Travel Style: Ian Terry Tcheliebou

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: Ian Terry Tcheliebou 

Occupation: Student Pilot/Merchandiser 

Hometown: I was born in Paris but grew up in Cameroon 

Residence: Washington, DC

College: Delaware State University

College major: Aviation Science

Twitter: @ianterry21

Instagram: ianterry21 

YouTube: Travels With Ian

Short bio: I’m currently a senior at Delaware State University, with Aviation Science as a Major. I’ve always had a curious mind and a passion for adventures. I figured at a young age the best way to quench my thirst would be to become a professional pilot like my uncle who is an airline pilot, so that I can travel a lot. I find traveling very humbling and fulfilling for the mind and the soul. My real passion in life is to help others to the best of my abilities, which why I volunteer a lot, and I want to do so internationally as well. I also started a YouTube channel just to have a way to share my knowledge, tips and reviews that people might benefit from.

How often do you fly? 3-4 times a year.

How many countries have you been to? 6

How many continents have you been to? 3

Earliest travel memory: I remember when my family and I moved from Cameroon to the U.S, it was an awesome experience. However, the layover in Belgium was not so great lol.

Favorite American city: Miami.

Favorite international city: Paris.

Least favorite country: This is a hard one, but I would say Germany.

I have no desire to go to: Syria.

Friendliest people in the world: Canadians for sure. They are so polite and kind.

Country with the meanest immigration officers: Germany.

Favorite World Heritage Site: Niagara Falls.

Favorite airline: Delta.

Favorite aircraft type: Boeing 777er.

Aisle or window: Window.

Favorite U.S. airport: DCA, because it’s not crowded like other airports.

Favorite international airport: Charles De Gaulle.

Favorite hotel: The Hilton.

Favorite cruise line: I haven’t been on cruise yet, but that’s changing next year.

Favorite travel credit card: Delta American Express.

Favorite island: Key West, FL, I love it there.

Favorite beach: Miami Beach.

Favorite National Park: Rock Creek Park in DC.

Favorite fancy restaurant: Le Diplomate, Downtown Washington, DC.

Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Grocery Basket, Dover, DE.

Favorite bar: La Mezcaleria in Paris. It’s a secret spot, check it out.

Favorite fruit: Mango.

Favorite food: Cameroonian cuisine for sure.

Least favorite food: Cheesy for food. Not a fan of cheese.

Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Water in the air, Jack Daniel’s Honey on the ground.

Favorite travel show(s): Parts Unknown. I love it so much. This show is one of the reason I want to travel as much as possible. Rest in peace Anthony Bourdain.

Right now I am reading: “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell. I recently started this book, I enjoy it so far.

Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Travel Noire, Johnny Jet and Where Them Boys At Now.

Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! Travelocity and Delta.com lol.

5 things you bring on a plane: A book, laptop, earplugs, headrest, and my camera in case I do a review.

What do you always seem to forget? Toothpaste, I don’t know why…

What do you like least about travel? Airport security and jetlag.

What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Chocolate, cookies and local liquor.

Favorite travel app(s): Travelocity, Delta, Flight Radar, ForeFlight and Gogo Entertainment.

I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: South America.

Worst travel moment: It was during Spring Break, it was time to head to DC, I had a stand-by ticket, and the flight ended up being full. On top of that, that was the only flight from United to DC. At the time I didn’t fully understand the concept of stand-by. Long story short, I took the bus from Miami to DC. 25 hours of travel time. Needless to say I learned my lesson.

What’s your dream destination? Bali, Indonesia.

Best travel tip: Ask the locals for the best food spot around the town you are visiting. The recommended spots from hotel or travel magazines are usually the most expensive one but not necessarily the best ones.

Fill in the blank: I’d love to see   Malcolm Gladwell    answer these same questions.