Naveen Dittakavi
Naveen Dittakavi (left)

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: Naveen Dittakavi

Occupation: Airfare Search Savant

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Residence: Atlanta, GA

College: Georgia Tech

College major: Computer Science

Website: nextvacay.com

Twitter: @nextvacaydotcom

Facebook: Next Vacay

Instagram: nextvacay

Pinterest: Next Vacay | Flight Deals + Dream Destinations

Short bio: Naveen Dittakavi is an airfare search savant whose proprietary software helps everyday people realize their goals of traveling internationally sooner rather than later.

An entrepreneur for over 25 years, he’s been designing software programs since 1996 and holds a patent in data retrieval systems. From early on, he’s been fascinated with creating software products that make people lives easier.

He knows that it’s too easy to put off international travel until retirement because it seems out of reach. After finding an incredible flight deal in 2014, he turned his passion for travel and his entrepreneurial spirit toward building a system so that others could share in the experience.

How often do you fly? At least twice a year on an international trip. Up to three domestic trips per month. Enough to earn Diamond Medallion status with Delta.

How many countries have you been to? 25

How many continents have you been to? 4

Earliest travel memory: Being bumped out of our seats in Dallas when I was five-years old and being given first class seats on the next flight as compensation. I began my fascination with luxury travel starting then.

Favorite American city: Charleston, SC.

Favorite international city: Barcelona.

Least favorite country: I don’t have an answer to this question. My worst experience was being shouted at by EU immigration at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) when I asked a question in English.

I have no desire to go to: Sahara Desert.

Friendliest people in the world: Cambodians.

Country with the meanest immigration officers: France Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

Favorite World Heritage Site: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Favorite airline: Delta.

Favorite aircraft type: Boeing 787.

Aisle or window: Aisle.

Favorite airport lounge: KLM Schiphol.

Favorite U.S. airport: Atlanta.

Favorite international airport: Amsterdam.

Favorite hotel: Four Seasons Seregenti.

Favorite cruise line: Crystal.

Favorite travel credit card: Chase Ink Business Plus.

Favorite island: Song Saa Private Island (off the coast of Cambodia).

Favorite beach: Wood’s Cove, Laguna Beach.

Favorite National Park: Arches.

Favorite fancy restaurant: Alinea.

Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Little Thai, Interlaken Switzerland.

Favorite airport restaurant: One Flew South.

Favorite bar: The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove.

Favorite fruit: Honeycrisp apple.

Favorite food: Mom’s pulla pappu.

Least favorite food: Ivy gourd/tindora.

Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Kentucky mule.

Favorite travel movie(s): The Terminal, Up in the Air.

Favorite travel show(s): Parts Unknown.

Favorite travel podcast(s):  Zero to Travel, Extra Pack of Peanuts, Amateur Traveler, Abroaders Podcast, Indie Travel Podcast.

Favorite travel book(s): Not for Tourists guide books, “Epic Drives of the World,” “Roadfood.”

Right now I am reading: “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight.

Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Travel Pulse.

Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course!, Migrationology, Melting Butter, Culinary Backstreets, On The Grid.

5 things you bring on a plane: Y adapter for headphones, Bose noise-canceling in-earphones, fully charged external battery, chapstick, Gatorade chewables.

What do you always seem to forget? New razor blade cartridge, Ibuprofen.

What do you like least about travel? Dehydrated feeling on arrival even if you drink plenty of water during the flight.

What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty-Free store? Johnny Walker Platinum, Yamazaki, Flor de Cana 12-18 year.

Favorite travel app(s): SeatGuru.

Most embarrassing travel moment: Not having my ID on me.

I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: Japan.

Worst travel moment: My flight home to Atlanta (ATL) from Amsterdam (AMS) was canceled due to the engine needing to be replaced. I’d already gotten settled into the seat and I had to run to re-booking to ensure I got home the same day.

What’s your dream destination? New Zealand.

Favorite travel charity: FLYTE.

Best travel tip: Pay for CLEAR and PreCheck, it will save your butt.

 

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