Professional over-packer, but its all for the plot

My Adventures

Join me on my next Adventure

In August 2026 I will be headed back to Paris, France for 10 days with my sister, Taralyn, for her first trip abroad! I can’t wait to show her some of my favorite spots, like the River Seine, Le Pont Neuf, and the Catacombs!

As always, I plan to document everything through instagram posts and plenty of stunning photos.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions or are looking for recommendations. Follow me for daily updates on instagram @tavaniachichak 

I can’t wait to share my adventures with you. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or considering your first solo trip, I hope my experiences inspire you to explore the world. And remember if nothing else its all for the plot! 

My South America Journey

In 2026 I travelled all across Peru with my best friend (and best travel buddy) Sophia. From Lima, to Cuzco and the Inca Trail, to the Amazon Rainforest we saw it all. Some Highlights included of course the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, the Amazon River, Paracas and Huacachina.

Dead Woman’s pass was an amazing challenge, and a huge accomplishment. As a lover of history there was no other way for me to see Machu Picchu than to hike the four day three night Inca Trail. Yes, Machu Picchu was probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, and yes, the Andes were the most beautiful mountain range I’ve ever seen. Our tour guide, Davíd, was a fantastic Inca historian and it was such a surreal experience to learn about the Incas at Inca ruins along the trail. Ending in Agua Caliente town, we returned to the Sacred Valley, then back to Cuzco to hike Rainbow Mountain.

We then headed to Puerto Maldonado, where we took a bus, then a riverboat to the Tambopata National Reserve, where we saw so many monkeys (the howler monkeys were the coolest), red and blue macaws, and an animal that is called an Agouti which is a Quechua name!

Finally, my favorite activity, dune buggies and sand boarding in the Huacachina Oasis! Wow that was just so crazy, the dune buggies were the best ever, and I mean ever!

My Asia Journey

In January 2025, I embarked on a two-month solo backpacking adventure across Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam! I joined up with a tour group called G-Adventures which was an amazing experience that allowed me to see so much across these beautiful countries and meet friends from around the world!

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, I had the incredible experience of seeing elephants up close. Vietnam captivated me with its stunning landscapes, from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An (before you ask…yes, I got my Tangled moment hehe), as well as its deep history, including the Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War. In Laos, I kayaked through breathtaking mountain valleys, and in Cambodia, I explored the ancient wonder of Angkor Wat, and I learned about the harrowing realities of the Khmer Rouge regime. Each experience broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the world’s rich history and cultures.

My Europe Journey

In 2023 I had the opportunity to live in Vienna, Austria, as part of an international exchange for my Bachelor degree program. While studying abroad I was able to explore nearby countries including Germany, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, and the UK. From the stunning landscapes of the Austrian Alps to the rich history of Italy, each destination has had a significant impact on me.

Some memorable moments include hiking the active volcano Mount Etna in Sicily (which had actually erupted just two days before we hiked the mountain), relaxing on the Spanish beaches of Valencia, and learning about British history at the Tower of London. These experiences have connected me to so many different cultures and people.