Want to know how to travel in style, just like the pros? We check in with frequent fliers to find out how often they fly, their favorite destinations and what they never leave home without.
Name: Kiersten Rich
Occupation: Travel/Lifestyle Blogger
Hometown: Sunny Southern California
Residence: Wherever I hang my hat
Website: TheBlondeAbroad.com
Twitter: @theblondeabroad
Facebook: The Blonde Abroad
Pinterest: The Blonde Abroad
YouTube: TheBlondeAbroad
Short Bio: Kiersten Rich is the founder of The Blonde Abroad, which documents her adventures around the world and her efforts to support international charitable organizations. Prior to founding The Blonde Abroad, Kiersten worked in Corporate Finance for a Wealth Management firm in Los Angeles. Her current mission is to inspire people to live life in full while giving back to the countries they visit.
How often do you fly: In the past year, over 30 flights
How many countries have you been to: 17. My first trip out of the country was only 4 years ago!
How many continents have you been to: I still need to get to Africa and Antarctica
Favorite American city: San Diego, California (I’m biased)
Favorite international city: Sydney, Australia
Least favorite country: I would return to any country I’ve been to! All have been wonderful in their own ways.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Cultural: Temples of Angkor Wat. Natural: Great Barrier Reef
Favorite airline: Ask me again once I fly 1st class. They’re all the same to me in coach.
Favorite aircraft type: You mean there are different kinds? Just kidding. Ones that are on time!
Aisle or window: Window
Favorite airport lounge: Ask me again once I’m invited in
Favorite U.S. airport: San Diego – It’s so easy to get in and get out!
Favorite international airport: Changi Airport in Singapore
Favorite hotel: Le Petite Ermitage in West Hollywood or the Ayana Resort in Bali. The W Hotel in Mexico City gets an honorable mention for their giant soup bowl bathtubs.
Favorite cruise line: Not really my style… unless you consider a junk boat in Vietnam a cruise ship
Favorite island: New Zealand ;)
Favorite fancy restaurant: I would love to dine at Sirocco on the rooftop of The Dome
at lebua in Bangkok. When I went, I could barely afford a cocktail at the bar so I just stared in awe at the romantic setting.
Favorite hole in the wall: When I’m home, The Rubicon Deli in San Diego. I have honestly found myself traveling abroad and craving their Spicy Tuna sandwich on blue cheese bread. It’s phenom-
nom-nominal. When I’m traveling I always go where the locals go. Even if the food’s mediocre you’re bound to have a culturally enriching experience.
Favorite fruit: Chirimoya
Favorite food: I love spicy food! Thai, Indian, Mexican… everything tastes better with some heat. I typically carry a bottle of hot sauce in my purse in case of emergencies.
Least favorite food: Well, considering I’m a Pescetarian (not to be confused with Presbyterian) I’d have to say anything that moo’s, cluck’s or oink’s
Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground): Water (In the air) Wine (On the ground)
Favorite travel movie(s): Midnight in Paris. What’s cooler than time travel?
Favorite travel show(s): Frozen Planet for “Ooo’s and Aaa’s”, Idiot Abroad for “Hahaha’s”
Favorite travel book(s): The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Right now I am reading: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Five things you bring on a plane: My iPad: All I need to stay entertained and get work done. A Perfect Foods bar: I always pack one for a healthy on- flight snack. A Kinsey scarf: One of my quick-fix-tricks to look fresh upon landing. Neck pillow: I can’t sleep on planes but they make flights more comfy. Camera: I never go anywhere without it.
What do you always seem to forget: Pajamas. It’s so weird. It’s the last thing I think to pack.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport duty free store? A local wine or a sweet treat.
Favorite travel iPhone app(s): Mobli! It’s the best app I’ve found for video blogging and uploading photos while I’m traveling.
Most embarrassing/worst travel moment: Where to start… I’m notorious for having “Blonde Moments.” I have missed or almost missed more flights than I can count. I almost missed a flight to Cambodia simply because I got sidetracked testing out beauty products in the airport. Another time I got stuck in Lima because I forgot my vaccination card and they wouldn’t let me leave the country. Oops!
What’s your dream destination: Far too many to name. I’ve been fantasizing about Nepal and Tibet lately. Africa and pretty much any tropical island are up there on the list too.
Favorite travel website(s) – besides JohnnyJet.com, of course!: Matador Network & Trip Advisor
Best travel tip: Do as the locals do.
how tall is he?