Hi! I’m Annick Lenoir-Peek (Annick, rhymes with Peek).
I’m the face behind The Common Traveler. My love of travel started from the beginning. I was born in Venezuela to French Canadian parents. I’ve lived in Canada, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, France, Scotland, and the U.S. In the U.S., I’ve lived in Florida, Texas, Illinois, South Carolina, D.C., Virginia, and North Carolina.
Growing up, we took lots of trips – road trips, long vacations, and we moved a LOT! I’m still doing that, even though I work a full-time job. I’m a child welfare attorney. Yes, you can travel even if you work. I’m an empty-nester as my two sons are now adults.
The Common Traveler was started over my own frustrations. I have champagne tastes but a beer budget. There is just so much travel content out there but it was hard to find what I needed without sifting through lots of them. So I put together the things that are worth doing and seeing, where to splurge, and where to save. Now you can save yourself the aggravation! Oh, and I buy souvenirs, lots of souvenirs!
Having traveled to over 60 countries, and experiencing solo, self-guided, and group tours, I’ve got lots of ideas! I like to find something different or unique at each destination. Small towns or off-the-grid destinations catch my attention.
If coffee, beer, and street food are involved, I’m all in! I like trying new adventures and meeting new people. I especially love sharing my love of travel with others and making them more comfortable with the idea of travel.
Here are some answers to common questions I get:
- Do you really travel all by yourself?
Yes! Sometimes by myself (without a group), sometimes with friends and/or family.
* Favorite place?
This changes constantly! I love discovering new places and I’m usually blown away by my most recent destination. Is that a cop-out? Bratislava in Slovakia and Riga in Latvia were unexpected finds.
* Least favorite place?
I hate to say it but Prague in the Czech Republic. Because it came at the end of a trip packed with a lot of rushing between cities and lots of walking, I was exhausted. I plan on giving the city another chance in the future.
* Favorite adventure?
I can’t narrow it down to one. Exploring the ATM Cave in Belize, floating on the Baltic Sea in Helsinki, Finland, and kayaking on a bioluminescent bay in Costa Rica are my top 3 adventures.
The Common Traveler is a passion project for me. I hope it helps you as much as it is intended to in planning your trips. I’d love to answer any questions you may have about me and get to know about you.
Leave me a comment about any content or questions!
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler