ABOUT KARISA KLEE:
I’m a Midwestern transplant working as an attorney in Atlanta with a serious case of wanderlust. Luckily, I’m able to log enough hours in the office in order to take plenty of time off to explore the world. I’m a friendly (and overly talkative) extrovert that loves delicious food (which is why I took up cooking as a hobby), drinking good champagne (or any champagne, really), my grumpy Brussels Griffon puppy (his name is Bruce Willis) and après ski (although, the actual skiing part can be fun too). Like any good Wisconsin girl, I like my brats spicy, my beer cold and my footballs thrown by Aaron Rodgers (Go Pack Go)!
Don’t let your full time job be the reason you don’t travel. Flirting with the Globe is filled with travel tips for the “working stiff.” Because I’m not a full-time traveler like many bloggers, my site caters to those travel-obsessed souls who are limited to two, three or four weeks of annual vacation time and forced to “flirt” with destinations – I hope to help you make the most of your limited time in a city or country!
I caught the travel bug at an early age, but because law school is far from cheap, the majority of my travel has taken place since becoming an attorney. (Yup, no gap year for this gal – I’ve basically globe trotted the exact opposite of most travelers. If I can do it, so can you). I’ve traveled to Greece, South Africa, the Netherlands, Australia, Cambodia, Sweden, Turkey, England, Jamaica, Vietnam, Malaysia, Belgium, Poland, Finland, UAE, India, Thailand, France, Cuba, Switzerland, Guatemala, Indonesia, Egypt, Latvia, New Zealand, Chile, Italy, Norway, Estonia, Nicaragua, Germany, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malta, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Peru, Mexico, Canada and The Bahamas, among other destinations. I love to explore new places, but I’m not a “country counter” – I happily return to my favorite destinations over and over again.
Travel is my first love, but I also post about my other interests including live music, fashion and outdoor adventures. I’d love for you to follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Top photo courtesy of the talented Six Hearts Photography.
FWTG CONTRIBUTORS:
MEGAN BOYD: I met Megan at my first job out of law school and we became fast friends and have traveled together on numerous occasions. Megan is also a lawyer based in Atlanta, but has transitioned to academia full-time since landing her dream job as a law professor. Megan prefers to travel in the off-season, when destinations are cheaper, cooler, and less crowded. She’s spent December in Egypt, January in Ireland, and February in Scotland. Her current list of to-see destinations includes Romania, Iceland, New Zealand, and St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. In her free time, Megan loves to read historical fiction and maintains a legal writing blog, Lady Legal Writer. You can also follow her on Twitter at @ladylegalwriter.
BECKY JACKSON: Becky and I met while in law school in Atlanta. She’s currently an Assistant Public Defender living in the west Georgia area. When she’s not fighting for justice for her clients, she enjoys reading (anything she can get her hands on) and running (slowly, while listening to books on tape – two hobbies in one!). Becky loves a good deal and has recently become interested in (and obsessed with) travel hacking. Her upcoming travel plans include New York City, biking around western Ireland, and touring Portugal’s hidden gems.
CRYSTAL DORO: Crystal and I met while studying Finance for our undergraduate degrees in Milwaukee, WI. She’s currently a banker based out of San Francisco, CA. Although we’ve lived across the country from each other for the past 10 years, we make time for at least one international adventure together annually. We also enjoy taking dog-friendly trips with our furry BFF’s. Crystal is a “travel hacker” who always finds us the best deals and is able to plan memorable vacations on a budget. Topping her ever changing list of must-sees are: Machu Picchu; Carnival in Rio; Bali; Nepal; the Northern Lights in Iceland; Croatia; Octoberfest in Munich; the Dead Sea; Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Lijiang, China.
August 7, 2014
Wow, you girls have done well to travel so much. I also love that picture of you on the elephant trunk!
August 7, 2014
Thank you!
August 12, 2014
Wonderful and inspiring blog, Karisa! Thanks a lot for following us on Twitter! Travel safe and keep up your great work!!
August 12, 2014
Thanks so much! 🙂
August 28, 2014
Hey Karisa, your site is awesome! I’m also trying to balance work and travel. Your blog makes me want to travel with you one of these days 😀 We should meet up next time you’re in Europe!
August 28, 2014
Thank you, Dalia! Yes, as you know, it’s not always easy! Where do you live? I’m headed to Turkey, Bosnia and Malta this November!
November 14, 2014
i live in Pine Hills, the name of your site caught my eye in a post on NextDoor today… i love to travel too, always wanting to go somewhere new but enjoy going back to a few favs too. giving me some good ideas !
btw, CROATIA is one of my favs ! and i’ve been around the block – every continent except S. America (which is on my list too). Oktoberfest and Pamplona were on my list and i knocked those out recently. Both way worth it !
just wanted to say good job ! putting it in my bookmarks !
