Brian-Setencich

Brian Setencich

Brian-Setencich

Few people have as much of an interest in architecture and flipping homes as Brian Setencich, an architect who has found his true calling in helping people find their forever homes. Setencich is one of the leaders of the Chicago, Illinois region which he made his home after completing his studies at the Illinois School of Architecture. A Florida native, Setencich has become a respected figure in the Chicago community for the success the 48-year-old has achieved as an architect as a property developer.

Brian Setencich has a long career history of achieving success dating back to his college days when he found an internship with the impressive CIA practice. Setencich set out to create a new aspect of his career when he began working as a property developer. Initially, Brian Setencich started his new career with one single family home he classed as a fixer-upper to work on.

The architecture skills of Setencich provided him with a positive outlook on the effect he could have in the home he was supervising the work on. Brian even states he learned a lot which he has been able to bring to his work as an architect from flipping homes around the Chicago region. After just a few flips, Setencich understood his true passion in life was providing his clients with the perfect home for their family to reside in.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I enjoy experiencing new cultures and finding out about the destinations I visit. As an architect, I love to explore the different techniques used in constructing buildings of all shapes and sizes. I loved visiting Australia where I indulged my passion for a range of watersports and outdoor activities. A few years ago, I spent some time in the amazing city of Venice, Italy which remains an amazing feat of engineering, in my opinion. Not only did I enjoy exploring the ancient streets of Venice but I also loved finding out more about the modern projects designed to keep the city afloat.

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

My childhood was spent in Florida, but I guess I started traveling when I attended the Illinois School of Architecture. Driving from Florida to Illinois gave me the opportunity to find some great places up and down the East Coast of the U.S. Nowadays, I try to travel to different parts of the world, including Australia, Europe, and South America. Traveling is not only a fun activity for me but also a work choice, so I guess traveling is a lifestyle choice for me.

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

I plan to travel to Spain late this year which is a city I have always wanted to visit. Not only is this a city I admire for its range of amazing ancient buildings but also for its modern architecture. Valencia is located on the Spanish Coast, so I hope to spend some time enjoying parasailing and diving in a stunning region of the world.

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

That is a tough question to answer as we all have different skills and experiences we bring to our travels. Basic things such as making sure you do some research about the region you are traveling to so you can pack appropriate clothing for the culture and weather. One of the big mistakes people make when they visit new countries is not understanding the cultural changes from Western nations.

Where would you like to go?

A destination I have always wanted to visit is the ancient nation of Turkey. The gateway to the east is a place I always wanted to go but have yet to get to. My dream location is Istanbul so I can enjoy the Byzantine architecture and history.

Where would you like to revisit?

I spent a short time in Copenhagen and enjoyed my time there but had only given myself a couple of days to explore. It was such a vibrant and enjoyable experience I hope to get back to Copenhagen by the end of next year.

Do you travel alone? Why?

Most of my travels are for work, so I do often travel alone to cut down on costs. When I travel for pleasure, I have been known to travel with friends to make things a little more fun.

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

The first place would have to be Australia. I had one of the best times of my life traveling through Sydney, Canberra, and Tasmania. The range of different cultural opportunities and things to see and do were quite amazing. Secondly, New York may be a safe choice, but I do love everything about the city that never sleeps. The cityscape in New York is second to none and includes some iconic places. Finally, a slightly leftfield choice but Budapest, Hungary is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever experienced for its historic center and beautiful royal buildings.

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

I tend to pack everything in the house before thinning down the items I have packed to a much smaller number of vital things I need. I never leave home without my cell phone and sketchpad so I can either take a photo or draw the items I see and want to remember.

miss-bongo-meredith-stevens

Meredith Stevens Miss Bongo Prix

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Meredith Stevens, VP of Digital Design at Miss Bongo, divides her time between Bondi Beach, Australia and Santa Monica, California. Her company provides the best in interactive SMS messaging to a vibrant young audience. Ms. Stevens uses her talents to create services that keep the customer’s attention and encourage repeat business.

Miss Bongo is the titular character of the service. The character is a cute and intelligent monkey who gives a personal touch to the company. Miss Bongo originated in France, where the texting program first became popular. When a customer sends a text message to the service, he or she receives a collectible digital sticker or “perso” along with a fun message. The message has details about the customer’s life.

