Give Travel a Chance
Kari in Turkey in 2021.
Meet Kari Chance, a 49-year-old dental hygienist from Eau Claire with a passion for exploring the world. Whether traveling solo or joining one of our group trips, Kari loves discovering hidden gems and indulging in local flavors. She’s equally drawn to historical sites and vibrant street markets, making every trip an exciting adventure. Her positive energy and curiosity make her a joy to travel with, and I’m excited to share her story with you!
Take it away Kari!
Travel to Europe or travel to Asia? Both!
Sleep on the plane or read on the plane? Definitely sleep.
Wake up to ocean waves or mountain views? I'm grateful for either.
Window or aisle seat? Window, always.
Lost luggage or missed flight? Lost luggage, I can buy stuff when I get there.
Travel for the food or travel for the adventure? I do love the adventure but really, really love the food!
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had abroad?
I wouldn't say it's the best, but it IS the most interesting. Mákos Tészta is a pasta or gnocchi dish with poppy seeds and powdered sugar. I'd love to have it again or make it myself. I had it on a train traveling from Vienna, Austria to Prague.
Kari's Mákos Tészta she enjoyed on the train from Austria to Prague.
Kari enjoys a churro in Mexico City on one of our group trips to CDMX.
What's the best souvenir you've brought home from a trip?
I'm not big on souvenirs but I seem to have accumulated an umbrella collection from other countries—lol!
Kari shows off her extensive umbrella collection.
Is there a photo you've taken on a trip that you're especially proud of?
I took a picture of Laura during the Día de los Muertos celebration in San Andres Míxquic—a borough of Mexico City. She has high standards for her photos, and she uses it all the time, so it made me proud!
Kari's photographic pride + joy—this photo of Laura donning traditional Catrina face paint in front of a historic stone building surrounded by greenery on a group trip to CDMX.
Favorite city you’ve visited so far and why?
This is a tough one but with all the worldly scenery, great food, and friendly locals— Cappadocia, Turkey is high on that list! Another favorite is Budapest. I loved Budapest for its European vibe without being too touristy.
Enjoying coffee and a view of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hot air balloons over Cappadocia's rocky landscape at sunrise in Turkey.
Kari visiting the Gellért Thermal Bath—an iconic spa in Budapest, Hungary.
The Buddha-Bar Hotel in Budapest, Hungary at sunset.
Bucket list trip destination?
There are so many places I want to see but I would really love to see Switzerland. It is also my goal to visit all (or most) of the continents!
Have you been on any group trips with Laura yet? If so, which, and what was your favorite part?
I have had the opportunity to partake in Laura's group trip to CDMX in 2022 and Cuba 2024! My favorite part is the high quality of the excursions and experiences we partake in as part of Laura's group. I've not once had an experience while on a group trip with Laura that was dull or boring.
Kari and our Cuba 2024 travelers.
Kari and her sister, Marcy, enjoying a freshly rolled Cuban cigar on a farm with our Cuba travel crew.
What is your best travel tip?
Let go of expectations and live in the moment!
One travel item you’ll never leave home without?
My Grayl purifying water bottle (just bought it for Cuba and decided I'm never traveling outside the U.S. without it) and Ibuprofen.
Grayl water bottles FTW—clean drinking water in a flash!
What do you love most about travel?
I love a new perspective! I love to be thrown into something different from my everyday world! Travel helps me appreciate cultures and also helps me appreciate the consistency and stability I have at home. I am so lucky!
Having Kari on our trips has been a real treat, and her travel tips and experiences are always inspiring. From Mexico City to Cuba, she’s embraced every adventure with an open mind and a sense of fun. Kari’s love for travel is a great reminder to be open to whatever comes your way. We can’t wait to see where her next journey takes her—and I’m sure it will be somewhere unforgettable and packed with great food.
Follow her story for more nuggets of Kari’s life:
Instagram: @adventureswithauntiekari
