Paul Brady is a travel writer and editor based in New York City. He’s worked at travel start-ups and luxury travel magazines, and last year he drove across the country in search of good stories. Unbelievably, he’s never joined a frequent flier program.
Cheapflights: As a Huffington Post editor, what’s it like communicating to a millions-strong audience, knowing so many travelers may take your advice?
Paul Brady: Somewhat terrifying! Every good journalist tries to get the story right the first time, and we’re definitely aware that if a fact goes missing, our commenters will catch us on it. On balance, that’s a good thing because what’s the point of travel journalism if you can’t trust the writers you’re reading?
CF: What was the highlight of reporting for your ‘Traveling the American Road’ series last summer?
PB: I’m a huge space geek, but I’d never been to Florida to watch a shuttle launch. Last summer was the last chance, and even though I slept in a city park and had to heat up breakfast on the engine block of my car, it was an experience I hope to never forget.
CF: On a similar note, what was the lowlight?
PB: It’s pretty hard to complain about a summer-long road trip across the country, but there was one night that could’ve been better. I was staying with friends in Detroit when a neighbor came bursting into the house at three in the morning, drunkenly raving about how I’d taken his blanket. (Of course I had not taken the man’s blanket!) So that is something I’d prefer to not experience again.
CF: Any envy for the reporter that’ll be road tripping across the country for this upcoming summer’s series?
PB: I’m bummed that I won’t be driving around the country again this summer, but I’m certainly happy to share my expertise from last year. Some tips: Bring a mobile hot spot, pack high-quality camping gear and buy more beef jerky than you think you’ll need.
CF: What locations – either stateside or abroad – do you think offer the best bang for your buck?
PB: Right now, Chicago and Vegas seem to have non-stop deals, and Orlando is always an option, even as a home base for exploring beyond the theme parks. Internationally, Southeast Asia seems to be the flavor of the season (once you pay your airfare, that is). A new five-star hotel seems to open in Bangkok every week—with rates around $100 a night.
CF: Is there a destination that without fail (barring floods and famine) you visit regularly?
PB: I’m infatuated by Uruguay, which has amazing beaches, friendly people, outstanding food and wine and great tourism infrastructure. Don’t tell anyone because I want it to remain my secret.
CF: Any absolute musts on your packing list?
PB: Nothing out of the ordinary, I suppose: a camera, a notebook, sunglasses and a copy of Bloomberg Businessweek, which has replaced The Economist as my fancy in-the-airport read. I will say that the importance of good luggage to carry these things cannot be overstated.
CF: Keeping your travel expertise local, do you have any not-to-be-missed New York destinations?
PB: It will surprise nobody to say that I adore Governors Island. But since it’s closed to the public most days, I also endorse the High Line, the Cloisters, the visionary Hudson River Greenway and the Mexican food in the back of Tehuitzingo Deli on 10th Avenue.
CF: Do any travel articles – either originally reported or edited – stick out in your mind?
PB: It’s not an article per se, but this Vice documentary on the most isolated man in Patagonia is really fantastic. I’m also excited about what’s to come from Martin J. Bernstein, a HuffPost blogger who’s hiking across America right this moment.
CF: Other than The Huffington Post, where can we follow you?
PB: I have a Tumblr, and I occasionally post helpful links on Twitter.