Meredith Stevens has a degree in graphic design. Her educational background enables her to create innovative graphics for her company. She supervises a strong team of graphic designers who supplement her work with their fun and fresh designs. Recently, Ms. Stevens’ team has added digital animations and custom emojis to the service. Exciting new content keeps the customer coming back.

Ms. Stevens has a deep interest in healthy living. She practices yoga and other meditative activities. She is also a surfer and kayaker. Living by the ocean has also given her an interest in landscape photography. When she is not working, Ms. Stevens loves to travel. She speaks five languages, enabling her to communicate directly with the staff at offices worldwide.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is experiencing the gorgeous variety of nature. I love to take landscape photos. Whenever I am in a new region, I like to take half a day off and go on a photography excursion. I also love trying new foods. When I was a little girl, I was a picky eater, but I’ve expanded my horizons.

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

Travel is a lifestyle for me. I spend a lot of time flying between Australia and California. I feel just as much at home on an airplane as I do in either of my apartments. Now that I am based on two continents, I can’t imagine how I would feel if I didn’t travel frequently. Miss Bongo Prix has given me so much freedom to travel between countries.

I started traveling when I was a young child. I grew up in Australia and began traveling to New Zealand a few times a year. I loved getting to see new places and new people.

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

I have a trip to Cape Town, South Africa planned for later this year. It will be my first time in South Africa, and I’ve heard that is a beautiful and hospitable country. I hope to get out in nature and see the local wildlife. I may even try surfing while I’m there.

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

Be flexible. Hiccups and headaches always happen when I travel, but I feel prepared for them. Unless I have a meeting that would be disrupted, I’m fine with being “bumped” from a flight and receiving compensation.

I would also recommend joining your airline’s frequent flyer program and keeping their phone number handy when you fly. They may be able to help you more quickly than the standard customer service lines.

Where would you like to go?

I’ve never been to Boston. I travel to New York frequently, but I have wanted to see Boston for a few years. I’ve heard that it is beautiful and has a deep sense of history. I’ve also never been to Scandinavia. Going to Norway or Sweden in the summer would be amazing. I’d like to expand our Miss Bongo Avis service to these areas.

Where would you like to revisit?

I recently took a pleasure trip to Seattle, and I’d love to go back. The food is wonderful. My friends and I went kayaking and enjoyed ourselves. Also, I am always up for a return visit to the wine country in Napa Valley.

Do you travel alone? Why?

Frequently, I do travel alone. It does get lonely. When I have a long layover or a delayed flight, I often wish that I had a traveling companion to talk with. When I’ve reached my destination, I’m fine. I try to meet up with friends in each new city.

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

Sydney, New York City, and Barcelona. Each city has a completely different atmosphere. All three have amazing food. Barcelona has fascinating architecture. Sydney is a major metropolitan area, but it’s close to gorgeous natural sights.

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

I travel light, especially between Bondi Beach and Santa Monica. It helps that I have an apartment in each city. Even when I’m traveling to a new place, I keep my luggage as light as possible. I try never to check a bag unless I have a clear reason to do so. I find ways to dress comfortably in clothes that can be packed down.

Larry Simonetta of SimFresh

 

In 1991, three brothers from an Italian-Australian family came together to take the first steps in developing their own citrus packing company under the name, SimFresh. The three brothers were part of a family which had arrived in Australia from Italy in 1956 and were enjoying the natural beauty of Australia when they hit upon their idea for a citrus packing brand. Soon after its launch, the company had outgrown the single packing machine the family owned and began a hand-packaging project remaining in place to the present day.

SimFresh remains in the hands of the same Italian-Australian family and is headed by the latest generation of family members including Operations Manager Larry Simonetta. The Simon Etta Group of companies Larry Simonetta is a key component of are one of the largest citrus packaging brands in Australia and have recently been expanding around the world. Simonetta is a committed executive who has played a major role in the development of some new locations being explored by the brand. Outside of his work, Larry spends a large amount of time watching and playing various sports and is a committed traveler who explores different areas of Australia and the world on a regular basis.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I’ve traveled much of Australia and many places around the world, and I am always amazed at the different cultures I come into contact with. Exploring new areas and finding out about the culture of the people who live in a region is my favorite thing about traveling.

