Aaron Gorin

Aaron Gorin of Cedar Grove Partners, LLC

Growing a business in New York is arguably one of the toughest feats an entrepreneur can take up. The reason why is the fact that this market is filled with aspiring businessmen and women that drive the competition levels up. Nevertheless, an individual that was able to overcome these barriers to entry and still establish a respectable venture is Aaron Gorin. His company, Cedar Grove Partners, LLC, specializes in real estate investment. 

As an experienced professional who has worked in economics, finance, and venture capital, Aaron Gorin brings a diverse body of experience. His skills and versatility allow him to effortlessly navigate the market and build fruitful relationships that culminate in profitable transactions. Hence how he was able to thrive even when facing tough competition. 

Do you enjoy traveling?

I do! It is one of my favorite hobbies that allows me to relax and refuel. Unfortunately, I do not get to do it as much as I would like due to my schedule. For instance, the last time I traveled for leisure was a year or two ago. Nevertheless, I still get to see new places within the USA as a part of my business model.

Does your work ever require you to travel outside of New York?

Yes, since many of my properties are located across the US, I am travelling frequently. I also travel frequently for out-of-state conferences, investor summits, and other industry events as well.

What was your favorite location that you visited recently?

My favorite location from these past few years would have to be Charlotte, North Carolina. As a natural-born New Yorker, most of my traditions and upbringing habits are completely different from some of the common ones in the South. So, I always enjoy getting to visit those regions and learn about our differences.

Moreover, going to Charlotte was fun simply because of the fact that the city itself is extraordinary. From the rich downtown area all the way to the gorgeous surrounding regions, there are innumerable attractions that people can visit. Not to mention that this part of North Carolina in particular, is slowly growing into the latest business epicenter where some of the largest companies are building their headquarters.

Where would you advise people to travel at least once in their life?

Although I may be a little biased, I genuinely think that everyone should visit New York City at least once. Whether it is for business or pleasure does not matter. Getting the opportunity to come to the Big Apple and witness our style of life is a one-of-a-kind experience. Additionally, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique destinations that exist in the world. So, even someone who is a seasoned traveler will be able to see things that they have never seen before.

Besides New York, I think that people who are in a position to do so should visit some of the popular cities in Europe. A great example would be the capital of France, Paris. I doubt that Paris needs much introduction, however, as most people are well aware of the things that it has to offer. Other notable destinations, in my opinion, are Barcelona, Rome, and Zurich.

Do you have any trips planned in the near future?

Not at the moment. Cedar Grove Partners, LLC is currently cycling out of a busy period that it has been under for almost a year. In fact, it seems unlikely that business will slow for long, as the number of projects just keeps increasing. So, given how busy my schedule has been thus far, I cannot say that planning for travel is easy. 

Nevertheless, I do intend on taking a few days off this year to go somewhere within the U.S. The most realistic scenario for accomplishing this is to take some time off during the summer and go to the West Coast. I have never visited Portland, for example, and I have been interested in going there for many years now. So, I think that my next trip will be to Oregon. 

rakesh-sarna

Rakesh Sarna

Rakesh Sarna is a travel industry professional with nearly 40 years of experience in hospitality. His unique perspective on travel makes him a valuable resource both for consumers and for industry members. Sarna’s father served in the Indian Foreign Service, giving him a broad experience of the world starting at a young age. 

After graduating from high school in India, Sarna went to Algonquin College in Canada to study Hospitality Administration. He then entered the field of hospitality by getting a job with Hyatt. With Hyatt, he traveled around the world and gained a wealth of experience. He worked for Hyatt for over 35 years and was able to hone his skills in management and customer service. 

Rakesh Sarna shares his thoughts on travel with readers, bringing to bear his many years of hospitality experience. 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I enjoy experiencing different cultures. I have been traveling the world since I was quite young, and experiencing a new culture never fails to amaze me. I enjoy the challenge of adapting a hotel or restaurant’s services to fit in with the local culture. 