November 14, 2014
Wow – great! Thanks, Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by and I’d love to hear more from you. I’m headed to Malta, Turkey and Bosnia in a few days… Bosnia will be the closest I’ve come to Croatia thus far, but it’s REALLY high on my list. I’d love to tie it in with Slovenia sometime sooner rather than later! I’ve been to Munich, but not during Oktoberfest – I can imagine that was a fantastic trip! Re: Pamplona – I have to ask… did you run with the bulls?!
November 17, 2014
where in the midwest?!! 🙂 before atlanta, i grew up in iowa.
November 18, 2014
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (born and raised)! 🙂
December 15, 2014
Love your site! I have a similar case of wanderlust and am always trying to balance work and travel. Heading out for my next 2 month trip and perusing your blog to get some ideas!
Thanks again for this great stuff!
Lacy
December 15, 2014
That will be amazing, Lacy! Let me know if you have questions regarding any of the places I’ve traveled. 🙂
December 19, 2014
Hey Karisa- just wanted to say how awesome your page is! It played a big part in inspiring me to start my own travel blog. Look forward to following your travels in the future 🙂 Who knows might bump into you one day!
http://www.meanderingmusician.com/
December 19, 2014
That’s fantastic, Sean! I can’t wait to read your posts. Happy Travels, Karisa
January 2, 2015
Love your story, Karisa! I hope to be as well traveled as you one day. 🙂
January 2, 2015
Thanks so much, Amanda! I’ve popped over to your blog (it looks great btw), and you have a fantastic start! When do they announce whether you’ve won the “Epic Bucket List”?!
January 2, 2015
Thanks so much – I appreciate it! They announced it last month – unfortunately I did not win but being in the top 25 was a great experience! There must be another great travel experience on the horizon for me instead. 😉
January 2, 2015
Well, boo! But it’s a HUGE accomplishment to have made it that far!!!
May 4, 2015
Cool! I’ll definitely follow you and your blog! 🙂
May 5, 2015
Thanks, Valentina!
May 31, 2015
How does one make the money to afford all that travel ?
June 1, 2015
I work full-time and am great at finding excellent deals, Ralph.
July 23, 2015
Hi, Karisa:
I m planning a trip to, Norway in May of 2016. Thank you for your tips. I still want to see it in the summer so I can do some hiking.
July 26, 2015
You’ll have a great time – Norway is gorgeous! I would love to go back next time in summer!
July 26, 2015
Thanks let go! Lol
July 26, 2015
I meant to say, let’s go.
July 28, 2015
🙂
July 29, 2015
I didn’t realize you are originally from the Milwaukee area! Matt and I both born and raised in Wisconsin too! 🙂
July 29, 2015
No way! I was born and raised in Milwaukee, but moved to Atlanta in 2005. I LOVE MKE though, and try and make it there two or more times a year!
August 6, 2015
try to come to my country, Indonesia, here there is Bali, Komodo Island, Raja Ampat
August 6, 2015
I hope to make it to Indonesia soon! 🙂
August 26, 2015
I wanted to let you know that I am nominating you for the Liebster Award. I am always excited when I read about people who work and travel. I love all the tips on how to make the most of the trip in a short time. Please don’t feel obligated to do anything. I just want to let you know you’re doing a great job! (http://lifeafter9-5.com/2015/08/26/nominated-for-the-liebster-award/)
August 27, 2015
Thanks so much, Caitlin!
November 24, 2015
It’s really great seeing another generation behind us taking up the world travel tour. You are doing great, and we love your doing together.
November 25, 2015
Thanks a ton, John!
June 22, 2016
Interesting concept of having contributing members to this blog! Look forward to learning more about how to best see the world while still working a 9-5 job.
June 22, 2016
Thanks, Ray! We’re excited to have you following along. 🙂
November 21, 2016
Karissa, I like very much your posts and the topics you talk about in your publications. Thanks very much Karissa about your contribution for helping all of us nearest other cultures, landscapes, nature, habits of people and countries. I’m now retiree and I have much time for thinking about trips and for traveling. You seem to me a nice person well equilibrated who know takes advantage of the life with a nice wisdom.
November 28, 2016
Thanks so much for your kind words, Michel! I hope you get to experience some amazing destinations in 2017!
November 29, 2016
Thanks very much too Karissa. I’ll go to Aquitaine area on the next may for 3 weeks: Bordeaux , Bayonne (Basque country) and all arround. Bordeaux was been recognized by UNESCO like an Heritage for Humanity. I’ll ride by bike, trains and feet among vineyards, pine’s and oak’s forests, along the Pyreneans mountains, and along Atlantic coast and rivers, besides all the ages of humanity: paleolithic, Roman, Middle-Age, Renaissance Period and Modern Era ! I look forward so much!
In 2 or 3 years I project to follow the Compostella road by France and Spain during many weeks!
Enjoy your next trips Karessa and take care about yourself. Sorry for my english language but I don’t write your language often. You and all my interlocutors on the Net are my coaches. Thanks.
November 29, 2016
Hi Michel. Your trip sounds amazing! I hope you have a great time.