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

It is sometimes hard to differentiate between a hobby and a lifestyle choice because traveling has taken up such a major part of my life since I was a child. Recently, I have been traveling a lot for work as SimFresh looks to expand into new global locations. However, I did head to Europe for a Summer when I was in college to join the thousands of Australians traveling over there every year. I’d say it is both a hobby and lifestyle choice for me.

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

This is going to sound like a cliche but I’m a huge sports fan, and I’m heading to England in the Summer of 2018 to take in the cricket. The Ashes cricket matches between Australia and England are a great spectacle I’ve watched live in Australia, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the English crowds compare to the loud Aussie fans. I’ll be over in England for around a month, so I’m hoping to explore some of Europe and maybe head to Italy to explore my family’s history.

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

No matter how much you prepare, you will always have something go wrong so prepare for the unexpected. I also tend to prepare my belongings a few days before I leave then thin down what I am going to pack to leave space for everything I will amass during my journey.

Where would you like to go?

I’ve always wanted to visit Brazil to take in all the sights and sounds of a culture I admire greatly. Heading out of the traditional tourist areas of Rio and spending some time in the rainforest is an idea which excites me. After doing some research, I believe there is much more to see than just the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, and I hope to get there one day.

Where would you like to revisit?

This may not seem like the most exciting place, but when I was last in England, I spent some time in the Lake District in the Northwest of the country. It was an amazing place and used to be the home of Wordsworth, so I gained a little culture while enjoying the beauty of the lakes and valleys.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I have traveled with friends, but lately, I have been traveling for work and have had the opportunity to explore new locations alone. Traveling alone really does stretch you a little more in a positive way as you are relying solely on yourself to get around and find new places to explore.

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

That is a difficult question to answer. As an Australian, I’d say as an Australian every person should visit the island of Tasmania off the Australian coast. When I visited, I was amazed at the range of nature regarding both wildlife and plants I experienced. New York was another place I enjoyed as this was just a non-stop city everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime. Finally, I did love the English Lake District, and I think it’s a unique place with something for those who love the outdoors.

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

I try to travel light. It doesn’t always work out but I know I’m going to pick up some items as I’m traveling, so I always try to leave a little space in my luggage.

douglas-knight

Douglas Knight New Canaan

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Douglas Knight is an up and coming professional in the field of computer science. He combines his expertise in developing custom applications with a dedication to public service. His passion lies in introducing young people to the world of coding, encouraging them to bring their fresh ideas to the industry.

As a boy, Douglas Knight New Canaan resident, was fascinated with gaming. His earliest efforts in coding were focused on computer games. He was encouraged to major in computer science when he went to college. He has a Master’s Degree in computer science and uses his advanced education to bring new ideas to his work.

Knight’s professional portfolio includes many pieces of proprietary software, written both for his company and for their clients. He is involved in both front end and back end coding, making a unified whole. He considers coding to be an art, and is constantly working to improve his skills. Douglas Knight grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and is now based in Silicon Valley. Moving to the West Coast after college gave him a new perspective on the growing technology field.

Knight travels widely as an ambassador for coding. He visits high schools and technical schools to encourage students to code. He is determined that teens and young adults shouldn’t be discouraged from coding or be led to believe that it’s “too hard” for most people to comprehend. He believes that any kid or teen who is interested should be able to try coding.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love the adventure of it. Especially when I’m traveling to a new place, I get excited. I like that traveling takes me out of my daily routine and gives me a fresh perspective on my life. Traveling lets me come into contact with some truly great teenagers, young people, and teachers.

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

Traveling is a hobby for me. I volunteer for all of my speaking engagements, so that is where I use many of my days off. My family traveled a lot while I was a kid, but mostly by car. I became very familiar with all of the corners of New England. My favorite place when I was a kid was the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

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

I’m still in the planning stages with this one, but I am hoping to take my girlfriend to Scotland this summer. She has been wanting to go for a long time, and I have been planning the best itinerary and finding us the coolest places to stay. She wants to stay in a castle and I said I could probably find a way to arrange that.

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

Don’t overpack! You don’t need that second pair of work shoes. Make sure you have some room in your bag for anything you purchase while you’re away. The airlines are getting tougher on the size of carry-on baggage, and it’s important to try to put as much as you can in your checked bag.