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

Traveling is most certainly a lifestyle for me. I have spent much of my life going back and forth between cities and regions of the world. My work has taken me to many unique locations spanning North America, the Caribbean, Middle East, Pacific, Asia, Europe and South Asia to name a few. I got started traveling at a young age because my father was in the Foreign Service. We moved often, and while this could be upsetting for a young child, I grew accustomed to the changes. My parents were careful to help me adapt to each new place, reducing the chance of culture shock. 

Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?

I am headed to Australia in the coming months. It is a beautiful country with amazing topography and incredible food. My wife and I have always enjoyed traveling to Australia. 

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Don’t be afraid to engage with the local culture. It’s sad to visit a new city and stay within the confines of your hotel or resort. If you can, engage the services of a local guide to help you explore the city. The local guide will help you get past the cultural barriers and help you enjoy your trip. 

Also, it is important to make sure that all of your travel documents are up-to-date. International immigration standards have only gotten tighter in the past several years. 

Where would you like to go?

There aren’t very many corners of the world that I haven’t yet explored. I feel very fortunate to have visited such a broad spectrum of countries. That being said, I haven’t explored South America in great depth. This is something my wife and I need to correct soon.  

Where would you like to revisit?

I have a wide variety of cities that I would love to see again. Interlaken in Switzerland is a little gem of a city in the midst of the Alps. It provides a perfect base of operations for travelers who want to experience the Swiss countryside. It has beautiful hotels and a wide variety of quality restaurants. 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I rarely travel alone these days. My wife comes with me on all of our major trips. I frequently traveled alone while I was working. I am used to traveling alone and I don’t mind it, but every trip is better with my wife by my side.

If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?

It is challenging to narrow this list down to three. I believe that everyone should see Hong Kong, London, and San Francisco. Hong Kong has an amazingly vibrant blend of cultures and a food scene that has to be seen to be believed. London has centuries of history available to be explored. San Francisco is the gem of the Pacific coast with a laid-back yet sophisticated world view. 

Do you travel light, or do you pack up the house?

I have always traveled light. It is an ingrained habit learned in early childhood. We moved so much, there was never time to acquire a lot of belongings, so I learned to carry only the essentials. Sometimes I do run into a situation where I need to buy something on my trip.

mark hanrahan

Mark Hanrahan

Mark Hanrahan is the founder of Markmel Co. and a career-long businessman with experience in accounting, finance, and real estate. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting. Afterward, he immediately went to a graduate program and obtained his master’s degree in 1994 from Drake University. 

Although Mr. Hanrahan’s career began in accounting once he passed the CPA exam, this is not the field where he achieved the peak of his success. Instead, he eventually switched to the real estate market and left Carney, Alexander, and Marold CPAs. As soon as he started working with passive income sources, Mark Hanrahan realized that investing in properties is his second nature. Thus, he was able to learn the ins and outs of the industry relatively fast. 

Naturally, one of Mr. Hanrahan’s primary focuses revolves around business objectives. Nevertheless, he is a family man who enjoys spending time with his wife. Additionally, as a father of one, he often has to balance work-life responsibilities through complex scheduling. Fortunately, a long track record of organizational skills and planning has allowed him to multitask to a point of perfection. 


How hard is it to balance all of your real estate responsibilities with your at-home life?


Right now, it is not as hard. The reason why is the fact that I have been doing it for a long time. In the beginning, however, I used to struggle as I did not know how to prioritize my time properly. Well, unfortunately, there are only about 10 to 12 hours that you can spend working every day. From my experience, anything above that reaches a point of diminishing returns as you are too exhausted to have good output and your efficiency falls. So, I tend to limit my working hours to about 12 per day at the absolute max. 

The problem with this approach is the fact that I sometimes have much more work than I can truly complete within the aforementioned timeframe. So, I used to make the mistake of taking time away from my family and using my time at home to address business issues. Now, I never do that as it leads to things like conflict and depression. 


