A Better Way to Get Away
About Awayo
Where City Energy Meets Lake Serenity
Every trip should feel personal, comfortable, and simple to pull off. That's the idea behind Awayo: a collection of hand-picked properties across the Midwest built for travelers who want real comfort, good design, and room to breathe.
Four Destinations, One Philosophy
Based in the Midwest, Awayo offers vacation rentals in four of our favorite places.
Chicago, Illinois
Paw Paw Lake, Michigan
Michigan City, Indiana
Puckaway Lake, Wisconsin
The People Behind Awayo
Meet Justin, Samantha & Mitir
Justin, Samantha, and Mitir are the ones who answer when you call, handle issues when they come up, and make sure your place is ready before you walk in the door. They oversee every property in the portfolio and keep the whole operation running together.
There's no team of strangers rotating through. It's a small crew they trust, with a simple promise: your stay is their responsibility. Every property is professionally cleaned before your arrival and stocked with everything you need. Fast Wi-Fi. Full kitchens. Smart TVs. Self-check-in.
Co-Founder
Justin
Hi, I'm Justin, co-founder of Awayo, a short-term rental management company focused on clean, comfortable, and reliable stays.
We started Awayo to create a better guest experience, one built around thoughtful spaces, clear communication, easy check-in, and homes that feel welcoming from the moment you arrive.
A little about me: I'm based in Chicago and have a background in real estate, hospitality, insurance, and property operations. I take a hands-on approach to the homes we manage and care about the small details that make a stay feel smooth and stress-free.
Whether you're here for work, a weekend getaway, a family visit, or a longer stay, we're glad to host you.
Co-Founder
Mitir
A lifelong Chicagoland resident, Mitir brings nearly two decades of firsthand experience owning and managing more than 150 residential units across the region. His real estate foundation began early, inspired by his father, an investment property owner, and shaped by years spent helping manage family holdings throughout the northwest suburbs. That background gives Mitir an investor's perspective and a practical understanding of what drives value, risk, and long-term performance.
Before transitioning into brokerage, Mitir worked within several hedge funds and trading firms, where he developed strong financial acumen, analytical discipline, and market evaluation skills. His experience in the trading industry sharpens his ability to assess opportunities, understand risk dynamics, and guide decisions across Chicago's competitive small-to-mid-size multifamily landscape.
Operations
Samantha
Samantha began her short-term rental journey in Michigan City, where she ran a successful STR cleaning business that quickly grew into full-service property management. Today, she helps oversee Awayo's operations across Southwest Michigan and Chicago, focusing on well-prepared homes, optimized listings, smooth guest experiences, and strong property performance.
Her hands-on background gives her a practical eye for the details that matter most: cleanliness, consistency, communication, and making sure every stay feels easy from start to finish.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, reading, and playing softball.
Why Guests Love Awayo
Four reasons to book with us
Prime Locations
Near the attractions and nature you came for. Every property is chosen for where it sits, not just how it looks.
Direct Booking, No Hidden Fees
Book straight with us and skip the OTA markups. The price you see is the price you pay.
Modern Spaces That Feel Like Home
Full kitchens, fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and comfortable furniture.
Reliable Support
Same small team from booking to checkout. Reach us directly whenever you need something, day or night.
Our Mission
Create stays as enjoyable as the destinations themselves
Whether you're visiting for work, fun, or family, we're here to make sure your trip is everything you hoped for. We simplify the vacation rental experience so you can focus on the reason you came in the first place.
Ready to Go