February 2020 | Chicago Splash by chicagosplash

SPLASH TOP 3 WELLNESS MUST-DO’S | FEASTS OF LOVE: DATE NIGHT DINING IDEAS

FEBRUARY 2020

SPRING BREAK PREVIEW “Eat Travel Rock” host KELLY RIZZO shows you how to escape

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NEED TO KNOW CHEF WATCH Boka Restaurant Group and chef Gene Kato of Momotaro (at left) are popping up with a new concept this winter. Momotaro Italia has taken up temporary residence at Dutch & Doc’s in Wrigleyville. Kato melds Japanese and Italian cuisines, with a range of itameshi (Japanese for “Italian food”) classics, like crudos, pizza, and pastas. Try the turbot with miso eggplant puree, tomato, and salsa verde. Entrées range $12-$26. 3600 N. Clark; reservations at opentable.com

SPLASH Publisher and Editor Susanna Homan, susanna@chicagosplash.com Director of Brand Development Liza Sweitzer, liza@chicagosplash.com Managing Editor Kelly Aiglon, kaiglon@chicagosplash.com Art Director Haleigh Brown, hbrown@chicagomag.com Event Director Diana Vdovets, diana@chicagosplash.com For advertising inquiries, please call (312) 832-6729 Contributing Writers Lisa Arnett, Thomas Connors, Allie Duncan, Samantha Lande Contributing Photographers Lisa Hinsberger, Maria Ponce Social Media Beth Delany

DETOX TIME How are those resolutions coming along? Make that whole eat-healthy thing easier with produce deliveries from Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks. The local subscription-box fave now offers detox and juice cleanse specialty boxes. Inside: a curated selection of all the fruits, vegetables, and herbs you need to make your concoction (recipes and guidelines are online). Starting at $35; freshpicks.com

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AT THE SHOOT

CBD BLOWOUT, ANYONE? It’s otherwise known as the “CanniBlowDry” and you can get it at BOSS Hair Group Salon. Do it for the health of your hair, plus a lush, party-ready look. It starts with a heavenly nine-step scalp massage followed by a shampoo, conditioner, and serum made with CBD (a compound of the cannabis plant, derived from hemp that is free of THC). You’ll leave with a soothed scalp, fortified hair, and a fuller-looking style. $75. 842 N. Orleans; bosshairgroup.com

CARRY-ON CHIC Attn: anyone with suitcase woes. The cure for any habitual over-packer is ZoeGoes, a six-piece sustainable travel capsule collection created by Chicago native Karyn Pettigrew. Mix and match the modern-minimal pieces to create multiple outfits. For starters, a wrinkle-free, drape-like skirt pairs with a wrap-style shirt that can be worn four ways. To keep it even more simple, it all comes in a grab-and-go luggage cube. Starting at $200 for a two-piece. Available March 2 at zoegoes.com.

Our crew created an idyllic girlfriends’ getaway in the Dominican Republic for our fifth annual Spring Break cover story. Packing their passports with us on this trip arranged through Apple Vacations were lifestyle influencer Kelly Rizzo (@eattravelrock) and two of her besties, Jaclyn Swartz and Aggie Merz. Using Secrets Cap Cana Resort as our playground, we dressed in neon, hit the beach, and documented the best moments. Read the full story on p. 8. Photographer Maria Ponce Wardrobe Kimmi Ade Makeup Lynee Ruiz Hair Angie Chavez Cover Luli Fama Romper Lulifama.com; Charter Club Earrings Macy’s; Eliurpi Hat Matchesfashion.com Left Young, Fabulous & Broke Dress Revolve.com; Gorjana, Both Necklaces Bloomingdale’s FEBRUARY 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

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Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic Crystal Apple Award Winner–Rated “Best All-Inclusive Resort” by Apple Vacationers in 2019. Luxury awaits at the Unlimited-Luxury®: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa! This amazing resort features limitless gourmet dining, unlimited top-shelf liquor, 24-hour room service, daily activities, and nightly entertainment. From mouth-watering restaurants to sumptuous spa treatments and so much more, Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa offers an adults-only experience that will surpass your wildest dreams. Come and experience your Secrets together!