Do you ever have time for yourself and if so, what do you like doing?


Definitely. If I did not, I would not be as productive as I am. Whenever I do find the time, I like to travel. The great thing about doing that is the fact that I can take my family with me! So, my personal time turns into family time and that is even better. 


How common is depression in business?


It is more common than most people think. People from all industries often struggle with depression because they set their expectations too high. As a consequence, they repeatedly fail to reach their objectives and end up thinking less of themselves. I personally saw incredibly smart businessmen and women whose careers fell into a rut due to issues with confidence and positivity brought on by severe depression. 


What is one way to treat depression that has proven successful for those around you?


I think that traveling is a very good way to focus on something other than the factors that led to depression. The reason why is that going to a new place and meeting people is a great way to escape reality for a little bit. Additionally, traveling is a great way to experience adventures and make life-long memories that can be revisited through photos. That way, one might be able to escape their depression again at a later point by remembering the experience. 


Where should people who might be struggling with these types of issues travel to?


Well, I do not exactly have a specific list of locations that one can visit on their journey to recovery. After all, everyone is different, and they will have varying preferences. Some people, for instance, enjoy going to warm regions where they can swim, tan, and so on. Others, however, may prefer hiking on mountain tops. In the end, the key is to go somewhere where the person can find comfort. Those who still do not know what that place would be can simply research what would be a good fit for their personality and desires.

Eric Dalius

Eric Dalius

Eric Dalius is a retired real estate and marketing professional based in Miami, Florida but with homes throughout the U.S. His philanthropic organization, the Eric J. Dalius Foundation, helps to relieve some of the inequality surrounding higher education. He attended Penn State University and graduated with a marketing degree in 1992. His financial success enabled him to retire early and to start his foundation. 

Eric Dalius believes that all students should have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. His strong principles ensure that his scholarship recipients will have successful lives in the future. 

Dalius is a seasoned traveler who enjoys journeys around the world. He shares his travel experiences with readers and relates some of his favorite destinations and activities. 


What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love to see all of the different sights and landscapes around the world. I am especially inspired by nature and by great architecture. The journey itself is not always enjoyable, but it’s always worth it when I get there.


Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

Travel is a hobby for me. The Eric J. Dalius Foundation  keeps me busy in Miami Beach much of the time. I like to get away from Florida’s heat in the summers. Last summer, I took an Alaskan cruise with friends. That was a nice change, but I was glad to come home.

I got my start in traveling right after I graduated from Penn State. I took a few months during the summer after graduation and traveled around Europe by myself. I took the train most of the time and stayed in hostels. It was a fun trip and I made friends along the way. 


Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?

I am hoping to get to Hong Kong at some point in the near future. I have friends in the area, and they have wanted me to visit them for a while now.


What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Make sure that you make copies of your passport, driver’s license, and other important travel documents. It’s much easier to get them replaced if you have photocopies. I lost my wallet and passport on two separate occasions. I had bad luck that year. I also recommend carrying a neck wallet for your passport. That would have kept me from losing mine, though I suppose it wouldn’t have helped with my wallet.


Where would you like to go?

I am excited to travel to Italy this summer. I thought that would be a nice change from Florida. I’m fascinated to be in a place where the sun never sets at night. I would like to try the food in some of the smaller towns in Italy, I’ve heard it is great.


Where would you like to revisit?

I would like to go back to Seattle. The seafood and coffee are outstanding. It’s a fun and relaxed city with so much natural beauty close by.


Do you travel alone? Why?

When I travel, I generally travel alone. Often, I meet friends at my destination. I like the quiet of traveling alone, and I like to read or sleep on planes. I am a sociable person, but I do need time to myself.


If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?

I would recommend that everyone visit New York City, especially if they are interested in food. The variety is amazing. There are also so many places in Asia that are worth a visit. Miami, as well, is another place I would recommend.


Do you travel light, or do you pack up the house?

