Hello! I’m Catherine

Traveler, Chicagoan & Pun Enthusiast

I’m Catherine, a Wisconsin native who now calls Chicago home. I started this blog in 2018 as a way to sharpen my writing skills, but along the way, I discovered my passion for sharing travel experiences, my life in Chicago, and life’s little joys.

I didn’t grow up traveling much. My childhood was spent in a small rural town in Wisconsin, rarely venturing far from home. That all changed in the summer of 2017 when I took a three-week trip to Europe. It sparked something in me, and wanderlust quickly took over. With each new trip, I discovered my passion for planning meaningful travel experiences and wanted to share tips and itineraries to inspire and help others.

When I first launched Catherine’s Joy in 2018, I was working in formal education in Wisconsin. Shortly after, I moved to Chicago with my now fiancé, John, and began working at an aquarium, where I combined my love for animals, the planet, and education by creating and teaching engaging content. We now live just a little ways out of the city with our six-year-old black lab/border collie mix, Elvis.

No matter where life takes me, one thing has remained steady: my appreciation for the world and my desire to explore it and care for it. Travel, wildlife, and the environment have always been at the heart of what I do, and I’m excited to continue sharing that joy with you.

What You Can Expect

Inspiration, Itineraries & tips

I know social media can make travel feel unattainable, with endless luxury vacations and picture-perfect moments. But that’s not what you’ll find here. Catherine’s Joy is all about real travel and adventures that fit into everyday life, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a bucket-list trip. Here, you’ll find travel stories and itineraries, my love for the planet, a few practical tips to make your own adventures (and daily life) a little more joyful, and the occasional pun (because why not make travel pun-derful?).

Whether you’re looking for itinerary ideas, travel recommendations, or just a little inspiration to make the most of everyday life, I hope you find something here that helps and speaks to you. Let’s explore, learn, and celebrate the beauty of the world one adventure at a time!