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: Veronika Hradilikova
Occupation: Online marketer
Hometown: Prerov, Czech Republic
Residence: Prague, Czech Republic
College: Prague—Berlin—Chengdu
College major: Chinese & European Economic and Business Studies
Website: travelgeekery.com
Twitter: @travelgeekery
Facebook: Travel Geekery
Instagram: travelgeekery
Pinterest: Travel Geekery
Short bio: I’m a travel blogger from the Czech Republic. I’m based in the beautiful city of Prague, from which I travel frequently to all corners of the globe while maintaining a full-time location-independent job. Travelling and travel blogging are my greatest passions, which take up most of my free time! When I find extra time, I enjoy reading and learning languages. I currently speak seven languages, including Mandarin.
How often do you fly? Every month, usually 1-3x.
How many countries have you been to? 42
How many continents have you been to? 6
Earliest travel memory: A trip by car to Croatia with my parents when I was sven. Coming from the landlocked Czech Republic, it was my first time seeing the sea! I didn’t believe my father when he told me that it was salty and I tried to prove him wrong by taking a big gulp of the seawater. After coughing like crazy, I had to humbly admit that he was right.
Favorite American city: From my very limited experience, Miami.
Favorite international city: Berlin and Prague!
I have no desire to go to: I believe every country is worth visiting…at some point. Sometimes we have to wait for local conditions to improve so that one can stay safe and sound. Oftentimes, though, travellers can help improve an image of a country otherwise negatively portrayed in the media.
Friendliest people in the world: Iranians, Thais and Filipinos.
Country with the meanest immigration officers: I prefer to keep that to myself, as I still plan on visiting that country ;)
Favorite World Heritage Site: The Moai statues in Easter Island.
Favorite airline: Emirates. At least until recently, before they started charging for seats and reduced the check in luggage weight.
Favorite aircraft type: Just give me an electric outlet and a warm meal and I’m happy, it doesn’t matter if it’s Airbus or Boeing.
Aisle or window: Window please, I want to see it all!
Favorite hotel: Airbnb. I’ve stayed in so many that I even started writing short reviews on Airbnb apartments on my blog.
Favorite island: Easter Island!
Favorite beach: Kalanggaman Island in the Philippines.
Favorite National Park: Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Crepes shop in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz S-Bahn stop. However, last time I was there, I couldn’t find it, so it probably closed down ☹
Favorite fruit: Watermelon.
Favorite food: Asian non-spicy noodles or anything with melted cheese.
Least favorite food: Anything with cilantro. Please, spare me!
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Czech beer.
Right now I am reading: “Buy Your Own Island” by Danny Flood.
Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Skift. I can’t think of anymore now.
Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! Pinterest and Instagram! They provide the best travel inspiration for me.
5 things you bring on a plane: Socks, a scarf, kindle, phone, plenty of tissues in case I decide to watch a heartbreaking movie.
What do you always seem to forget? Neck pillow for the flight, travel adaptor for the stay. I always forget that there are different kinds of plugs around the world!
What do you like least about travel? Cancellations and changes in the travel schedule, especially when it comes to flying.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Nothing, just save the money for our next trip!
Favorite travel app(s): Been. Its only function is to mark the countries I’ve visited.
Most embarrassing travel moment: The most embarrassing moment is also one of my most adventurous: Visiting a beautiful park in Granada late in the evening and getting locked in with all sorts of animals: from peacocks to birds of prey. We ended up “partnering” with a bunch of scared students who happened to be there too, found a hidden ladder and climbed the wall to get out.
I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: Portugal. But I’m saving it!
Worst travel moment: I tend to forget bad things.
What’s your dream destination? Galapagos.
Best travel tip: Wherever you go, get a local data sim. Most countries have good traveller packages. In Bangkok, I once “attended” an hour-long Skype conference call on the go. Best time-saver ever!
Thanks for having me, Johnny, and happy travels!