About Me
Inspired by Cultures, People, Experiences, and Vistas - Travel Fuels My Soul!
Meet Michelle, aka, Traveling Chzhed
Why “Chzhed”? And Why is it Spelled Funny?
I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and if you know anything about Wisconsin, we are proudly, unapologetically, cheeseheads! The cheeseheads were born out of a rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, where the Bear fans were trying to smack talk and insult the Green Bay fans. Well, they underestimated Wisconsinites as we took the name and made it our identity! Watch any Green Bay game, and giant cheesehead hats of varying styles fill the stadium seats. The foam cheesehead hats are a booming business!
Growing up in Wisconsin, more specifically, in my household with a father who was a diehard Packer fan, one had little choice but to embrace their “cheeseheadness” (it’s a thing, go with it).
Where Did This Midwestern Girl Get Her Travel Bug?
Growing up, my dad took us on camping road trips in our ‘78 Chevy van, affectionately named “The Beast”. Now, this may sound lovely, but let me fill in the details. The Beast was a fine mode of transport, and camping was fun-ish (when it wasn’t raining and when we had access to flush toilets). Now add in a couple of younger siblings, whose main objective in life was to annoy their older sister, a mom who could navigate a kitchen just fine (or a bargain sale at shopping mall) but ask her to read a map and we were in for an unplanned adventure to…who knows where. Couple that with zero a/c or any of the magical digital devices we’ve become so accustomed to, and, oh did I mention they were 3 weeks long? Well, you get the picture!
Now, you may think this would scar me and make me never want to leave my home again! Instead, I learned to be curious, to want to see new places and experience new things that I couldn’t do at home. I learned to read a map (‘cause somebody had to) and to navigate our progress, updating everyone along the way. I was fortunate my dad wanted to explore our country and share it with us. Before the age of 20, I had visited 40 out of 50 states, then added a few more in my 20’s to make it 45 (that number is holding steady).
Why is it Spelled Funny?
During our road trips, entertainment had to get creative, and one of the games we played was the “License Plate Game.” As we drove, we had to see who could make the most words by sounding them out, from the license plate letters, whether or not they were meant to be words.
Have a question?
Traveling with My Husband
In my adulthood, I knew I was going to need to see the world. Through most of my 20’s, college and launching my career was the focus, until I met my husband. He shared my passion for travel and as an added benefit, he immigrated here from India. I was immediately fascinated for more reasons than one. I mean, I was going to have a built-in trip to India to meet the parents for one. But it was so much more than that. Through his eyes, I learned so much about my culture and his.
Over the past 14 years, we have explored over 20 countries (and counting), some of them more than once. Every time we explore a new place, I arrive with a sense of excitement and anticipation and leave with a sense of admiration and awe. On more than one occasion, I have said, “we should move here.”
We plan all of our own travel and have learned some great lessons along the way. When we started, we mostly stayed in traditional hotels, eating most meals out, and were a little more timid. Over the years, we have learned how to “live like a local” and seek out experiences where we can dive in a little. Of course, we include the main must-see sites in every destination, but almost always rely on public transportation.
Why Work with Me?
Expertise and Experience
Having traveled extensively across the United States and over 20 countries worldwide, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. I understand the nuances of planning trips, from booking flights and accommodations to navigating local transportation and finding hidden gems.
Personalized Planning
I believe in crafting travel experiences tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a culture enthusiast, or someone who loves to relax and unwind, I can design an itinerary that meets your unique needs.
Resourceful and Reliable
My background in navigating family road trips and planning international adventures has honed my problem-solving skills. I can anticipate potential challenges and ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Passion for Travel
Traveling is not just a hobby for me; it’s a way of life. My passion for exploring new places and cultures drives me to continually seek out new experiences and knowledge, which I love sharing with my clients.
Comprehensive Support
From the initial consultation to your safe return home, I am here to provide support and guidance every step of the way. I am committed to ensuring your travel experience is memorable and hassle-free.