What's been your most unexpectedly memorable travel experience, and why did it stand out among all your adventures?

I went to Paris by myself after I graduated college and stayed in a hostel. I met fellow travelers and we all went to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle as we drank wine on the grass and traded travel stories. The next day I spent strolling the Champs-Élysées and pretending I could afford all the wondrous fashion that lined the streets.  It was my first time in a new country, completely on my own, no friends, family or tour group. I remember ordering a baguette and cheese platter, sat overlooking the city and just thinking, I’m okay by myself.

If you could magically transport someone reading this to one destination you've visited, which one would it be and why?

Kenya was one for the ages! We did a 3 day safari over 2 parks and saw every one of the Big 5, including many more animals. It made me feel small in the best ways possible to be among animals in their natural habitat. We even got to see a pride of lions feasting on a buffalo. It was something I wouldn’t have sought out to see, but it was humbling to see these beautiful creatures exactly as they were meant to be. If the safaris weren’t magical enough, once we were safely in our tent (and I use tent loosely because it had 2 full queen beds), it started pouring rain. It was the perfect way to be lulled to sleep by the sound of rain hitting the roof.

Many travelers have a bucket list of destinations. What's one place you haven't been to yet that's at the very top of your list, and what draws you to it?

Well I hope to visit every continent, yes even Antarctica, if possible, so I truly hope to be “headed everywhere”. But one place I would love to experience is the Iguazu Falls. I haven’t been to South America yet, but had a friend tell me it’s breathtakingly gorgeous. It also seems like a place that would be unlike anything I’ve ever seen before in my life, and maybe never would again.

Traveling offers countless opportunities for breathtaking views. Can you describe a moment when you were truly awe-struck by the beauty of your surroundings?

One of my truly awe-stuck moments traveling was also a place that I hadn’t even heard of until I started looking for places to stop along a road-trip through New Mexico. White Sands National Park was stunning and unlike anything else I’ve ever seen in the US. White sand stretches as far as the eye can see, you can even rent sleds to slide down. Travel tip: if you visit drive all the way to the back of the park for the biggest all white dunes!

Many travelers have a favorite travel accessory or gadget that they swear by. What's one item you never leave home without, and how has it enhanced your travel experiences?

I won’t travel with a portable fast charger. I want to make sure I can stay in the moment as much as possible when in a new place. This charger makes sure I can stay on the go for as long as I want because I usually have a plan when traveling but like to leave a few moments open, so I can say yes to something spur the moment if it calls me!