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THE CALENDAR ✔ ARTS & CULTURE | ✔ PHILANTHROPY | ✔ FOOD | ✔ FASHION THROUGH FEBRUARY 9

✔ Chicago Restaurant Week

Taste your way through the city and burbs when 400-plus restaurants offer dining deals. Special prix fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus encourage you to explore favorite dishes, old and new. Our pick: a three-course dinner at Tao ($48/person), including an appetizer (chicken gyoza, spicy salmon avocado sushi roll), entrée (orange chicken, petite fillet mignon “Tokyo” style), and dessert (chocolate cake, banana pudding).

JANUARY 26

✔ Cast Paddle Battle

EXCLUSIVE SELECTIONS Time Varies

The stars of Dick Wolf’s Chicago franchise play table tennis to benefit the 100 Club of Chicago. Cheer on your faves from “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago P.D.” — including Tracy Spiridakos and Jesse Spencer. New this year, cast members will also compete against the city’s real first responders (police, medics, and firefighters) in a traditional “brawl”-style tournament. Time 3-5 p.m. Place SPIN, 344 N. State Cost $35; tickets at wearespin.com

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American Fine Wood Furniture Cost Prix fixe menus start at $24; reserve online at eatitupchicago.com FEBRUARY 4-9

✔ “Riverdance”

Twenty-five years since the inception of this fusion of Irish and international music and dance, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined

the groundbreaking show with innovative new lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs. Time Performance times vary. Place Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Cost Starting at $32; tickets at broadwayinchicago.com

FEBRUARY 8

✔ Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Gala

Join the Les Turner ALS Foundation for a fundraiser honoring Matt Creen and Ed Rapp, who are bravely battling ALS. The evening features a raffle, dinner, and dancing to music by the Chicago Players. Dina Bair, anchor and medical reporter for WGN-TV, emcees.

The CYSO’s largest fundraising event of the year is named “An American in Paris” in celebration of the Gershwin classic. Festivities include CYSO performances, live auctions, and dinner. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly will be honored as a longtime supporter of youth programming. The gala will allow CYSO to continue educating and inspiring more than 9,000 of Chicago’s future leaders.

Time 6-11 p.m.

Time 6 p.m.

Place Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus

Place Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware

Cost $450; tickets at hopethroughcaring.org

Cost $400; email kgupana@cyso.org for tickets.

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Bright Get inspired by the style and travel tips of lifestyle expert KELLY RIZZO of “Eat Travel Rock” and her besties, Aggie Merz and Jaclyn Schwarz. Their recent trip to Punta Cana was as vibrant as they come. Photography by MARIA PONCE | Wardrobe by KIMMI ADE Makeup by ANGIE CHAVEZ | Hair by LYNEE RUIZ

Escape

SUNSCREEN ROUTINE When you shop for sunscreen, look for a “reef-safe” label. This is mineral-based protection that doesn’t contain toxic ingredients that could harm the ecosystem, should you go in the ocean. “I start with SPF 50 on my face, 30 all over my body, and I bring a spray with me to reapply throughout the day,” says Rizzo. Swimsuit: Dixperfect, $26.99, Dixperfect.com; Cover-up: Acacia, $154, Acaciaswimwear.com; Watch: Swatch, $80, Swatch O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 5

FEBRUARY 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

WELL & GOOD Think beyond the fitness center. Wellness moments can happen wherever you feel inspired. “When I travel, I do yoga as much as possible,” says Rizzo. “You don’t need anything to do it. In a tropical location you have built-in hot yoga and can enjoy the nature.” On Aggie Top: Ultracor, $125, Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave.; Bottom: Nike, $90, Nike.com or Nike Chicago, 669 N. Michigan; On Kelly Top: Nike, $40; Bottom: Nike, $90; On Jaclyn Top: Nike, $40; Bottom: Nike, $60

