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: A.D. Hopkins
Occupation: Freelance editor and writer, semi-retired
Hometown: Stuart, Virginia
Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada
College: University of Richmond, Virginia
College major: English & journalism
Website: basecampguides.com
Twitter: @RoadTripAmerica
Facebook: Base Camp Guides
Short bio: Hopkins has edited about 20 books, nearly all on outdoor subjects or regional history, including the forthcoming “Base Camp Las Vegas: 101 Hikes in the Southwest” (August 8, 2017, Imbrifex Books). He was the founding editor of Cerca, a magazine about the spectacular country within overnight-trip distance from Las Vegas, Nevada. Formerly he spent 12 years editing and writing for The Nevadan, a Sunday newspaper supplement magazine specializing in the rural West and regional history.
How often do you fly? Once or twice a year.
How many countries have you been to? Eight.
How many continents have you been to? Two.
Earliest travel memory: Age eight, Williamsburg, Va. Watching Revolutionary War reenactors drill, make musket cartridges, and fire them.
Favorite American city: Boston.
Favorite international city: London.
Least favorite country: Haven’t encountered one so bad I would call it that.
I have no desire to go to: Kosovo.
Friendliest people in the world: Texans.
Country with the meanest immigration officers: U.S.
Favorite airline: British Airways.
Favorite aircraft type: Large passenger jets.
Aisle or window: Aisle.
Favorite U.S. airport: Charlotte, N.C. has comfortable old-time rocking chairs.
Favorite cruise line: Viking.
Favorite island: Puerto Rico.
Favorite beach: Outer Banks, N.C.
Favorite National Park: Gettysburg.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: El Sombrero, Main Street, Las Vegas.
Favorite bar: Overland Hotel bar, Pioche, Nevada.
Favorite fruit: Nectarine.
Favorite food: Barbecued pork, North Carolina style.
Least favorite food: Whale meat.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Gin fizz.
Right now I am reading: “The Testament” by John Grisham. Set largely in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil.
Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! BaseCampGuides.com, roadtripamerica.com, living-las-vegas.com
5 things you bring on a plane: Medicines, enough to last entire trip, in case luggage is lost. Duplicate amounts in checked luggage. Swimming trunks (can double as underwear.) Socks. Sweater. Passport, even on domestic flights, because it’s the best ID there is. Spare eyeglasses.
What do you always seem to forget? Hat.
What do you like least about travel? Mistreatment by airline or TSA personnel.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? German kirschvasser, good Scotch or Irish whiskey. Hell, I’ll even take rum!
Most embarrassing travel moment: Got lost, accidentally found myself standing at the tomb of St. Peter in the Vatican. Was supposed to have a reservation and did not. Got evicted and I believe cursed in a language I do not understand.
I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: Memphis, Nashville, or Spain.
Worst travel moment: Got in brawl. Didn’t start it, but more or less won it, so was evicted from the state.
Best travel tip: Carry wash-and-wear of one color family only, so more combinations can be made from what you brought. Meaning carry mostly blues or mostly browns, not both. Own a Swiss army knife or Leatherman and have it in your checked luggage. Own a monocular—half the weight of binoculars.
