Chicago Tribune (Sunday)

Model likes to pack it all for trips

- By Jae-Ha Kim For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.

Tanaye White has put aside her career in defense and aerospace to concentrat­e on modeling, which includes a photo shoot for Sports Illustrate­d’s swimsuit issue. “The decision to transition into modeling full time was not an easy one,” said White, who recently moved to Brooklyn. “I had made a comfortabl­e life for myself in the corporate world. But ultimately, I decided I could always go back to a ‘normal life’ if I ever decided to retire from modeling. I have two degrees to fall back on, so I know that it’ll always be there.” Fans may follow White on Instagram and Twitter.

Q: Which of your careers has given you more opportunit­y to visit new places?

A: I would have to say it’s a tie. In my former job, my company really enforced the importance of profession­al developmen­t, which I loved. I had opportunit­ies to travel to New York, Los Angeles and even London. With modeling, the same applies. I think the coolest location I’ve been to is by far Turks and Caicos.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destinatio­n?

A: I’ve been to Mexico twice and have loved every bit of it. My favorite city in Mexico is Tulum. If you have the chance to go, I recommend getting an Airbnb or renting a home so you can get a true feel of the culture. Be sure to check out the cenotes, the many beach clubs they have and take a day to experience a yacht party

with friends.

Q: What untapped destinatio­n should people know about?

A: I feel like Washington, D.C., is an overlooked gem. People think of it as just a political space. But D.C. has incredible nightlife, delicious restaurant­s of all types and the most diverse community of people I’ve ever seen. It’s so much more than just a bunch of museums and historic buildings. I’ve lived in the region for six years, and it is still my favorite place to go for a staycation or a fun night out.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A: Always bring extra cash! Sometimes when you’re traveling, banks will lock your card because they think it was stolen since it’s being used in a new state (or) country. Also, when you’re visiting countries that have a different currency, it’s easier to convert cash than it is to use a card. When you have cash, you

don’t have to worry about finding an ATM or being charged heavy ATM fees.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: A couple years ago, I spent a weekend at the Great Oak Manor in Chestertow­n, Maryland, for my birthday. It’s this beautiful estate on the Eastern Shore. The inn had the best accommodat­ions, including bushels of crabs, a romantic boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay and happy hour with several charcuteri­e board options. It was the best staycation I ever had.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: I pack my entire life when I travel. You have to be prepared for the unexpected. Some of my musthave items are an Afro pick and hair moisturize­r, sunblock, extra underwear, heels, a sexy dress — just in case — and allergy medicine.

 ?? ANTWON MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Tanaye White is featured in Sports Illustrate­d’s swimsuit issue, out July 19.
ANTWON MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPH­Y Tanaye White is featured in Sports Illustrate­d’s swimsuit issue, out July 19.

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