Are you a traveler? Do you enjoy the routines of packing a bag (or in my case two!), waiting in lines at the airport, flying, hotels, eating out, exploring cities and towns you may or may not have been to before? Me personally, I love it, all of it. I love the rush of airports, the soothing hum of an airplane, walking into a hotel I’ve only skimmed online and hoping it’s everything I imagined, the unexpected tastes of eating at a new restaurant for the first time, and new experiences being created every single second.

Do you like to travel alone, with a buddy or with a group? I honestly don’t mind either, but sometimes traveling in those arranged tour groups can be a little..shall we say, awkward. The only group traveling I like is obviously with my crew! However, I think deep down I like traveling alone only because I can create my own itineraries and go and do what I want, when I want. On the other hand, there is something to say about being on a trip somewhere with someone as well. Whether it be family, a bestie, a significant other - there’s something to say about sharing those special moments of a trip and creating memories together that are SO different than they would be if you were to travel alone.

I have only visited 8 countries and it FEELS like I’ve traveled the world! There are so many places around the world that I’m itching to get to and I tell myself I need to just pull the trigger and do it! Honestly though, what am I waiting for?! I haven’t been abroad since 2013, so I think I’m due!

Countries I’ve Visited:

Mexico

China

France

United Kingdom

Germany

Spain

Italy

Switzerland

Favorite international travel experience? Hard to say because each trip has had so many great experiences and memories attached to them. One specifically that stands out to me would be traveling to China when I was SIXTEEN years old with my mom and a local dance group performing on a dance tour as a cultural exchange program with the Second Street Dancers. My mom sang, while I danced. I was fortunate enough to explore six different cities around the country, climb the Great Wall, see the Terra Cotta Soldiers, visit Tienanmen Square and witness the 2008 Olympics being advertised like CRAZY! It was 2001, right before 9/11 and before traveling changed forever. I was so lucky and thankful to have been able to enjoy that wonderful experience, not only overseas, but with my fabulous mother.

Not only do I enjoy traveling abroad, but I absolutely love exploring our wonderful country here within the United States. Not including the grand ol’ state of Cali, I’ve visited 15 states…which is PRETTY low for my standards. I most definitely want to make a better effort to travel more within the states considering our country holds so much beauty and adventure with just a fews hours of a plane ride away!

Hands down one of my favorite cities to visit over and over is Chicago. It never gets old and there is always adventure seeking around every corner. Why do I love it? Well, number reason is obviously the FOOD! Duh. Being a major foodie, Chicago has so many amazing restaurants to choose from and I can honestly say I haven’t been to the same place twice - unless intentionally planned!

My first stop is USUALLY Eataly. If you’ve never been, enjoy all things Italian or just straight up enjoy getting your mind blown, then you MUST put this on your to-do list while visiting. Eataly has become so popular that they just opened one in Last Vegas making that the sixth location in the U.S. of A.

One of the most memorable dining experiences I had was this past Summer at Topolobampo. This unbelievable restaurant is not only Michelin Starred, but a James Beard award recipient (among many other achievements) which to me is MIND BLOWING. To have dined in such a prestigious location was a complete honor. Have you ever seen Chef’s Table on Netflix? It was 100% like that. UNREAL.

So what’s next for me?

I’ve been dreaming of taking a desert oasis trip for awhile now, whether it be by myself to do much needed unwinding and soul-searching or to plan a girls trip and have a complete spa-filled, foodie-thrilled experience. I’ve had my eye on the Mii Amo Destination Spa in Sedona, AZ for quite some time and I’m getting REAL close to just booking it!

If I were to plan a trip abroad this year, I would LOVE to go to Marrakech, Morocco. That would be an absolute dream. I basically already have the trip planned out in my head, but would LOVE a traveling buddy for this adventure of a lifetime! There are just some places you need to experience with people and I believe deep down in my heart this is one of them. I feel like riding a camel alone would just be straight up depressing! LMAO!

La Mamounia, I see you…and I’m coming for you.