Issac Qureshi

Issac Qureshi

Issac Qureshi is a taxation and wealth management specialist. His expertise in the field has led him to become one of the leading voices in the world of international taxation. He studied at Liverpool University, Manchester University, and the London School of Economics. Qureshi travels frequently, with stops in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. With his broad skill set, Qureshi is able to help his clients deal with many different issues. Issac Qureshi is a valuable member of the international taxation community.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is the ability to experience dozens of different cultures. I travel frequently, and I never grow tired of it. I enjoy being able to experience life in different places, understanding the food, culture, and the people wherever I go. The best part of traveling is putting yourself in the shoes of the local people, imagining how their lives are and what they do when they are at home with their families. Travel can truly be a broadening experience if you let it be.

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

Traveling is a lifestyle for me. I am frequently on the road helping my clients deal with taxation and wealth management challenges. As time goes by, I have spent more of my time dealing with clients through video chat software, but I truly prefer to visit my clients in person to combat their problems. I am on the road quite frequently. It’s fortunate that I enjoy traveling as much as I do.

I started traveling when I was in graduate school. I had an internship at a well-known taxation firm in London, and they sent me abroad to help a client with their tax requirements.

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

Be sure to get away from the chain hotels and restaurants. When you travel around the world, you have the opportunity to stay in a wonderful variety of hotels. While you may earn frequent hotel points from staying in an American chain, it is better to have new and different experiences. It is especially important that you fully experience the food and culture in each city you frequent. Don’t eat in the hotel restaurant every night.

Also, it is very important to make sure that you are following all of the country’s regulations when it comes to customs and importing items. You may find that something as innocent as a piece of fruit can land you in trouble. Study these requirements and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Where would you like to go?

There are dozens of places around the world where I would love to visit. I hope to be able to explore all of them in the future. I haven’t spent very much time in rural areas of the United States. My work tends to take me to major urban areas. I would enjoy getting out into the western part of the country and seeing the great national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite. I’ve also wanted to see the Grand Canyon. There are so many amazing sights to be found in America. I’ve never been to Africa, but I hope to plan a trip to South Africa for next year.

Where would you like to revisit?

One of my favorite cities around the world is Geneva. It’s such a refined atmosphere with natural beauty. Another favorite place to revisit is Hong Kong. It is truly an urban adventure. I would also like to get back to Jerusalem. It is a place which is close to my heart. Immersing myself in the history of the area is always worth doing.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I generally do travel alone when I travel for work. Sometimes my wife is able to come with me, but usually I am traveling solo. I find it relaxing to travel on my own, though of course it is nice to have company from time to time. When I am traveling alone, I have more time with my thoughts. I like to bring along a favorite book and spend my time learning about the world.

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

I tend to travel light, though most of the time I need to pack formal suits and clothing. I believe that travelers who dress professionally get more respect from everyone around them. I hate to check bags, though when I travel with a garment bag I generally do have to check it because there isn’t space for it in the overhead bin. Dealing with luggage is one of the few things that I truly do not enjoy about traveling.

It is very important that you keep a change of clothes, all of your medications, and your toiletries in a carry-on bag. I can’t even say how many times my baggage has been delayed. With a little planning, you can reduce the impact of this common problem on your travel.

Caitlin Craig Lawrence at New York Fashion Week

Caitlin Craig Lawrence, Kansas Fashion Designer

Caitlin Craig Lawrence is a fashion designer based in Topeka, Kansas. She attended Bauder College in Atlanta, Georgia. Her work has gained a great deal of attention in fashion circles. Her new summer line highlights the colors yellow and green, bringing fresh natural shades to her designs. Lawrence has been designing clothing for nearly 10 years, honing her skills as the years go by. Her popular designs show off the colors of nature with new and fresh insights.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is breaking up my daily routine. I love my job, but frequently I get the itch to travel. I love to throw my schedule out the window and spend time reconnecting with my creative side. I enjoy getting to know new places and people. When I travel, I frequently bring along a friend so that I can share my new experiences.

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

Travel is both a hobby and a lifestyle for me. I travel frequently to industry shows. I also visit different areas of the world for inspiration for my new designs. I spend so much time penned up in my Kansas studio, so I love to get out and see the world. On my best trips, I spend some time working and some time playing. I have gotten many great ideas for fabrics and designs in different areas of the world.

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

Don’t be afraid to toss the itinerary and go where the wind takes you. Obviously, you need to make airline or train reservations, but beyond that, you can explore different areas from day to day. If you fall in love with a place, you can stay there for a few extra days. A lot of people tell me that I need to plan my trips better, but they are missing the point. Traveling in the moment is a uniquely liberating feeling.

I also recommend that inexperienced travelers take the time to make sure their bags are packed properly. There is nothing quite so frustrating as being stuck behind an inexperienced flyer in the airport security line. When you pack properly, your whole trip will go more smoothly, and you will experience reduced stress and strain.

