Tucky Fussell
Tucky Fussell

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: Tucky Fussell

Occupation: Author of “The Gulf,” Professional Artist, and International Educator

Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey

Residence: Asuncion, Paraguay

College:

  • B.A. from Northwestern University
  • A.A. from Pratt Institute
  • M.A. from Lesley University

College major:

  • B.A. in Anthropology and French
  • A.A. in Graphic Design
  • M.A. in Education/Creative Arts in Learning

Website: tuckyfussell.com

Facebook: Tucky Fussell

 

Short bio: Tucky Fussell has been an international educator for the last twenty years. She has taught foreign language and art in private schools in Arizona, Pakistan, India, Kuwait, and the Philippines. Currently, she is teaching art in Paraguay. She wrote her first book, the graphic novel “Mammoir,” in 2005, a memoir about teaching fourth grade while going through breast cancer treatment. In August 2017, she released her second graphic novel, “The Gulf: A Story of Art, Mystery, and Deception,” centered around the unique combination of Western art and Eastern design. She received her B.A. from Northwestern University, A.A. from Pratt Institute, and M.A. from Lesley University.

How often do you fly? As often as a I can, which means three or four times a year. I love flying and if I were a little younger, would push myself to get my amateur pilot’s license.

How many countries have you been to? About 50. But maybe five more if, like me, you have felt foreign in certain parts of the United States!

How many continents have you been to? I would say six as I have not yet made it to Antarctica, and I better go fast.

Earliest travel memory: When I was three, I remember a little boy who tried to steal my tricycle while I was playing in a sandbox in Heidelberg, Germany. I was outraged, ran out of the sandbox, and grabbed my bike.

Favorite American city: I love Boston because it has everything I love: good friends who are well-traveled, cheap restaurants with international cuisine, students whose lives await them, great bike paths, theatre, art, and a progressive culture which I feel very comfortable in.

Favorite international city: I love Mexico City as it is easy and cheap to get around by metro and there are loads of fascinating cultural events happening at any given time.

Least favorite country: I don’t have a country I haven’t enjoyed at least a part of.

I have no desire to go to: Lichtenstein. Too little and too clean.

Friendliest people in the world: The Philippines. I found Filipinos the warmest, the humblest, and the most fun.

Country with the meanest immigration officers: I cringe saying this, but it is JFK airport in NYC.

Favorite World Heritage Site: Tikal, Guatemala.

Favorite airline: Emirates.

Favorite aircraft type: Any larger than a 10-seater, anything smaller scares me!

Aisle or window: Always an aisle.

Favorite airport lounge: Singapore as it has a butterfly garden.

Favorite U.S. airport: Portland, OR.

Favorite hotel: Hotel Isabel in Mexico City.

Favorite cruise line: The Circle Line in NYC.

Favorite travel credit card: Visa.

Favorite island: Manhattan.

Favorite beach: The New Jersey Shore.

Favorite National Park: Carlsbad Caverns, NM.

Favorite fancy restaurant: Virtually any Indian restaurant.

Favorite hole-in-the-wall: El Gringo, Asuncion, Paraguay.

Favorite airport restaurant: I don’t usually eat in restaurants in airports!

Favorite bar: R.I.P Chumley’s, NYC.

Favorite fruit: Bananas.

Favorite foods: Carrots, cheese, popcorn and dark chocolate.

Least favorite food: Shrimp.

Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Water, coffee, Gatorade, red wine, dark beer.

Favorite travel movie(s): The Motorcycle Diaries, Best Little Marigold Hotel.

Favorite travel show(s): Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain.

Favorite travel book(s): “Video Night in Kathmandu” by Pico Iyer.

Right now I am reading: “Open Veins of Latin America.”

Top favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Outside magazine, National Geographic.

Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! Airbnb, Kayak.

5 things you bring on a plane: My iPad, a little toy for maybe a screaming baby next to me, dark chocolate, a liter of water, small sketchbook.

What do you always seem to forget? My mom’s list of people to look up in the place I am traveling to.

What do you like least about travel? When we are all on the plane, think the plane is going to take off, and then we have to get off the plane.

Favorite travel app(s): Dayuse, Skiplagged.

Most embarrassing travel moment: When I was taking a shower in a communal bathroom, I had to crawl out from under the stall door as it wouldn’t budge…then discovered I left my towel in my room!

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

Worst travel moment: When my plane from Manila tried to land unsuccessfully in Cebu during a lightning storm. The pilot was then forced to turn around and head back to Manila.

What’s your dream destination? I would love to do a camping/eating/biking trip around France.

Favorite travel charity: Volunteer Travel.

Best travel tip: Assume positive intent except right outside airports when an unmarked car approaches you.

 

1 Comment On "Travel Style: Tucky Fussell"
  1. Anterpreet Singh|

    Wow, she has done some serious hard work in studies and in life too.

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