After ten years working across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the States as a global management consultant he transitioned to further follow his passion for travel.
Now as a freelance writer, blogger, social media consultant and owner of the site StayAdventurous.com, he focuses on tales of travel and adventure to encourage others to see the world differently.
Craig also contributes to Cheapflights as a guest blogger specializing in Mexico. Now, he’s agreed to share his travel insight with us.
Cheapflights: What are your personal routine procedures every time you fly?
Craig Zabransky: I don’t believe I have many. As a frequent traveler I often pack last minute. But I always ensure my carry-on includes my journal, the book I am reading, a travel magazine, my iPhone, and headphones. I also frequently pack a change of clothes in case my luggage is delayed. Especially, since I often dress up for flights wearing my favorite white linen jacket.
CF: What is your biggest travel pet peeve?
CZ: I have a few, but biggest might be that people see air travel as a commodity and not as something special. Many people view flights as part of a daily routine. And it’s not just the passengers, airlines themselves demonstrate this attitude. I think we all forget that five hours from New York to Los Angeles is amazing. Ask your grandparents.
CF: What kind of trip type do you prefer, and why?
CZ: Long trips with few destinations. An ideal trip is two weeks with no more than three destinations. This way I can combine a few days in nature or surfing and also spend a few days in a city. This type of slower travel for longer periods allows me to truly enjoy the culture, cuisine and a few cervezas along the way.
CF: Although it’s hard to choose, tell us what your favorite destination is, and why.
CZ: Yes, it is so hard to choose. I can easily say, Buenos Aires, Mexico in general, sailing the Greek Isles or my home town of New York City. But one other destination that comes to mind is San Sebastian, Spain. I can spend the days surfing at the beach, my afternoon in the old part of the city at the cafes enjoying the incredible cuisine and wines and then return to the beach for a sunset. And it’s all walkable.
CF: Cheapflights is all about value. What location do you think offers the best value for travelers?
CZ: Latin America. You can find great value south of the border. From just across the Rio Grande in Mexico to the tip of Argentina, values can be found most anywhere. Plus, many travelers are often surprised at the splendor and options available in Latin America. Most seem to head east or west, I say look to the south.
CF: What is your ideal airport, and what’s your advice on how to best enjoy it?
CZ: Based in New York, I can’t recommend any of my three local airports to pass time. But one airport I don’t mind is Mexico City. On international flights, you can find the shops, duty free options, restaurants and lounges that rival any airport.
CF: If you had to sit in the middle seat on a plane, who would be your chosen (or most-feared) seat mates, and why?
CZ: This might depends on the destination. For a trip to Las Vegas it might be interesting to sit between Bill Clinton and Paris Hilton, no? But in general I’d prefer to sit between people who are excited about flying or excited about the destination. If you put me between two locals returning back to their home country after a long absence, I’d love understand what they miss, and what they recommend. If you put me next to a young child on his first flight, I’d love to see the excitement in his eyes.
CF: What would you classify as a hypothetical travel nightmare?
CZ: For me, probably not being able to travel at all. If suddenly, U.S. citizens weren’t allowed to travel, or if we couldn’t cross state lines, or international borders. That’s a nightmare.
CF: How does what you do for a living give you a unique angle on traveling?
CZ: My angle or tag line for my writing is, “Stay Adventurous: a mind set for travel, a mindset for life.” I believe travel enables us to take a step outside our comfort zone. For each person that step (and trip) is different, and I understand that. So, I write my stories to inspire others to take a step. To encourage others to take and make adventure in their life. And seeing the world enables me to write those travel tales.
CF: Share with us a few insider tips on how to improve the in-flight experience, in general.
CZ: For me it’s about the window seat. Not only can you lean on the window, but you can take in the view. As I mentioned I am always amazed that we can fly.
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.