I am a light traveler. I try to pack as few clothes as possible. I don’t like checking bags, so I have a compact roll-aboard suitcase. Since I fly first class, I never have a problem finding a place for my carry-on. I know that can be very frustrating when you are flying coach. Sometimes I don’t pack enough and end up having to buy things at my destination. Someday I will learn the right balance between underpacking and overpacking.

Nate Armstrong of Home Invest

Nate Armstrong of Home Invest

Nate Armstrong is a career-long investor who specialized in real estate. He currently works as the chair for Home Invest in Illinois. Before rising to this position, he worked at Target. Whilst there, he focused on managing north of $2 million worth of various improvements to the company. More importantly, he led a team that contained 120 members and achieved the highest productivity level within the building in less than seven months. 

Nate Armstrong got his bachelor’s degree from Saint John’s University where he also co-founded the Premium Painting organization. His efforts were recognized when he received the Minnesota Collegiate Entrepreneur of the Year award. Thus, his business-based ideas came to life long before he even entered the entrepreneurial industry. 


What do you think are some of the main reasons for your success as an investor?


I think that my career has been a perfect combination of patience and discipline mixed with a lot of luck and dedication. In other words, there is no clear-cut list that shows all the factors that played a role in my success. After all, I have been in this field for many years now and every accomplishment was a byproduct of something different. For instance, my success at Target was directly related to my leadership and communication skills as I managed a large team. Here at Home Invest, however, I have to focus more on my investing intuition and knowledge of the market. Regardless, if I had to pick a few skills that I value the most, it would certainly be the four that I mentioned. 


Would you agree with the statement that investors are made, not born?


Absolutely! Frankly speaking, I do not believe in investors that are simply born with a talent for this job. The reason why is the fact that investing quite literally changes from year to year and it is borderline impossible to know what you are doing absent a lot of education and training. So, although one can definitely have some killer instincts that make them capture profitable deals fast, I do not see any skills that cannot be taught. 


How difficult is it to train oneself in such a volatile industry? Especially for those who may not have the natural instincts that you mentioned?


Well, I would not label it as “difficult” for a few different reasons. The most important one is the fact that those who want to be investors will enjoy the training and education stages. Thus, they should not be bothered by the potential level of difficulty or similar factors. Instead, the training should be something that makes them want to work in this field even more. 


What are some of the main areas of concern for newcomers to this market?


The risk of failure and a potential loss of capital is probably the most worrisome concern. After all, nobody likes to be a victim of an economic downturn and lose a lot of their portfolio’s value. Nevertheless, the sooner that one realizes that they will eventually lose money, the more likely they are to overcome this adversity. Also, people who are just beginning here should beware of a lot of competition that comes from all sides. Just consider, for instance, how many other investors there are in the market. So, you may have to go into bidding wars or tough negotiations in order to earn sizeable returns. 


What do you think is a good starting point before getting into large purchases and complex financing?


Well, obviously make sure to get some college education that teaches you the basics of business. I stress this due to the fact that it will help understand things like financing, taxation, accounting, and similar. Then, look for a mentor who can make the process of entering the field more seamless. Ultimately, simply find a property that you would like to own and look for some of the most common factors that indicate potential profitability. 

These include things like a good location that is in an up-and-coming area, decent price, solid structure, and so on. Be prepared to negotiate with financial institutions who will often have to back you up on your first purchase with financing. In the end, just listen to your gut and back up every decision with a plethora of research.

David Simonini of Simonini Group

David Simonini

David Simonini is a luxury home builder based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His projects in the Carolinas are well known for quality and innovative design. He has been instrumental in bringing the New Urbanism style to Charlotte, as well as European influences. His homes have been built in some of the most prestigious communities in the city. 

His company is currently building a low-income apartment complex in Lancaster, South Carolina. The project takes advantage of the new Trump Opportunity Zones and will bring quality rental units to the affordable housing market. He is also working on a luxury home development called Rea Court. This development features 10 homes with 6 different floor plans, priced from the mid-$500s. David Simonini continues to be an influential figure among home builders in the American South. 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite aspect of traveling is being inspired by architectural ideas. Every time I travel to a new city, I take the time to research local architectural styles and to view special buildings. I take a lot of inspiration from European buildings in particular. 

