I traveled to Europe for the first time in 2004. I know this sounds dramatic, but that trip changed my life. Ever since then, when I’m back home in Chicago, every time I look up in the sky at a plane passing over my head, I wonder what fabulous place on this big blue marble it’s headed to. I think about where I’ve been and the amazing things I’ve seen, and I feel a physical ache to be on that plane, heading toward another adventure.
Since I have yet to win the lottery, I sadly don’t have the means to travel everywhere I want to go, whenever I want, however I want. But I know that I am lucky to travel internationally at least once – sometimes twice – a year, with some domestic trips thrown in every now and then. I like to travel in style as much as possible, but I am conscious of how much I’m spending as well.
Anyway, as I mentioned before, that first trip in 2004 changed my life. It came about by happenstance: my aunt was invited to travel to Italy with some friends, and asked my mom and I if we wanted to come with. In short, the answer was a resounding “YES”. And let me tell you, it was like a drug. Although it didn’t happen for a few years, I started planning my next trip as soon as I got back home from that first one. Since then, I’ve traveled back to Italy six times, and have also been to Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Poland, France, England, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Brazil and Argentina.
I love talking about travel. Seriously, if you get me started, you won’t be able to shut me up! I enjoy sharing my experiences and helping people plan their own travel adventures…and that is what I would like to do with you, my dear readers.
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