10 CHICAGOSPLASH.COM | FEBRUARY 2020

WAVES, HELLO Water sports are for everyone. “Most allinclusive resorts have free paddleboard rental. Try it as a girlfriend bonding thing. It’s a bigger workout than you’d think.” Top, on Aggie Swimsuit: Body Glove, $90, Bodyglove.com; Sunglasses: Oakley, $173, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave. Both, on Kelly Swimsuit: Speedo, $69.95, Speedousa.com; Sunglasses: Balenciaga, $490, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave.

FEBRUARY 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

DINING TIME The biggest joy on vacay? The food. “I love discovering the regional cuisine and exploring healthy takes on it,” says Rizzo. “The best way to do that is the seafood route. I’m a pescatarian so am definitely into local ceviche and grilled fish.” Swimsuit: Karla Colletto, from $265, similar styles available at Bergdorfgoodman.com; Earrings: Charter Club, $24.50, Macy’s, 111 N. State St.; Ring: Eshvi, $158, Iris Trends, 2104 N. Clark St.; Sunglasses: Tom Ford, $495, MyEyeDr., 1212 N. Wells St. Suite 1

Travel provided by Apple Vacations, which offers unlimited-luxury trips to Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa (including round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the hotel, all meals and drinks), starting at $749/person for three nights in May; applevacations.com

12 CHICAGOSPLASH.COM | FEBRUARY 2020

PICTURE THIS If you don’t take photos, did your vacation really happen? “You have to document your trip,” says Rizzo. “For great photos, as a subject always have the light facing toward you, otherwise you’ll be washed out.” Rizzo’s favorite apps for editing photos are Retouch and Facetune. From left, on Jaclyn Dress: A.L.C., $595, Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave.; Earrings: Thalia Sodi, $29.50, Macy’s, 111 N. State St.; On Kelly Dress: Ronny Kobo, $458, Shopronnykobo.com; Earrings: Guess, $25, Macy’s, 111 N. State St.; On Aggie Dress: Azeeza, $2,495, Azeeza 900 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 5; Earrings: Alexis Bittar, $245, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave.

C L E A N S TA R T

Need a reboot? No time like the present. Get inspired by these local resources — here to better your health, home, and om. B Y K E L LY A I G L O N

FOR YOUR HOME

HOUSEKEEPING PRODUCTS Happiness is a clean, well-kept home. There’s no bigger believer in that than Chicago-based interior designer Kara Mann. Her mom always said there was place for everything and everything should be kept in its place. And, life was nicer when you buy once and buy well. Throughout her career, Mann struggled to find beautiful, utilitarian home essentials for her high-end residential clients — things like sponges, tea towels, laundry hampers, brooms, and storage boxes. So, inspired by Mom, she created Kept, a collection of products that bridge the gap between elevated interior design and home keeping. Items range from eco-friendly dryer balls made from New Zealand wool (six for $32) to a recycled steel and natural linen hamper ($200) to durable wood composite and faux suede closet storage boxes ($88$125). Available at kepthome.com.

FOR YOUR SPIRIT

SOUND BATHS We’re talking good vibes — literally. The ancient healing art of sound baths are honored at Chill Mediation and Massage, where a gong is purposefully drummed to create sound that regenerates your parasympathetic nervous system. The short story: It releases tension and is good for you. For an upgrade on the experience try the Crystal Alchemy Sound Bath, which features a centering meditation followed by a sound bath using crystal alchemy bowls to help your mind and body move energy and find a peaceful, meditative state of being. Gong baths offered Sun., 1:30 p.m.; Crystal baths offered Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Starting at $25/ class. chillchicago.com