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

International travel is a hobby for me. Domestically, I am often on the road traveling to see my developments across the South. I believe that putting in face time at construction sites encourages my workers to do a better job. 

I got my start with international travel when I visited Italy in the 1990s. I am of Italian heritage, so it was exciting to see the country in person. I drew much of my inspiration for new architectural styles from the buildings of Italy. I think that international travel is broadening to the mind. I wish I had more time to spend on travel. 

Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?

I am planning a trip to San Francisco. I will be visiting friends and networking with building professionals and architects. I plan to get out and about in the countryside as well. I hope to get to Napa Valley while I am there. 

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Don’t be too stuck on your itinerary. Give yourself time and space to explore and follow your inspiration. It is smart to make hotel reservations ahead of time to save money, but within a city, you should definitely take the time to get the lay of the land. It’s more fun that way, and you may find inspiration. 

I would also advise people visiting Europe to stay in small bed-and-breakfasts rather than in chain hotels which are the same everywhere you go. Staying in smaller properties gives you a better idea of how the people live and brings you an insider view of the city. 

Where would you like to go?

I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. I’m fascinated with the history of the island and its amazing landscapes. My wife and I recently took our first cruise to  Alaska  . I highly recommend that as well .

Where would you like to revisit?

I would love to return to Rome. Rome is a gracious city which balances old and new. The food in Rome is amazing. I feel a special connection to Italy since my family came from there. 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I often take work trips alone to concentrate . My family would be bored with the length of

time I spend in research. I  also spend a lot of time in  business meetings while I travel, so anyone who goes with me has to be prepared to spend a lot of time independently. Of course I spend equal amounts of time on family vacations. Family is very important to me.

If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?

I would recommend that everyone visit Rome, Vienna, and Barcelona. Barcelona, in particular, has the most incredible architecture. Every building is inspired. 

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I am a moderate packer when I travel. I have to bring business clothes, so I don’t have the option of packing only comfortable travel wear. I like to leave enough room in my luggage for purchases I may make on the road. I often have artwork and decorative items shipped home.

Jonah Engler

Jonah Engler

Jonah Engler
Jonah Engler

Jonah Engler is a spirited philanthropist with a selfless passion for giving. Most of his travels consist of business ventures, but he does take the chance to get out and about abroad. When he has the opportunity, Jonah brings the family out to experience wonderful destinations throughout the world. As a young man, Jonah was exposed to the world of charities and has continued that passion into adulthood. Building numerous charities from the ground up, Jonah is a busy individual, yet finds time to donate his time and money to other charities he believes in. Jonah takes a unique approach to his charities through his philosophies and experience. His methods frequently allow Jonah to travel to many destinations. Throughout much of his travel, experiencing local humanities is important at heart. Jonah loves to experience different types of local and gourmet foods and drinks. He makes it a point to share his many experiences with the world. Jonah personifies the eclectic, smooth entrepreneur combined with a down to earth family man.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I thoroughly enjoy seeing the world in a different light. I like learning about other cultures, meeting new people, trying new food, especially the ladder. I love food

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

Definitely more of a lifestyle, because trying new foods, drinks, and people are my hobbies. In order to accomplish my hobbies, I must have travelling as a lifestyle.

Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?

Yes, my children and I are taking an exciting trip to Italy.

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Some general rules I try to stick to are always have an itinerary, try to stay away from high-traffic tourist areas, and always have a back-up plan. Those are some basic guidelines to follow when travelling anywhere.

Where would you like to go?

I have been to almost every major metropolitan city, so now I would like to expand further into more remote locations. I think a nice trip to parts of Indonesia would make an excellent destination next.

Where would you like to revisit?

Paris, I will never get tired of visiting that beautiful place

Do you travel alone? Why?