Also, take the time to familiarize yourself with TSA requirements. They change more often than you might think. It’s better to be prepared than be flustered at the airport when the TSA workers want you to empty out your entire bag.

Where would you like to go?

I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. I’ve wanted to see Australia since I was a kid. I’ve heard that it’s a beautiful country, that the people are welcoming, and that the food is great.

Where would you like to revisit?   

I will definitely go back to Austin, Texas. I was there recently for a talk and there was so much I didn’t get to explore. The food alone is worth the trip, and the music is awesome too. My favorite thing about Austin is its funky, individualistic quality. No one in Austin minds if you’re a little different.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I don’t necessarily enjoy traveling alone, but it’s a necessity for me most of the time. I would much rather travel with my girlfriend or with family members. It is nice to have some time to myself, when work is normally so busy, but I often spend the time I’m away from my loved ones wishing I were with them.

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

The top priority for everyone should be New York City. New York is amazing. You’ll find representatives of just about every culture on Earth. The second pick on my list is Florence. You can enjoy the art and take amazing day trips around Tuscany. My third pick is San Francisco, where I live now. I try to appreciate it like a “tourist” a few times a year.

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

I am a light traveler. I don’t usually check a bag, but I do if I have to stay more than a few nights.

Kola Adesina

Kola Adesina

Kola Adesina

Kola Adesina, a popular travel blogger, grew up in Belgium and is currently based in New York City. She grew up in Brussels, Belgium as the daughter of diplomat parents, so she has been traveling widely since she was a small child. A graduate of the prestigious Belgian university KU Leuven, Kola Adesina speaks several languages to communicate better with the locals in any city she visits.

Kola is particularly interested in the food and culture of each new city. She enjoys exploring new types of cuisine and is always open-minded about finding new favorites. When Kola visits a new city for the first time, she takes the time to visit markets and street festivals. She likes to understand the daily life of each city she visits, and she tries to spend as much time as she can get to know the local people.

Kola collects art and memorabilia from around the world. Her apartment could be considered a mini museum with mementos from her travels. She is particularly interested in textiles and uses them frequently in her home decorating.

She attends many cultural and arts events in the cities she visits. She is especially interested in museums, galleries, and concerts. Whenever she is in a new city, Kola makes sure to experience life as the locals do. She frequently stays in small bed and breakfasts. Her joy in exploring the world shows through in her beautiful photos and inspiring stories on her blog.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I love to find out what people’s daily lives are like in all the new places I visit. I do visit the touristy sites and famous places, but I spend a lot of time in markets and at street fairs as well. I like to get into the neighborhoods where tourists don’t usually go. I like to stay in small bed and breakfasts to get more of an idea of how the locals live.

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

Traveling is a lifestyle for me. Being a travel blogger is the ideal job for me. I grew up with diplomat parents, so we traveled widely starting when I was too young to remember. Growing up in Belgium, international travel was easy. All we needed to do was to get on a train, and we could be in another country in just a few hours. I have always been fascinated by the changes in culture from one country to the next. My parents fostered my love of culture and community. My first big international trip was visiting my grandparents in Nigeria.

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

I am going to New Zealand for the first time this year. I’ve always wanted to go there, and I’m excited to have the opportunity. I do most of my traveling around Europe, North America, and Africa, so entering a new part of the world will be fascinating for me. I hope to be able to experience some of the local Maori culture and traditions.

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

Be patient and be open-minded in new situations. You may be frustrated by a travel delay or a change in plans, but don’t let it make you angry. Use it as an opportunity to discover something you might not have seen without the change in plans. I once had a layover in Barcelona that turned into a multi-day affair, and while I was upset not to make it to my next destination, I decided that I would thoroughly explore the city. The food there is truly excellent.

Where would you like to go?

I would love to go to China. I am hoping to get to Beijing or Shanghai sometime in the next few years. Unfortunately, Mandarin is one of the languages I’m not familiar with, but I am going to try to pick up enough to get by. The deep sense of history and culture fascinates me.

Where would you like to revisit?

I would love to get back to Switzerland. We spent vacations there when I was a child, and I have so many fond memories of the country. The mountains are spectacular. The food can be heavy, but it’s delicious, especially if you love cheese the way I do. It’s a good thing I stay active whenever I can because I do love to eat.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do travel alone. Occasionally, I bring a friend, but when I’m researching for my travel blog, I am almost always traveling solo. To immerse myself in the culture of another place, I feel that it works better to travel alone.