14 CHICAGOSPLASH.COM | FEBRUARY 2020

FOR YOUR BODY

ORGANIC SMOOTHIES If you love healthy smoothies but not the shopping-for-ingredients part, Chicagoan John Redmond has the answer. He created Better Blends for anyone looking for a quick breakfast. The containers, which you store in your freezer, are individual servings that come loaded with freshly harvested fruits and veggies, most of them organic. The only thing you add: almond milk and ice. Redmond was inspired to create the at-home kits after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and needing nutrition that wasn’t hard on his sensitive stomach. Better Blends — which are vegan, gluten-free, and packed with ingredients known for anti-inflammatory properties — fit the bill. Flavors include blueberry and matcha, mint and cacao, strawberry and banana, and more. $7.99 at Goddess & Grocer stores. betterblends.com

EVER AFTER

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hen Dené Brown met Christopher Weaver on OkCupid back in 2017, he was upfront with his hesitancy about online dating. “I remember him saying, ‘I would much rather just happen to meet you in the fruit section at Target,’ ” Brown says. “So I said, ‘Let’s go to Target!’ ” They met at the Streeterville store and walked around Navy Pier for hours before heading to the Second City to see “#DateMe,” an OkCupid-themed comedy show. “I thought he was the nicest, friendliest man I had ever met. He was so thoughtful,” says Brown, 30, who then managed social media for Steve Harvey’s talk show and now works as digital marketing manager for Cars.com. “I thought she was a sexy nerd,” says Weaver, 34, a radiologic technologist at The University of Chicago Medical Center. “She had these glasses on that made her look like, ‘I’m a librarian, but I’m kind of like a model by night.’ ” They married Nov. 22 at the South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore) in South Shore (“It’s where the Obamas got married!” Brown says) flanked by their bridal party dressed in dramatic custom-made burgundy velvet gowns and coordinating tuxedos. The celebration continued at Chez (247 E. Ontario), where glam details included a mirrored head table, a garland of blooms lining the glass staircase, and more candles than you could count. “I used to joke that I wanted enough candles so that we were one candle away from the legal limit,” Brown says. “I wanted it to feel very romantic, very dreamy.” They honeymooned in Costa Rica and now live in Chatham. In their spare time, they enjoy renovating rental properties and playing with their 1-year-old daughter, Kennedy.—Lisa Arnett

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Photography Moments Forever Studio, momentsforeverstudio.com Wedding planner Ohana Events, ohanaevents.com Venues South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore, chicagoparkdistrict. com; Chez, 247 E. Ontario, chezweddingvenue.com Bride’s attire Martina Liana gown by Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, 12 W. Maple, bellabianca.com Bride’s hair and makeup De’Vanna Dior, @iLiveHair on Instagram; Flawless by Coco, styleseat.com/m/v/cocon2 Bride’s accessories Custom veil by Carolyn London; Badgley Mischka shoes from Poshmark, poshmark.com; jewelry by Weiman Jewelry from amazon.com Bridesmaids’ dresses Custom designs by Carolyn London Groom’s attire Men’s Wearhouse, 9625 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn, menswearhouse.com Groomsmen’s attire Boss Formal Wear, 3925 W. 96th, Evergreen Park, bossformalwear.com

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he year: 1968. “Green Acres” was on the tube, “Mony Mony” by Tommy James and the Shondells shot through the airwaves, and Julie Nixon married David Eisenhower. It was a different time. Which made “The Boys in the Band” — Mart Crowley’s darkly tinged comedy about group of gay men — all the more remarkable when it arrived off-Broadway and ran for more than 1,000 performances. In the age of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” it can be hard to fully appreciate how culture-challenging the show, opening January 29 at Windy City Playhouse, really was. As director Carl Menninger notes, “In 1968, the American Psychological Association listed homosexuality as a mental illness, it was illegal in many states, and almost all mainline religions considered it immoral.” Times have changed, but the themes of this play are still relatable. Six friends gather to celebrate the birthday of their pal Harold. After some good-natured ribbing (and some a little more pointed), the gang settles into a game of truth or dare, which proves to be a portal to some serious self-reflection. Although the show (which debuted a year before the Stonewall rebellion) does present some characters who are less-thanfully empowered by today’s standards, it remains relevant. Says Menninger, “I believe many of the attitudes and ideas in the play resonate in a contemporary world. The men raise issues like open

