I am a recovering workaholic. There, I said it, whew! I feel better.
Are you a workaholic too? Do you have unused PTO at the end of the year, that you carry over, year after year? When was the last time you took a meaningful vacation, where you turned off your work cell and work email, and truly disconnected?
I've seen it more than people want to admit and acknowledge. I've been there. And now, I want to help you. See, I believe in my heart, that everyone deserves a vacation - someplace outside their hometown, where they can explore and get away from the stress of their everyday life.
I also believe in inclusivity with vacation - everyone can travel - no matter their budget, no matter their experience, no matter what. It's finding out how that causes so much stress in their life. Whether it's the planning, the numerous choices, or the research, going on vacation is incredibly stressful.
It doesn't have to be. That's where I can assist you. I'm a planner and organizer. I love figuring out the logistics of getting somewhere on time, to the place they want to be, and ensuring they have all they need to have a full and FUN experience.
Getting back to the title, the Woman Behind the Bear now. How do I fit in with your vacation planning?
Hi, I'm Karin Nguyen, and I am here to help you. I recently left the world of Human Resources and decided to venture into what I love. I am a mother to two beautiful girls and the keeper of the schedule for my husband. (It's an older picture but one of my favorites!)
Why the name Bear Necessity Travel?
It’s a bit tongue in cheek, many might think of the bare necessities - but I always loved the song Bear Necessities from the Jungle Book. But for me, it’s more than that.
My nickname growing up was Beary or KariBear - my Dad still calls me his Bear to this day. So the Bear represents me.
Necessity because I have always felt through my years in Human Resources that everyone should take their vacation/PTO. It’s given to you by the company you work for, so take it. I saw too many people with maxed-out vacation banks, who were stressed and made lots of excuses, and for what? To get that TPS report done, even though someone else could’ve done it? You're not productive to anyone when you are tired and burnt out. It’s a Necessity for you to take some time for yourself, for your family, for your friends, and enjoy that time away from work.
Travel? Well, I love to travel. I was fortunate enough to travel when I was younger, and again after I graduated college. A recent job of mine required a lot of business travel, and I found a renewed passion. Exploring new areas, eating local foods, talking with people I wouldn’t normally get a chance to - it’s an opportunity a lot of people don’t think they can have. And I’d love the opportunity to show you that you can travel too.
So, where have I gone? I haven’t had the opportunity yet to travel outside the US, but I’ve seen Connecticut during fall with the beautiful trees changing colors. I’ve been to Alaska in April when the ice was breaking up in the bay with snow storms that caused us to be holed up at the hotel. I’ve seen mountains so high in Colorado that even when it’s warm outside, they still have snow on them. I’ve seen beaches with sugar sand and warm waters with soft waves in Florida. Arizona summers so hot your breath is taken away. Beautiful sunny weather in Seattle (yes, I know), then amazing Snoqualmie falls. I’ve seen Wrigley Field, been up in the Sears Tower, and fallen in love with Chicago. I’ve been camping in the Four Corners, seen amazing rock structures in Monument Valley, and hiked in Canyon Lands. I saw the battlefields of Vicksburg and the presidents on Mount Rushmore. Rolling hills of lush green foliage in Alabama, and massive sprawling farmlands in Texas.
And then there's Disney. Overall, I am a theme park aficionado. I love Busch Gardens in Tampa, Great Wolf Lodge, and Disney. I'm excited to explore the new Nintendo land in Universal Studios Hollywood, and watching not so patiently the progress of Universal's Epic Universe. I love sharing my knowledge of planning the perfect vacation, the tips and tricks I've discovered over the years, and lots of little things you may not think of.
I hope you'll come along for the ride with me.