Not always, it really depends on the situation and the destination. I try my best to involve my family because they are my favorite people and why not include them?

If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?

Paris, because the obvious (chuckles), New York, because everyone should experience it at least once, and Hong Kong, because it has the best of both worlds, extravagant city scape and breathtaking natural views.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I pack as light as possible, but my wife however… (chuckles) sometimes I have to talk her out of bringing things.

Jacques Poujade

Jacques Poujade, Managing Partner at LendPlus, works hard in the financial industry. When not working, he can be found helping out a local non-profit called Micah’s Way. Even when traveling, he is constantly checking in on the company remotely. Modern technology has made that a lot easier, which is why he is enjoying travel more than ever. He recently answered a few questions about his travels so far in his life, what the future holds, and more.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love learning things about new cultures. There are just so many different types of people all around the world, and sometimes it is easy to get caught up in your own little area. I’m fortunate to live in a pretty diverse part of California, but getting a chance to see different states and different countries is special.

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

I would say it is a little bit of both. Sometimes, people can get caught up in traveling to try to show off to others. I’ve never been about that though. It is much more of a hobby to me. Simply put, I go where I want to go, regardless of if it is a super trendy spot or not.

My first taste of travel came when I was younger. We traveled some as a family, but I’ve been fortunate to do most of my traveling in my adult life.

Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?

Skiing has never been my thing, but I’m planning a trip to Colorado very soon. We’ll see how that goes. It is a short little trip for me since it’s only a couple of states over. I don’t have my next big trip planned, but somewhere in Europe this summer sounds like a good idea.

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

This might be the financial side of me, but above all else, stay within your means. There is nothing wrong with traveling on a budget, staying at hostels, eating cheap food and more. I’ve done that before and no one should be above that. Traveling is about the experience of a new part of the country or world, so it can still be enjoyable.

On a related note, shop around for good flight prices. There are so many different websites now that list the best deals. That is a major expense when it comes to traveling, so if you can save there, everything is much better.

Where would you like to go?

I haven’t really seen much in Australia just yet in my life. It takes a long, long time to get there, so I might need to find a way to get enough vacation time to really make that work.

Where would you like to revisit?

I’ve been to Paris a couple times, but there is still a lot to do in that city. It is really just such a huge city that you probably need at least a month do it all. Maybe that will be where I head to this summer now that I think about it.

Do you travel alone? Why?

Sometimes. I think it is important to travel alone at times, because it gives you the opportunity to reflect and find out who you are as a person. Of course, traveling with loved ones is also a great experience. There is a better chance of making memories that last a lifetime as far as that goes.

If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?

I’ll pick one place in the United States first. The cliché answer might be New York City, but I’m going to go with Miami. I just see Miami as such a different, unique city to the rest of the country. It’s a melting pot with so many cultures.

For Europe, I’ve already mentioned Paris a lot, so I’ll go with that. Just one of the best cities in the world.

For my final city, I’ll say Tokyo. For those who haven’t been, just think of New York City on steroids. You’ll definitely be amazed with how populated it is.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

Always travel as light as possible. This allows for less baggage fees, and more opportunity to buy unique items while visiting a new area.

David-Buck

David Buck

David-Buck

David Buck espouses all the makings of an entrepreneur looking to transform his horticultural domain. The35-year old Oregon native holds a degree in horticulture. He studied at the flagship University of Oregon, which is top rated on programs like Business, Physics, Chemistry and Agriculture. With his education, David Buck, Apple Farmer went on to establish an orchid farm specializing in growing apples. Before making the move, Buck worked at local wineries, vineyards and State Parks. Platoons of farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs regularly visit Buck’s farm to learn about Sustainable Horticultural Research, Urban Horticulture andViticulture and Enology. His lessons in urban horticulture are designed to help entrepreneurs appreciate the investment opportunities that exist in vineyards, orchards, and sustainable farming.