relationships, family of choice, self-acceptance, closeted married men who are perhaps curious and or fearful about exploring their sexuality.” All of the food for thought comes at close range. Windy City Playhouse has championed an “immersive” approach in its productions (a strategy that puts performers and audience within spitting distance) and the party-set “Boys in the Band” seems excitingly conducive to this. “William Boles, our set designer, has meticulously created a world that transports us to a chic 1968 New York apartment,” says Menninger. “The audience will be inside the play. It is definitely in your face.” Despite the 52 years that have come and gone since the show’s debut, Jackson Evans, who plays Harold’s frenemy Michael, is certain the audiences will find their way into it. “I have faith that every audience member is going to see a part of themselves in at least one character in this play. While it might seem easier today for us all to love ourselves and each other, we all still battle with these things. This play is a good reminder that we not make anyone’s life harder by asking them to feel shame for something they cannot change.” “The Boys in the Band” runs January 29-April 19. Tickets start at $75. Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park; windycityplayhouse.com

DINING OUT

DYNAMIC DATE NIGHTS

Pasta class at Tortello

Turning a simple dinner into an interactive experience? Now that’s love. BY SAMANTHA LANDE

hile there’s nothing wrong with a prix fixe by candlelight, restaurants are getting a lot more creative in the name of romance. Some of the best spots around town bring your dinner to life — and get you out of your chair — with everything from hands-on cooking classes to impromptu dancing. If you want to give your next date night some spice, start here. CRAFT PASTA FROM SCRATCH AT TORTELLO This cute little pasta shop/restaurant looks like something you’d stumble across strolling the streets of Florence. Yep, that’s fresh pasta being hand-rolled right in the front window. Grab your date and you, too, can try your hand at the cooking in private or semiprivate pasta-making classes. Create, roll, and shape four different varieties with head sfoglina (pasta maker) Alex Mulgrove right there in the window. Your hard work pays off afterward with a family-style feast of handmade pasta and platters of seasonal vegetables, olives, and focaccia, plenty of wine and dessert. Take home your creations and some extra dough for a bonus date night later that week. $125 per person, held Mondays and Tuesday evenings. 1746 W. Division; tortellopasta.com Beverly Mae cocktail at Violet Hour

DO FONDUE AND TUNES AT PUNCH HOUSE AND THALIA HALL The corner of 18th and Allport in Pilsen is where all good choose-your-own-adventure date nights begin under the same roof. Grab a beer and dry-rubbed mussels at Dusek’s Board & Beer, or sing-along in the intimate piano bar, the Tack Room. You also can’t go wrong starting the night at Punch Room, a cozy basement bar that, unbeknown to many, offers sharable pots of fondue ($25), accompanied by housemade pretzels, tempura veggies, and cured meats. Afterward, catch a show upstairs at Thalia Hall, one of the city’s coolest restored music venues, where you can see the stage from pretty much wherever you stand. 1227 W. 18th; 312-526-3851; punchousechicago.com; 1807 S. Allport; 312-526-3851; thaliahallchicago.com BE A COCKTAIL CHAMP AT VIOLET HOUR Want to up your cocktail game? Listen as experts drop knowledge and walk you through the basics in a Violet Hour mixology class. Start with “101” classes, which cover general cocktail building, or dig deeper in themed classes like “How Bitter Is Your Love?” The moody lounge has plenty of dark corners in which to enjoy the three or four cocktails you create ($100-$150). We won’t tell if you end the night down the street at Stan’s, eating a doughnut to soak up the spirits. 1520 N. Damen; 773-252-1500; theviolethour.com; 1560 N. Damen; 773-360-7386; stansdonuts.com

