of Michigan. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit but spent my summers in Northern Michigan, or “up north” as we Michiganders call it. And this spot–“up north”–is beyond special to me. Perhaps it’s because it’s home to me and my family is there but objectively, I think it’s gorgeous. No matter how many places I visit around the world, “up north” will always top my list <3
How often do you travel?
Almost every weekend (and yes, it’s as exhausting as it sounds!!) These are all shorter trips, with either a cheap Ryainair flight or couple hour drive. Aside from that, we take a handful of bigger week or two-long trips each year. During these trips we try to hit multiple countries/cities! It’s a constant go go go over here!
What tips do you have for first-time travelers?
Just travel. Often times the hardest part is booking that international ticket, getting a passport or wrapping your mind around being somewhere unfamiliar. But all of your fears will be put to rest once you embark on your journey. Now, I’m not saying that every trip, and especially not your first trip, will be all sunshine and rainbows. BUT it will teach you something. Maybe about another culture, environment or most likely, about yourself. This is why my number one travel tip is to just do it! And to keep realistic expectations, don’t expect the “Insta perfect” trip but that doesn’t mean that it won’t be exactly what you need.
Where and when was your first international trip?
Jamaica! I was 6 years old when I traveled with my parents, brother, aunt, uncle & cousins to Jamaica. I still have memories of climbing a waterfall, swimming in the salt water and exploring with my cousin.
My first international trip as an adult was a month-long Europe trip with my three college besties. In July 2016, the summer after my first year as a teacher, we flew from Chicago to Europe for a whirlwind adventure! We crammed Dublin, London, Barcelona, Athens, Venice, Florence & Rome into our trip. I look back now at how naive of a traveler I was at the time, but this trip started to shape my outlook on international travel. The memories from this trip are ones I will cherish for a lifetime!
Where did you travel for your honeymoon?
This question is a bit tough to answer, as my husband and I had always dreamed of honeymooning in Mauritius. However, that world event in 2020 had other plans…after postponing our wedding to 2021, we hoped we would be able to have our dream. honeymoon…but restrictions were still too tough for Mauritius. This led us to pivot and honeymoon on the Greek Islands. While I still want to visit Mauritius one day, I have to say our Greek honeymoon was incredible! We spent a week on Crete, before visiting Santorini, Milos, Paros & Santorini again (3 nights each). Between the Greek hospitality, beautiful September weather and fantastic activities, we had the trip of a lifetime! Highly recommend visiting the Greek islands for your honeymoon…or just because 🙂