One area that has caught the eye of many young farmers is therapeutic horticulture. The therapeutic brim of horticulture can be harnessed to assist people with mental and physical challenges, learn how to cope and gain crucial life skills. The program is mostly targeted at caregivers working in healthcare facilities and patients recuperating from various illnesses. Buck’s decision to choose farming was largely as a result of the passion to transform lives and encourage modern farming techniques. In spite of his busy schedule, Buck always finds time to associate with other farmers. He is a proud member of the Future Farmers of America among other associations. Away from his busy work schedule, David Buck Apple Farmer enjoys gardening, traveling and volunteering.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

The flexible work schedule gives me the freedom to explore the world beyond and around me. With the experience, I have had the opportunity to learn diverse history and culture and eat out at different places. The other enticements include meeting new faces and documenting my travel adventures.

Do you consider traveling a lifestyle or a hobby? How did it all start?

Because my travels are mostly tied to work, I consider it a lifestyle. I usually travel long distances to get farm inputs or attend farmer association meetings. There is a truck that I usually use for short errands around town. However, during vacation time I prefer taking flights. My favorite vacation hotspots in the US include Miami, Seattle and San Francisco.

Are there any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for you in the future?

During the first half of next year, I hope to visit Alaska and Canada. Canada is home to numerous natural attractions, including the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the iconic famous Niagara Falls on the Canadian border with Michigan. Before going on a trip, I usually create a travel itinerary to help me maximize time and manage expenditure more effectively.

What travel tips you’d give an inexperienced traveler looking to explore the world?

Inexperienced travelers have many things to learn, both on and off the road. My first advice is do not be scared by the unknowns. It’s only through traveling that you get the first-hand experience of what’s out there. Secondly, always remember to carry extra cash to cover any unexpected events.

Where would you like to go?

Some of the places I haven’t been to but look to forward to visit in the near future is Cyprus and possible Japan. The Island nation of Cyprus is located on the East of the Mediterranean Sea. It is famous because of its legendary rocks and cliffs as well as bustling beaches.

Where would you like to revisit?

I am planning to visit Rome for the 2rd time. The first time to visit the Eternal City was two years albeit briefly. This time around I would like to visit and take photos of famous cathedrals, alleyways and monuments. Top of my wish list are; the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Do you travel alone? Why?

Although traveling with family member and friends can be fun, most of the time I normally travel alone. The thrills of traveling alone include financial control and the opportunity to get things done much quicker.

In your estimation, what are the three top places every person should go?

That is a tough question, but my bets are on Alaska, France and Hong Kong. Each of these three destinations has something to offer when it comes to nature, the arts and cultural diversity.

Are you the kind of person who packs the house or travels light?

I mostly travel light. This entails getting the right bag and packing right. For overseas trips, I usually have my passport, traveler’s checks, vaccination card tucked in the money belt. To facilitate my movements once I arrive, I normally have a shoulder bag and transit backpack. The shoulder bag I spacious enough to carry a laptop, Kindle and writing materials like a notebook.

Kelly Hyman

Kelly Hyman is an Attorney and a resident of Colorado. She grew up with a single mother, who is a native of Australia. Travel became a passion they both shared. As a child growing up, her mother would spontaneously book trips to Mexico or Los Angeles or go where ever the next adventure would take them. Kelly has continued her explorations with her husband. Together, they have journeyed to all seven continents of the world. They are able to learn and experience a variety of different cultures and environments. Many discoveries are in the future for this couple. They will be traveling throughout the U.S., South Africa, and then they will be cruising the Black Sea over the next year.

Tell us about a favorite trip you’ve taken.

Australia would be my favorite place out of all of the places we have traveled. It is my mother’s homeland. It was amazing to see where she was born and where she grew up. We experienced their culture.  After visiting, I found that culture was a part of me all of my life.

What attracted you to Australia?

I am of Australian descent. I wanted to learn about my heritage. I wanted to learn what it was like where my mother grew up. Australia was naturally one of my first choices to explore.

When did you travel there and who did you go with?