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

London, Rome, and of course, New York City.

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

I travel light, in part because I need to leave room in my suitcase for souvenirs. I’ve gotten to be an expert at choosing travel-friendly outfits. The most important thing is comfortable walking shoes.

Avery Arjang

Avery Arjang

Avery Arjang

As digital photography replaces nearly every old form of media, more and more people are trying to become freelancers in this area. Once they discover that the job takes a lot more than owning a pricey camera, the vast majority of people find other careers. Nevertheless, one of the few who succeeded is Avery Arjang. Besides the fact that she traveled to almost half of the states for client work, she is now a go-to artist for many individuals. Due to her long-lasting experience, she has learned how to take advantage of the rich scenery and create emotionally appealing, colorful, and storytelling shots. As her business kept growing over the last few years, she invested in better equipment and now owns half a dozen cameras. Regardless, Ms. Arjang continues to prove that a high-resolution tool does not make a good photographer any more than a pen makes a good novel writer. Avery Arjang discusses travel photography in the following interview.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Taking pictures of places that I have never visited before. When you practice your photography locally, you visit all the areas worthy of mention fast. Eventually, you run out of ideas for locations where your clients can get their photos taken. I mean, you can only use a local park for graduation photo-shoots a certain number of times. After a while, you start to worry that people will realize that you always have the same background. When you travel, on the other hand, everything you see is something new. Whether it is beautiful or not does not even matter. The only thing that matters is that you can aim your camera lens at an object or scenery and capture it.

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

I consider it my lifestyle at the moment. Eventually, I will reduce the number of annual trips that I take, as traveling can be taxing on the body. For now, however, visiting my clients is one of the most exciting aspects of this job. Also, I do it so much that it has become an integrated part of my every-day life. Hence why I would say it is a lifestyle.

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

I am scheduled to visit Houston during the last week of April and Oklahoma City at the beginning of May. One of those trips will be a part of my long-term project while the other one is for leisure. But then again, even when I go somewhere as a part of a project, I can quickly turn it into a fun experience by exploring.

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

Sign up for airline points programs if you are traveling a lot. Most companies offer online enrollment, and it is quite easy. The reason why I suggest doing so is that you can earn substantial rewards after a while. For example, I was able to take two free flights last year just because I received enough bonus miles. It is just another easy way to have your traveling work for you by creating future discounts!

Where would you like to go?

I want to visit Paris one day. France, in general, seems to be a bucket-list destination for many photographers. Mostly, I think that is because there are so many things you can take pictures of. In my case, I am curious about finding ways to take different photos that display originality. I mean, everyone has already seen the traditional shots of the Eiffel Tower. It would be interesting to try and capture it in a new, unprecedented way.

Where would you like to revisit?

I would like to go back to New York City sometime soon. I went there during my freshmen year of high school when photography was not a part of my life. Meaning, I have no evidence to go along with my stories. So, I hope to go back and take a few pictures that can go into my collection.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I travel alone because I spend too much time outside to be with someone. Usually, I will either work with a client or explore the area. That means that I rarely come back to the hotel room and, sadly, most people do not like this approach. At least, most people that I have taken with me before.

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

Dallas, Denver, and Sacramento. These three cities left such a great impression on me that I always tell people to visit them when possible.

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

Very light. Besides the bulky cameras and accessories, I do not pack a lot. I usually base my decisions on what clothes to bring by looking at how long the trip will be. Since most of my trips are very short, I can get by with a tiny backpack. There are times, however, when I am attending formal events like weddings or graduation gatherings. In those cases, I bring whatever will satisfy the dress code.

Whitney Blodgett

Whitney Blodgett is the Founder and Chief Executive of an Atlanta based SaaS Corporation. The startup offers automated solutions for collating, storing and analyzing information. Businesses that use these solutions enjoy well-funneled interactions between clients and prospects. The cutting-edge solutions also aim to give businesses a competitive advantage when it comes to the convergence of communication infrastructure.

