wELCOME TO cOLLECTING DESTINations
Meet Carla
— the storyteller, planner, and passport behind Collecting Destinations.
Travel has always been more than checking places off a list for me. It’s about connection — to people, to culture, and to the stories that live in between destinations. What began as a love for exploring new corners of the United States slowly grew into a deeper passion for experiencing the world with intention, curiosity, and respect.
Much of my early travel experience was rooted in domestic adventures, discovering how much beauty, history, and diversity exists close to home. Over time, international travel became not just a goal, but a natural evolution of my journey — one that continues to shape how I see the world and how I choose to move through it.
This space is where travel meets culture, where experiences are documented honestly, and where destinations are collected not just by where we’ve been, but by what we’ve learned along the way. My goal is to inspire others to explore with openness, to embrace cultural differences, and to create travel memories rooted in connection rather than comparison.
Welcome to Collecting Destinations — I’m so glad you’re here.
How it started
I’m married to a Guatemalan, and together we navigate life and travel through a bi-cultural lens. Our relationship and shared experiences inspired the creation of our viral TikTok account, Guera & Chapin, where we document real moments, cultural differences, traditions, language, and the joy (and occasional chaos) of blending two worlds. That perspective has deeply influenced the way I travel and create — always prioritizing authenticity, cultural appreciation, and storytelling over perfection.
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, we travel both domestically and internationally, focusing on destinations that offer more than just beautiful scenery. Food, local traditions, hidden gems, and meaningful interactions are at the heart of every trip. Through Collecting Destinations, I share destination guides, travel reflections, and practical inspiration designed to help others travel more thoughtfully — whether that means planning a weekend getaway or preparing for a journey across borders.
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