Fondue at Punch House

DINE AND DANCE AT ARTANGO STEAKHOUSE This is a little taste of South America in Lincoln Square. Meat eaters, take note: The most popular offering is a signature steak flight of grass-fed steaks that come straight from Argentina. Think prime cuts of cap of rib eye, New York strip, and sirloin ($55) that are best paired with a Mojito or Caipirinha ($10). Work up the courage to follow dinner with a beginner tango lesson (Tuesdays at 8 p.m.; $15) or ,if you prefer to watch the professionals grace the dance floor, go for a tango show (Fridays from 8:30-9:30 pm; no cover). 4767 N. Lincoln; 872-208-7441; artangosteakhouse.com FEBRUARY 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

WHO TO WATCH

CHANGE MAKER The nonprofit founder empowers

underserved Chicago youth

BY ALLISON DUNCAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA HINSBERGER

BRITNEY ROBBINS AGE 32 LIVES IN Pilsen CLAIM TO FAME Robbins founded Gray Matter (graymatterexperience.com), a nonprofit providing entrepreneurship opportunities for high school students in disadvantaged communities. BUSINESS SAVVY During the free 12-week program, participants learn skills like how to build a marketing and financial plan. They then take that knowledge to create and launch their own companies. “We want to help fix some of the inequities students face on a daily basis and rebuild their local economic structure,” says Robbins. Those who complete the program receive a stipend to use toward paying for higher education or as startup seed money. SUCCESS STORIES Brands that got their start with Gray Matter include Lip Locker, all-natural DIY lipstick for minority women; and RecruiTeen, an app that connects teens with employers hiring for part-time jobs in Chicago. FIRST VISION Robbins graduated from the University of Illinois in 2009. She landed a role at nonprofit Future Founders, which Robbins says “shaped everything” she does today. While commuting from Future Founders’ downtown office to its partner schools on the South and West Sides, Robbins saw the landscape shift. “It gave me unrest,” she says. “So I bet on myself and launched Gray Matter.” SIDE PASSION Robbins has a 12-year-old Yorkie, Duval, who inspired her debut 2015 children’s book, The Adventures of Buster & Duval: Buster’s Big Move. “I have 12 nieces and nephews and wanted them to have proof you can do anything you want,” she says. LIVING LOCAL The self-described homebody loves the West Loop and often works from the Ace (311 N. Morgan) and Hoxton (200 N. Green) hotels and dines at Green Street Smoked Meats (112 N. Green) and Chicken Shop (113 N. Green). “I don’t leave Pilsen often, though,” says Robbins. UP NEXT Plans are to pilot Gray Matter in a few other cities this year and develop curriculum any city can adopt and scale. “For black communities, entrepreneurship is freedom,” says Robbins. “We want to be a truly viable solution to a real problem, not just another nonprofit.”

18 CHICAGOSPLASH.COM | FEBRUARY MAY 2019 2020

DREAM HOME

It’s not about the community; it’s about the true sense of place. Join our magnificent paradise community in a Caribbean villa and step into an authentically Dominican lifestyle of relaxation, excitement and understated elegance. Our privately owned Punta Cana International Airport enables home owners to access a private terminal and VIP Lounge that ensures a quick and seamless journey from the terminal to your front doorstep. THE ESTATES Grupo Puntacana celebrates 50 years committed to sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic. Puntacana Resort & Club and THE ESTATES are registered trademarks of Grupo Puntacana © 2019. All Rights Reserved. www.theestatesatpuntacana.com

Not just another

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An Apple Vacation can be vibrant, active, tranquil, or romantic. You can stay in, get out, speak the language, visit the hotspots, or plant yourself poolside with cocktails. You can do it all, or you can do nothing. An Apple Vacation is a lot of things, but it’s not just another pretty place. We’d like to introduce you to our many traveler types. Some you may recognize and others may be new ways to think about wandering the globe with your favorite travel company, Apple Vacations. Visit carryonblog.com for all your traveler types!

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