Blodgett oversees the growth and implementation of SaaS across various platforms, including IoT. She also hires company sales representatives and watches over the deepening of customer engagement. Most of the company’s clients are small to mid-sized advertising, marketing, and retail related companies in Atlanta and other major cities in the US. Blodgett received her education at Princeton University. Whitney Blodgett is also widely traveled, having been to various countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. Her travels are mostly tied to business and leisure.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Every travel destination has its own unique identity, whether that’s a fault of history or self-woven oddity inculcated by the dwellers. I enjoy traveling because it often makes me happy. The opportunity to relive the memories and experiences of places I’ve been to also keep me yearning for more. Some of these places are well-renowned while others stand out due to their unique culture or occurrences.

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

Most frequent travelers I have talked to see their travels as a lifestyle. Growing up in New York, I really wanted to break out of the usual routine associated with big city life by getting to know new places and meeting people I would probably never have known. The experience has helped me learn and get a fresh perspective on things.

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

I will be in Hong Kong for business sometime this summer. I will be meeting prospects whom I hope to rope in as part of my company’s commitment to expand our clientele base overseas. The city continues to be the gateway for trade and investment into China and the vast Asian region.

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

There are certainly a few travel tips to be observed by inexperienced travelers. First, if you are traveling outside the country, make it a point to know your country’s embassy or consulate contact information to safeguard your safety and security, more so if something unexpected happens. Secondly, when dressing, do so inconspicuously to avoid standing out or drawing too much attention. This will make you a lesser target to potential predators, including pickpockets and muggers. You can start by investigating the types of clothes worn by locals. It is also advisable to get a travel insurance to cover everything from medical expenses and canceled flights to lost luggage.

Where would you like to go?

I can’t wait to go to Santiago, Chile. Besides the sprawling city of 6 million inhabitants, there is the scenic, snow-capped Andes Mountain in the backdrop and the famous Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Where would you like to revisit?

I once visited the famous Mount Fuji in Japan and would like to do that all over again.

Do you travel alone? Why?

It depends on the travel itinerary. Sometimes I travel alone and sometimes I do it with family or business partners.

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

In spite of my vast travel experience, I wouldn’t call myself a citizen of the world, at least not yet. However, there are a few places I would recommend that everyone visit. These include Banff in Canada, the unspoiled Caribbean Island of Nevis and Malta. Banff is located in the Canadian Rockies. It is home to Canada’s oldest national park and an ideal locale for outdoor adventure sports from skiing and cycling to kayaking.

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

I am a minimalist when it comes to packing, and I have every reason to vouch for it. As a standard practice that I have perfected, traveling light makes it easier for the airline to safeguard my luggage and guarantees hassle-free movement, which means not being bogged down with heavy luggage, exorbitant fees, and weight limits.

The weight issue can be an issue when traveling on a small plane. When packing my belongings, I always place my ID and money in a handy carry-on luggage. The same applies to medications, and travel accessories such as a favorite book, Kindle, laptop or anything else that makes me feel comfortable and contented.

Interview with JMD Furniture CEO, Dev Joshi

Dev Joshi is the founder and CEO of JMD Furniture, a furniture company based in Washington DC. It is a family-run business that began almost a decade ago when Joshi and his family wanted to serve the community by providing quality custom and pre-made furniture. Their store eventually grew to serve many areas in the Metropolitan DC Area, and JMD Furniture was eventually hailed as one of the best furniture providers in DC.

 

During his spare time, Dev Joshi enjoys cooking, miniature woodwork and traveling as his hobby. He enjoys exploring his native roots and expresses them through his adventurous side. He has been to many countries in Asia, aside from India where his parents grew up. At present, he is looking into adding more in his bucket list of countries that he wants to visit, particularly in Europe.

 

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

One thing that I truly enjoy when I travel is the sight-seeing and the culinary experiences. I think that these two things are what makes a country unique from others. It says a little about what the country is all about, and me being immersed in their landmarks and food is something that I truly treasure. The first thing I usually do when I plan my itinerary is looking for the most famous landmarks and the best restaurants to dine at.

 

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

I believe that traveling is a lifestyle for me. The reason why I started my business is so that I could be more flexible with my schedule to enjoy the things I want in life, and traveling is part of that. I regularly travel for leisure more than business, and I believe it’s a truly rewarding experience. Anyone who has the means to travel should do it at least once or twice in their lives. I began traveling when I started to have my return on investment in my furniture company, around a year after me and my family set up the business.

