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: Sarah D. Tiedemann
Occupation: Paralegal and freelance travel writer
Hometown/residence: Trenton, New Jersey
Website: sarahdtiedemann.com
Short bio: I was born and raised in Central New Jersey. I caught the travel bug early on and spent several years in Hawai’i. I absolutely love the outdoors and most of my time is spent writing about it. I just published a book for those who are anxious or nervous to take on outdoor travel: “Traveling With Baggage: A Guide for the Hesitant Hiker“
How often do you fly? Several times a year.
How many countries have you been to? Only two! I haven’t done much international travel, but I’m looking forward to starting soon.
How many continents have you been to? Two.
Earliest travel memory: Camping in the Catskills in New York. As a city girl, I was terrified.
Favorite American city: Philadelphia for its accessibility. It’s easy to get in, go where you need to, and leave when the time comes.
Favorite international city: London.
I have no desire to go to: Japan. I’m sure it’s a wonderful country to visit, but I’ve seen so much of the culture from my time spent in Hawai’i that I feel like I’ve been there already.
Friendliest people in the world: New Jerseyans! Seriously though. We get a bad rap but we’re pretty friendly.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Mesa Verde.
Favorite Airline: Hawaiian and Virgin America.
Favorite Aircraft type: Airbus A330. It’s so big and stable that it feels like you’re on the ground.
Aisle or window: Window. Although I have a ridiculously small bladder, I can’t give up the window to lean on.
Favorite U.S. airport: Denver. Every time I’ve flown in or out it’s been seamless.
Favorite international airport: Heathrow.
Favorite hotel: The Wawona Hotel in Yosemite. The rooms are tiny, the bathrooms are shared—but the history of the hotel and the grounds it sits on are mesmerizing.
Favorite cruise line: I’ve never been on a cruise. I like the idea of them, but to be honest, they kind of freak me out. Maybe it’s the thought of being in the open ocean when I’m not a strong swimmer.
Favorite travel credit card: Hawaiian Airlines.
Favorite island: Big Island.
Favorite beach: Anaeho’omalu Beach (or simply “A Bay”) on the Big Island.
Favorite National Park: Yellowstone.
Favorite fancy restaurant: I don’t do fancy.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: This is impossible to answer as everywhere I eat is a hole-in-the-wall.
Favorite bar: I’m not a big fan of bars at home or on the road.
Favorite fruit: Mangoes or guava.
Favorite food: Almost any variety of soup. I’m told I’m a cheap date.
Least favorite food: Seafood.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Red wine or coffee.
Favorite travel movie(s): Any Indiana Jones.
Favorite travel show(s): Though now defunct, Motion was an awesome show. These days, it’s mostly Anthony Bourdain for me.
Favorite travel book: “I Married Adventure: The Lives of Martin and Osa Johnson.”
Right now I am reading: Absolutely nothing! I just finished writing a book and I don’t want to pick up another one for a while.
Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Whoa Mag, BootsnAll, Nomadic Matt.
Favorite travel website(s): Couchsurfing and Travelocity.
5 things you bring on a plane: Eye mask, sweater, snacks, magazines and my laptop.
What do you always seem to forget? I am obsessive when it comes to packing. I don’t know how, but I’ve never forgotten anything that I’m aware of (yet).
What do you like least about travel? The transportation and the time and effort it takes to make it work. I know travel is faster and cheaper than it was in the past but I wish teleporting was a thing.
Most embarrassing travel moment: Trying not to cough on my seatmate on a flight. I hated being “that” person. Unfortunately, I didn’t really have a choice.
I’m embarrassed I’ve haven’t been to: Canada. It’s so close!
Worst travel moment: Getting lost and hiking in the dark on the Kalalau Trail in Kaua’i.
What’s your dream destination? Palau.
Best travel tip: Don’t be scared—go for it!
Looking forward to checking your book out. As someone who struggles with the thought of all the dangers in the “great outdoors” it’s good to know other people have dealt with this kind of thing. You seem pretty down to Earth.
You definitely have to visit Canada!
I learned nothing prom this “pro”!
This is an opinion based questionnaire….
I think you would love to make the Mount Everest Base Camp your best adventure spot.