MONICA BROMBER KARIS

Travel Designer
Independent Affiliate of 6 Degrees

LOCATION

Chicago, IL

EXPERIENCE

XX Years

Monica is a dietitian, food, and nutrition expert who turned her passion for travel + food and culture into a travel business.

As a first-generation, Russian she has always had an interest in learning about other cultures and truly immersing herself in their experience. Monica fell in love with travel in Barcelona once she tasted the excitement and adventure of getting lost amongst the cobble street roads after one too many sangrias. Since then she has experienced the varying levels of travel from back-packing through Europe to luxury safaris in Africa. Since then her motto has been, "we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us".

When she is not traveling, Monica loves spending time with her husband and pup, Nala. Honorable mentions include long walks/hikes, workout classes, anything outdoors, visiting or volunteering at the farmers market, cooking and dining out! In other words, she loves food. :)

Meet the Advisor

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL TIP?

Strive for an itinerary with planned experiences on some days and leave others open for adventure. You never want to leave a new destination feeling like you have not fully experienced it. By having some experiences planned you will get a good taste of a new city and can also get some tips from locals on what else to explore on your "off days".

WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD YOU GIVE A COUPLE LOOKING FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY?

Pick a destination that offers something for both of you! Compromise is key for starting off your life and honeymoon together. :) For example, if planning to go to Africa you can visit Cape Town for city life, Mozambique for the relaxation on the beach, and a safari for adventure.

WHICH DESTINATIONS/HOTELS DO YOU GO BACK TO AGAIN AND AGAIN?

Italy! There is always a new city to explore and the lifestyle will captivate you.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?

Being on safari for the first time was an out of body experience. As a visitor in the animal kingdom, I got to experience nature without compromising on luxury. Seeing the sunrise, sunset, and stars every day while learning about the beautiful creatures. I still get chills thinking about driving through the bush at sunset!

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE WORK WITH A TRAVEL DESIGNER?

The same reason you seek an expert in any industry. Travel designers work with partners on the ground, they are friends with them, have visited them and have tested out everything before they would recommend it. They know every detail from how friendly the staff at a hotel are too who the funniest tour guide is and where to get the best meal. A travel designer can help you customize and narrow down your dream vacation into a reality.

WHAT’S YOUR STRATEGY FOR OVERCOMING JET LAG?

Adjust to the time no matter how hard it is and ground yourself. Get outside, breathe in some fresh air, and just keep moving until nighttime.