I absolutely love diving in to new cultures. Seeing the world from another perspective can help us grow in ways we never expect. I also find it fascinating to learn about the history of cities that have been around for thousands of years. To see places with such significant pasts is amazing.

I always pack a good book for the plane ride. Movies can be a great option, but sometimes it is nice to just sink in to a book and detach from all of the electronics for a little while.

Good walking and hiking shoes are also a must for me. In the cities, I am out sightseeing and exploring museums and local shops, and when I stay somewhere outside of the city, I like to explore and hike in the areas nearby to really see as much as possible. There is nothing worse than walking in bad shoes for days.

I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the region my Norwegian ancestors left when they came to the United States. To make that experience even better, I was also able to meet family members that are still there! They were able to show me where my relatives were born and where they lived right before they came to the United States. Truly a once in a lifetime and very moving experience.

I have traveled independently within Scandinavia and feel that this really shows you what you are capable of. It teaches you to embrace your independence and to step out of your comfort zone.

It has also taught me how much I enjoy and appreciate various cultures. My travel experiences earlier in life led me to the career I love.

Norway is, by far, my favorite destination. The natural beauty is remarkable, and spending time in the mountains and fjord country leave you feeling relaxed and content. They have a very forward thinking cultural awareness, yet they also make a priority of maintaining strong traditions, so you can see and experience the best of both worlds all at once.