Another tip that I have for inexperienced travelers is to make sure that their mobile phone plans can be used abroad. The first time I went on an international trip, I didn’t clear it with my cell phone provider, and I was hit with some terrible roaming charges. You should also inform your credit card companies that you will be abroad so they don’t assume that your cards are being used fraudulently.

Where would you like to go?

I would love to explore every corner of the world. I have never been to Africa, and I want to spend time there in the coming year. I am excited to see the individual countries and the difference in their fashion and style. Traditional African fashions are inspiring and lend themselves well to the yellows and greens I’ve been incorporating lately. I also want to see the natural landscapes like the savanna. I would love to go on a safari, and possibly get some ideas for a safari-influenced design that goes beyond pith helmets and animal prints.

Where would you like to revisit?

I had such a great time in Beijing. I went with my best friend last year. Our guide took us to the most amazing restaurants and natural sights. My imagination was captured by the Asian design aesthetic. The Chinese people are so creative, and their national pride lies in their sense of history. I have been inspired by traditional Chinese dress in my designs.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I travel alone sometimes, but I prefer to travel with a friend. I am quite reserved, and it makes it hard for me when I don’t have a familiar person close by. When I travel alone, I try to stay within the safest parts of a city or country.

I also believe that it’s very important for women to travel with a companion, especially in more dangerous parts of the world. I’m not afraid to experience different cultures, but I feel much better if there is someone else to walk with.

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

I am a light traveler. I do need to bring my swatches and my sketchbooks. I have an extensive travel wardrobe with clothes that are lightweight, comfortable, and don’t wrinkle very much. I accessorize my travel wear with exciting accessories from my own collection. Of course, I also bring my own designs to wear on nights out.

Traveling with just one suitcase or carry-on is great for when you want to be more spontaneous with your itinerary. There is less to pack up and take with you. I always feel restrained when I carry large luggage.

Jeff Yapp

Jeff Yapp

Jeff Yapp is a marketing and innovations expert with a broad skill set. His company, WutzNxt Inc., concentrates on connecting clients with the best possible ways to reach their audience through an authentic voice.

Jeff Yapp has 30+ years of experience in marketing, beginning with Kraft Foods in the 1980s. He then worked with Gallo Wines, Pepsico, Newscorp and Viacom/MTV, along with 20th Century Fox Entertainment. He is perhaps best known for his work with MTV where he launched Guitar Hero, Rock Band, the Vice Media network and producing films including Crazy Heart that won two academy awards.

His innovative approach to marketing helps his clients discover the potential in their brands. Jeff Yapp lives in Portland, OR, with his wife and family.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is experiencing different cultures, business practices and history.  I really enjoy meeting clients from different cultures.  Trying to see the world through their lens develops better empathy and understanding.

How did I decide to travel for most of my career?

At this point, travel is about 90% of my job. Most frequently, work has brought me to Seattle, China, Japan, Australia, and the U.K. I have traveled over 12 million miles in 125 countries. Travelling has been and will always be something I find necessary, especially when working with international companies. Even if working with domestic companies, you must know what is happening in the international markets.

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

As a frequent business traveler, I can tell you that one of the most important things you can do is pack carefully—my family calls me a packing wizard! Ultimately, if you pay attention to these rules you can save yourself a great deal of time and effort. You need to avoid checking luggage at all costs. It will save you hours once you land. 

The whole idea is to become a packing expert– organize your carry-on, label everything, and pack the necessities. I often forget things and leave items behind, since I travel so much, so staying highly organized is essential. Packing is not the only key aspect though, efficiency as well. When I am travelling for work, I am often left in a time-crunch, running from one meeting to the next. So, for me the most important aspect of efficiency is timeliness. Having Global Entry, Passport Nexus, and Clear allows me to be efficient with my time and is one of my most valuable assets.

I am also a big Tumi luggage fan. They make phenomenal quality luggage, that can hold up in all conditions on my travels. But my greatest new favorites are Rimowa luggage. While expensive it represents a great  value.

Where would you like to go?

Honestly, I have been everywhere travelling the world for work—if you can think of it, I have been there. So, if there is one place I would love to visit more, it would be my home. Home for me is where I am my happiest, playing with my grandson and spending time with my family. There is no place like it.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I travel many times with other colleagues, I get in and out as quick as possible, but always prioritize an in-person meeting. I am personally much more productive, and I think they are overall more effective. I personally feel I am more effective in person, like anyone is, so I always make an effort to meet my clients face-to-face.

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

I travel light and so should you. As I said before it is really important to pack your carry-on and your checked luggage carefully so you do not run afoul of TSA regulations I try to pack as little as possible in my carry on. I am an electronic tech guy though, so if I have my electronics, I am good.

My wife tends to pack up the house though and I constantly tease her about it when we’re getting ready to go on a trip. I think I have impressed upon her that it’s necessary to restrict what you bring, but she still refuses and brings the house—my words are just noise to her—but she does not travel much, so I just roll with it! She prefers to be home too, and she has made our home a pretty easy place to be.