 

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

I am really excited to travel in Europe. My family has long been wanting to visit London, UK, as well as Italy. I have planned a full itinerary for us for a two week UK trip with a side visit to Italy. I have been wanting to visit Venice and Rome. I am really excited because I believe that Europe is a very historical and elegant place, and is completely different from the eastern countries that I have visited so far.

 

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

Do your research. When you are inexperienced, you might have the tendency to just grab the most convenient offer with the fear of not being able to complete your itinerary. My advice to amateur travelers is to do their research online about the best places and book their flights and accommodations using price comparison sites. This way, they can save more money and have more resources to spend on their trip.

 

Where would you like to go?

As I have mentioned, I would like to go to Europe and I have that on my list already. However, it is my major goal to visit major cities as well, such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Dubai. I would like to see how these cities operate, and maybe one day as my business expands I can invest in creating remote headquarters for my furniture company. Everything is possible when you have the motivation to succeed.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

I would really like India, the place where my parents grew up. Although most of us are already living in the States, India has a special place in my heart because its culture in deeply imbibed in my family. Not to mention the country is overall fantastic. I love traditional Indian cuisine and the picturesque temples that my family and I visit when we have the chance. India is my second home and it’s always a country I will never get tired of revisiting.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do not usually travel alone. It’s either I’m with my family or a business partner for prospects. I feel like traveling alone is more for the young, although one day I would like to try it. I believe that experiences are meant to be shared with those you love. I’m open-minded about solo traveling, though.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

This is a difficult one because I believe that every person should try to travel the whole world! But if I were to pick, I believe that every person should at least travel to India, the United States, and China. I have been to all and I could say that I got to experience very diverse cultures which made me beyond grateful. Shenzen is just brimming with the majestic traditional eastern Asian culture, and India is my second home. The United States represents the diversity of the western world.

 

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

I am definitely a house-packing person. I bring my family with me, so I am always tasked to bring all of their daily apparel, toiletries and important documents. As a business owner, I was just too used to taking care of things that it almost seems natural for me to feel secure by bringing what I can possibly carry in my luggage.

Ismail Sirdah

Ismail Sirdah is a photographer from Miami who owns a professional studio as well as a school of photography. He started running his business when he was only 20 years old which enabled him to gain experience while still being young. Most of his customers are couples who are looking for a qualified expert to take photos of their weddings. After starting his venture in 2012, he is now also known as a reliable photographer that people frequently use to get family, nature, or public event shots. In his free time, Ismail Sirdah dedicates time to teaching people about all the various aspects that play a role in getting a perfect photo.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

Traveling enables me to see areas that I never thought I would reach. Moreover, when you work as a photographer, you eventually start to view the world through a camera lens. Although this may seem to carry a negative connotation, it helps me find the best in people and cultures. I strive to see the positivity and traveling enables me to capture new areas that I can then showcase to those who may not have an opportunity to experience them.

 

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

It is more of a hobby. My lifestyle is photography, so everything else tends to come second. When I travel, I do so in order to get to a client engagement like a wedding or a local address where they want to get their pictures taken. Also, I had a few trips that I solely took for the purpose of getting photos that may appeal to some travel magazines. After all, your career needs to have as much diversity as possible and moving around is the best way to satisfy this criterion.

 

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

Not at the moment. I do go around Florida almost every month. This includes trips to Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and a few other notable places where some of my clients reside.

 

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

There are three unwritten rules that I try to obey. The first one is to book everything related to the travel long ahead of time. This includes things like the flight, hotel, car rental, and so on. That usually enables me to get better offers and I do not have to worry about it later. Second, I make a detailed schedule that includes everything from the time that I will head over to the airport to the time when I will end my trip. It took a few unsuccessful trips for me to discover that the best way to save time is by planning out every minute and following an agenda. Lastly, I have a rule that every trip needs to include at least one fun activity. If I am traveling for work, it is very easy to get distracted and spend the entire time working. Those type of trips are usually not the most interesting or joyful ones. Thus, I do my best to always do at least one fun activity like going out to some local bars, seeing a performance, or visiting some of the tourist attractions of the area.

 

 

Where would you like to go?

