JULIE CALLAS
CHICAGO, IL
My name is Julie. My adventure in the travel industry started when my friends couldn’t get enough of my travel tales and off-the-beaten-path secret spots. Inspired by a blissful day in a hammock in the ocean in Costa Maya, I decided to create Hammock Hideaways to help others find their own pockets of paradise.
I specialize in crafting personalized vacations for families, honeymooners, adventure seekers, and groups, focusing on unique experiences. Whether it’s a luxury escape, a cultural immersion, or an exhilarating adventure.
I live for those awe-inspiring ‘pinch me’ moments that make you feel like you’re living in your own movie. Some of my most memorable moments have been gorilla trekking in Rwanda, where a mom and baby gorilla passed right by me! Meeting my husband’s family in Greece, where we had our own “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” moment, was another highlight. Having a whale swim right under our zodiac in Hawaii, my very first helicopter ride to a glacier in Alaska, and the best meal I’ve ever had in a beach town in Portugal – seriously amazing! These are the kind of magical moments I sprinkle throughout your journey to make it simply unforgettable.
I want to craft stories and memories, not just vacations. These are the stories you will tell over and over again. They never get old; they inspire and bring you closer to those you share them with. When you’re ready to create your own ‘pinch-me’ moment, reach out!
In a nutshell
Fun Facts about me:
A few things I always pack in my carry-on // Haribo gummy bears or Sour Patch Watermelons, my international travel charger, and headphones!
My favorite souvenir // I always find a keychain, maganent or a Christmas ornament. They all become ornaments. Our tree is a tree of memories each year!
Longest flight I’ve been on // 13 hours from Chicago to Israel. Although the longest it’s ever taken me to get home, was 24 hours from Rwanda.
Hotels I could call home // My motto: So many hotels, so little time!
My favorite guilty pleasure snack // Chocolate and dessert!
At sunset, you’ll find me drinking // A martini. My favorite is a key lime pie martini!
Beach or pool // Beach. I love looking at the ocean.
Sleep through on long-haul flights, or wake up for every meal // Wake me up for every meal! I don’t sleep well on planes!
One country I’ll never say no to // Greece
MY TRAVEL STORIES
ICELAND’S RING ROAD
We all know the thrill—and the freeze—in your stomach when you glance at a map of one of the world’s most jaw-dropping drives and think: Where the heck do I even start? Can I drive this road in October? That was me before my Icelandic Ring Road trip.