About Me

this darling world

After my husband and I married in 2011, we took an incredible honeymoon that changed our goals forever. I, head over heels, fell in love with traveling. It all started in Venice, Italy, and it hasn’t stopped since.

We chose to make travel a priority in our lives, even if it’s only part-time. So far, we’ve been able to visit 17 countries and 100+ cities together. We enjoy exploring beyond the main city in any country we visit, that’s why our city count is so much higher. Smaller towns are my favorite!

This blog combines everything I know; my background in journalism and marketing, plus my love for travel and photography. I work remotely in marketing/advertising and everything that has to do with that world, and I dedicate a lot of time to this site. My husband is a 9-5 engineer (think robots) and has cheered me on with this passion project since day one.

We live in the beautiful city of Chicago. Have you been? You should come! We love spending our downtime trying new restaurants and cafes in our hometown, watching sitcom comedies, fostering dogs, and dog sitting. Did I mention dogs?

When I’m not busy doing everyday life, I dream up new places to visit and plan some incredible trips. So, here I am sharing how we make it work, how you can make it work, and how a little careful planning can get you across the world.

12 Comments

  • Reply Joe January 26, 2023 at 12:47 am

    Lily. I came upon your blog accidentally while researching Chicago location sites for the movie U S Marshals. After being transferred there from Los Angeles, where I met my wife of almost 50 years, I could hardly wait to receive another transfer (because of the freezing temperatures). Now, after reading your blog, we find that we both miss the years that we lived on Richie Court and our walks near Oak Street Beach. California may have the weather but Chicago has the charismatic people, colorful neighborhoods with character and restaurants.

    Thank you for bringing back the memories for us.

    Joe

  • Reply Anonymous September 5, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    Saw your post on Guanajuato and I’m planning my next trip there! I’ve been once but I’m def. gonna check out the AirBnb you suggested!

    • Reply Lily October 26, 2022 at 6:08 pm

      I hope you enjoy your trip! Thanks for reading.

  • Reply Diane Moore July 24, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    Lily, just found your blog while planning my first trip to Europe. Your blog and photography are fantastic! I too, have a passion for photography and would shoot the whole world if I could. Your post on the Cotswolds have definitely helped me in my planning. Thank you and I look forward to following more of your blogs.

    • Reply Lily July 25, 2020 at 12:01 am

      Thank you so much, Diane! That means a lot 🙂 I’m so glad you found the info and photos helpful that’s my ultimate goal. The Cotswolds is an absolute dream, I’m sure you’ll love it! Thanks again for reading!

  • Reply Annie July 26, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Do you have any air bnb reviews? Anywhere!

    • Reply This Darling World July 30, 2019 at 7:08 pm

      Hi Annie! I have reviews of Airbnb’s in different city posts. I don’t have a post just for Airbnb reviews unfortunately. I will be writing about my favorite stays all over the world next week though. That post will include some Airbnb reviews. Keep an eye out for it! 🙂

  • Reply Alison Macbeth, The Postcard September 26, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    Hi Lily! Just came across your blog when browsing for posts on Haarlem. So glad to find it — I feel our blogs (and love of travel) are very similar! Looking forward to following along on all your adventures 🙂

    • Reply This Darling World October 5, 2018 at 6:39 pm

      I love this! Thank you for your comment 🙂 I will definitely check out your stuff as well.

  • Reply Sari November 28, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    You blog is really nice Lily 👍❤️️

    • Reply this darling world December 3, 2016 at 2:49 am

      Thanks so much, excited to share more stories and tips! I have tons!😃

  • Reply Erin Scherer June 28, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    I look forward to following along! 🙂

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