I always wanted to visit South America and go to countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Some of my friends were fortunate enough to go to these destinations and they had nothing but positive things to say. I also believe that it would be a great opportunity to take some breath-taking photos.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

Surprisingly, there are no countries that I would try to revisit at the moment. Not because I did not have many positive experiences, but because I prefer new things than doing something that I have already done.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

Although it is not a hardcore rule of mine, I usually travel alone. The main reason for the lack of my companions is because I generally travel for work. This means that I have a strict schedule to go by and people who may want to come with me would not have much fun just waiting for me to get done with my obligations.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

I do not think that I can give a specific answer that will name a certain location. Nevertheless, everyone should visit one place that is popular in the world, one place that is unknown yet beautiful, and one place that they wanted to see from an early age. In my case, those three places would be New York City, Corfu Island in Greece, and any city in Brazil.

 

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

I pack up the house. My cameras alone tend to consume the entire space of my checked baggage. Thus, I often have to purchase additional bags to fit my clothing and any other equipment. I got used to this by now, however, so I have no problem with the amount of bags that I have to carry. Certainly gives me a workout since everything adds up to hundreds of pounds!

Andrew Knight New Canaan

Andrew Knight New Canaan is a known front-end developer based in Connecticut. He has helped many local businesses set up their websites and build their following on the internet. Some of the industries who have sought his help include startup tech companies, local restaurants and telecommunication branches that are in need of optimizing websites for their customers.

 

Andrew Knight New Canaan gained recognition with his great work, and word-of-mouth spread about his expertise. Today, he is currently working on 3-5 projects a month in varying business industries. Despite his success, he still finds time to travel, as he believes it is a ‘part of him’ and one of his greatest passions.

 

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite part of traveling the world is being able to see historical attractions. Although I’m not a history junkie, it always amazes me when I get to a place that I’ve only seen in magazines or on TV. That is one of the most gratifying things as a traveler; when you actually get to live the dream. I also enjoy the unique culinary experience that each country brings. To me, food is the best identifier of the country. You eat their food, you understand more about their culture and their people even when you don’t speak the same language. Traveling all in all is just a magical experience.

 

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

Traveling for me is more a hobby. Although I would like to see it in the future as a lifestyle, I believe that there are certain priorities in life that I need to invest my time and effort to as of the moment. It’s still something doing worthwhile though. I don’t live to travel, but travel is a big part of my life. I believe that it is one of the most enriching experiences life can offer.

 

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

I want to make use of the season, so I’m actually wanting to go to Alaska while it’s still winter season. I have heard that March is a great time to see the Northern Lights, so I am pretty much stoked. I have booked a flight with Alaska Airlines to Fairbanks. My family and I would be staying for about a week and possibly we would get a side tour to Anchorage too. I’ve also bought a new Canon DSLR that I’m excited to take photos with.

 

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

My travel tips to inexperienced tourists are to go where the locals go. If you don’t know where to eat, ask the locals. If you don’t know where to stay in, ask the people who seem to know the place. Usually, when you ask the locals, they give you the best place or the best deal. This is especially helpful for the young travelers who might be going on a budget.

 

Where would you like to go?

Recently, I watched a show on Netflix called “Somebody Feed Phil”. It was a guy who travels all over the world to try out the local cuisine. I saw one of the episodes where he went to Lisbon, Portugal and I was astounded by the beauty of the place. It’s a quiet, historically-rich, and beautiful place with European-inspired architecture. I would really like to book one of my travel dates going to Lisbon this year.

 

Where would you like to revisit?

Hopefully, I would get to revisit Hawaii. Hawaii is really my happy place. Though I enjoy all types of seasons, summer is my favorite. Being in the place where it’s warm all year round gives me good vibes.

 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do travel alone. In fact, I enjoy the moments of silence where I get to see the beauty of nature in my own eyes. Away from others’ insights, away from cameras. When I get to see and feel everything that’s new around me, that’s where I feel alive the most.

 

If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?

This is a hard question! But to be honest, a traveler should go out to the world to do 3 different things. Number one is to experience beauty, number two is to see the reality, and number three is to find solace. I’ve seen them in Maldives, India, and Thailand. I think it will be different from person to person.

 

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

As much as I would want to pack up the house, I prefer to travel light. I’m a very obsessive packer though–I keep everything in a checklist. I make sure that I have all my clothes and toiletries in different compartments, and I also have an extra bag for my valuables like my money and passport.