My husband and I went to Australia in 2015-2016. We were there for the new year. The people are so warm and welcoming.

Please share your memories from the trip.

We initially started in my mother’s hometown of Armidale. We did the tour of a town. We didn’t have to go very far. It has 2 stop lights in the entire town. We wanted to take in everything during our three-week visit. We wanted to go snorkeling. We made our way to The Great Barrier Reef. The reef is absolutely magnificent.  It is teaming with life. The coral lives in such a state of indescribable vibrant color and grandeur. We were swimming with the sharks. It was incredible.  We also experienced the ruggedness of the outback. We took a camping trip to the outback.  We laid on the ground looking up at the sky at the awe-inspiring stars majestically strewn across the night sky.

When we wanted to experience city life in Australia, we chose Sydney.  We went to the Sydney Opera house. We did the evening bridge walk. That is where you climb to the top of the bridge which overlooks the entire city of Sydney in lights.  It was a remarkable sight to behold.

What other places have you visited?

My husband and I actually spent the night on Antarctica. They call it digging your grave. They give you a shovel, a foam mat, and a sleeping bag. The boat leaves you there to fend for yourself. You start digging. When you are done digging, you put down a foam mat and a sleeping bag to spend the night. There are 22 hours of light in Antarctica. You have to cover your eyes to sleep. You may, however, get up in the middle of the night to discover a penguin staring at you. The penguin might be trying to discover who you are and what you’re doing there.

We also did the polar plunge in Antarctica. This is where they tie a rope to you, and you jump off the boat into the water. It was freezing cold, but amazing. We saw so many whales from the ship. We also went kayaking and saw all of the penguins and birds, it was breath-taking.

Iceland is a Nordic island. My husband and I traveled to Iceland last July. I’d recommend July as the right month to travel to that Island. The temperature is in the 50’s or 60’s. We rented a car and just drove across the island. Some of the towns we passed were so small. The inhabitants were excited to tell us that they had a restaurant in town. When we went into the restaurant, the entire town and neighboring towns were there.

I am of middle eastern descent. I am Lebanese.  Jordan is breathtaking. We went to see Petra and went camping in Wadi Rum. We rode a camel and went snorkeling in the red sea. We saw the amazing city of Petra. It is a 2,000-year-old city carved out of sheer rock face, in the south of Jordan. It is huge and spectacular.  Wadi Rum means Sand Valley. It is a desert region of Jordan. I understand why Matt Damon filmed his moon shots there. It looks so much like what we would imagine the moon to look like. It was wonderful sleeping under the stars. It has a beautiful, natural landscape of sand dunes, narrow canyons and carved rock arches.

We went to Columbia. The people there are so wonderful. They are very welcoming people. We rented a car and drove to a small town. We spent New Year’s in a tiny town. We celebrated the new year in their tradition. Everyone is clothed in white. They walk the streets to celebrate and bring in the new year together. We also went to Cartagena and hung out on the beach. The food is incredible. We loved the culture and the people.

We have also been to Belize, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, Paris, Rome. Italy, where I love shopping. Our honeymoon was spent on a cruise to the Baltic Sea. We visited all of the Scandinavian countries and Helsinki.

What advice would you give to a first-time traveler?

I would tell any new or first-time traveler to do the research. Research the culture of the country that you will be traveling too. Find out what the best time of year would be best to travel to that particular destination. Research the weather conditions so that you’ll know what kind of clothes to bring. It is critically important to know what the exchange rate is between countries. You may need cash. You should know how to find the cash if you need it. You may be able to use your own credit cards easily enough. If you want to know the culture, Google the top 10 things to do in the country and book it in advance. We have learned the most about an area by taking free walking tours. The escorts know all the best places to eat and to visit in their city. They are amazing. The walks are free, and you just tip the escort at the end of the tour.  The other thing that I do is to ask the hotel staff which restaurants to choose from. Depending on what you’re looking for, they can guide you in the right direction. The last thing I can suggest is to always, remember your sunscreen.