Terri Fogarty is a former university administrator who changed careers mid-stream to do what she loves: travel and help other travelers design their dream vacations to Europe. Fogarty’s writings are designed to share with people her years of experience as a travel agent and a traveler – what she learned and what she loves. She writes for the travel company-website, EuropeUpClose, along with co-founder Mike Coletta.
Cheapflights: What’s your routine when you fly?
Terri Fogarty: I have a checklist that I have developed, so I don’t forget important things to do before I leave or things to pack. Once I have checked off my list, I can fly without constantly thinking that I might have forgotten something.
CF: What is your biggest travel pet peeve?
TF: I have several, but it really annoys me when people don’t read the rules to get through the airport security checkpoint and hold up the whole line.
CF: What kind of trip type do you prefer?
TF: I love to travel for any reason, but my favorite trips are to European cities where I can learn about the culture and history, and sample the food.
CF: Tell us what your favorite destination is.
TF: It is very hard to choose my favorite destination. I would love to just say Europe and that would be the truth. My favorite destination in Europe is probably France; I have been there so often, it feels like home. But no matter how often I have been there, there is still so much to see and do.
CF: Cheapflights is all about value. What location do you think offers the best value for travelers?
TF: Right now, I think Spain offers wonderful values. We were in Valencia and Barcelona recently and were amazed at how reasonably priced everything was.
CF: What is your ideal airport, and what’s your advice on how to best enjoy it?
TF: I am very likely biased, but my favorite airport is PDX (Portland, OR) where I live. It is well laid out, very clean and has a great number of shops and restaurants available to travelers. The best part is that by law, the stores and restaurants can’t charge any more than they would in the city. PDX is quite the bargain. To enjoy PDX, be sure to shop at the wonderful stores and save time for a great meal.
CF: If you had to sit in the middle seat on a plane, who would be your chosen (or most-feared) seatmates?
TF: If I had to sit in the middle seat, it would be great to sit next to someone who respects my space, someone who might talk a little, but not impose on my time, especially if I am trying to read, or sleep. My worst nightmare would be a person wearing heavy perfume; I have allergies and I would get an instant headache.
CF: What would you classify as a hypothetical travel nightmare?
TF: There are so many things that can go wrong on a trip, but most can be ironed out with patience and good humor. I have spent the night on the floor in an airport because our flight was canceled, gone without luggage for three days, missed my train in Germany in a town where few people speak English (and I don’t speak a lick of German), and lived to tell the tale – and laugh about it. But, one thing that would be a nightmare for me would be to get really sick when traveling and have to spend precious travel days in bed, or trying to explain my symptoms to a doctor whose language I don’t speak.
CF: How does what you do for a living give you a unique angle on traveling?
TF: When traveling, I am always looking for great out-of-the-way places to write about and interesting photographs to take. I take lots of notes and photos, so I have a great record of my trip when I return home. I love my job!
CF: Share with us a few insider tips on how to improve the in-flight experience.
TF: I have my own carry-on must-haves for my trips. Because the air in planes is so dry, I used to get headaches when I flew long distances. Now, I take saline nasal spray to keep my nasal passages moist. This keeps me from getting a headache or even worse, a cold. To make my skin feel less dry, I use a spray face mister and then apply skin moisturizer every few hours. I also use eye moisturizing drops and lip pomade. And, finally, I try to drink a lot of non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages to keep myself hydrated. Now, I arrive feeling (and looking) refreshed.
Cheapflights is proud to have guest voices express their opinions. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cheapflights Media (USA) Inc.
