Casey Wohl, known as The Getaway Girl®, combines her loves of her girlfriends and traveling the world with a city-specific travel guide series for women. Wohl is Travel Correspondent for the TV show, Daytime, the radio network Heartbeat Radio for Women, and has been featured on CBS Radio, Better TV, The Daily Buzz, Media Talk, FirstWivesWorld, blogs, and publications such as Woman’s Day and Parenting. Cindy has also been named a “Woman to Watch” by Orange Appeal Magazine and listed as one of “101 Women Bloggers to Watch in 2009” by WE Magazine.
Cheapflights: Your site mentions the “why” of travel; what would you describe this as?
Casey Wohl: A lot of travel correspondents focus on where to go, what to do, when to travel and how to get the best deal, but no one really talks about the “why” of travel. I always wanted to travel but never really took the plunge until I had to. A few years ago, I found myself divorced and fired from my job within a few months of each other. I felt like my entire life, both personally and professionally, was turned upside down. I was very depressed. Traveling with my girlfriends was a way for me to cope with my situation and depression, and I started to learn why everyone should travel. Travel allows you to see the world, step out of your comfort zone and grow as a person. By meeting new people, learning about new cultures and religions, and experiencing new ways of life, I learned more about myself than I ever would of if I had I stayed at home. Plus, I encountered new adventures that built my confidence back up and empowered me. These are just a few examples of the “why” of travel. I lived it and learned from it and I encourage everyone else to do the same.
CF: You made a major career change when you transitioned into the travel sector. Did you ever have any doubts or second thoughts and, if so, how did you overcome them?
CW: It’s funny because I didn’t make a conscious career change to the travel sector. I sort of fell into it. While traveling with my girlfriends to deal with my depression, I found an unfilled niche in the travel industry as no one was focusing on the Girlfriend Getaway market (we realized this because we were the market and couldn’t find appropriate travel books and information for our trips). When I initially started doing this it was a hobby. I had always wanted to write a book, so authoring my first book, the Girls Getaway Guide to Orlando: Leave Your Baggage at Home®, was really just a “bucket list” item I could check off the list. However, two months after I self-published the first book, Barnes & Noble called me, wanted to carry it, and asked if I planned to write more. Everyone in the book world told me that that rarely happens. That’s how it started.
As for the journey, it has had its ups and downs (as with any career), but every time I hit a lull period, I have had something amazing and encouraging that happens and keeps me going. Plus, my girlfriends (old and new) are a huge support system for me. I feel as though they are my cheerleaders. It’s awesome to meet someone who is inspired by my story or someone I can help through a Girlfriend Getaway experience.
CF: How do you recommend anxious travelers stretch their comfort zone?
CW: Everyone’s comfort zone is different. I recently spent Christmas in London by myself, which was completely out of my comfort zone. But I have a friend who is scared to drive in Miami traffic, so it really varies for each person. Again, I go back to the “why” of travel. I think stepping out of your comfort zone is one of the best things about travel, so if you are doing that you will naturally be a little anxious. I recommend everyone keep a travel journal. That way you can go back and read about the trip you felt anxious about and how empowered you felt after the trip. That will help build your confidence and serve as a reminder of a time you overcame a fear or anxiety.
CF: What’s your routine before you fly?
CW: I work out like crazy before I take a trip – makes me feel as though I am not so lazy just sitting on a plane or in an airport. I also carefully pack my carry-on bag: snacks (I prefer almonds); an empty water bottle to carry through security and fill up at water fountain in the terminal; a pashmina that can serve as wrap, scarf or pillow, and my laptop and camera, and all of their accessories (charger, batteries, etc.).
CF: Of the airports you’ve passed through – Stateside and abroad – which is the most convenient?
CW: That’s a good question. I know the ones I do not like. As for convenience, the smaller airports seem to be easier to get in and out of; however, my only complaint is that they always have a much stricter security team, which can be annoying when the same items that passed through a large airport get questioned and seized at the smaller airports.
CF: Do you have a routine for staying healthy when you travel?
CW: Good question! I just did a TV segment on this very topic:
To keep you and your loved ones healthy on the road, here are some insider’s travel secrets from The Getaway Girl® to keep you in tip top shape during your own getaway.
Diet
- Eat several small meals during the day versus just a few large, heavy meals.
- Pack healthy snacks (veggies, almonds, fruits); avoid fast food.
- Stay hydrated; drink lots of water (add lemon or flavored mixes if it helps increase your water intake).
- Ask for salad dressings, heavy sauces, etc. on the side and use them as dips.
- I ask for no bread and/or croutons. Those carbs add up, especially when you are on vacation.
- Don’t forget fiber-rich foods. Traveling is one of the worst culprits for digestive problems.
Fitness
- If your hotel doesn’t have a workout room, don’t use that as an excuse. In your hotel room, water bottles can serve as hand weights, towels can help you stretch better, and you can do squats while watching TV.
- Hotel rooms and hallways are great places to do walking lunges.
- Use stairs (versus the elevator) as much as possible.
- Ask for restaurants and attractions you can walk to and from the hotel. This gives you the opportunity to walk off your meal after you have eaten.
- Whether traveling by car, train or plane, be sure you get up and walk around to stretch your legs and keep circulation active.
Cold Prevention
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Bring (and use) hand sanitizer.
- Bring tissues. If you do get a cold, this will help protect those around you.
- Maintain a diet with lots of antioxidant-rich foods to boost your immune system around and during your time of travel.
- Use popular remedies to try to prevent illness such as vitamin C, Echinacea, and zinc.
- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccine prior to travel as an important way to protect yourself and others from the flu virus.
CF: How do you discover local or off-the-beaten-path places?
CW: I love asking the locals where they eat, what they like to do, where they go and – of course – why they love their hometown. This is the best way to find hidden gems and get a true feel of your destination.
CF: How do you incorporate fun into a business trip?
CW: That’s a tough question because my business is fun! Doing research for Girlfriend Getaways is tough! Where to shop, where to spa, where to eat, where are the best cocktails? All in a day’s work for The Getaway Girl®!
Also, I love meeting new people, and I am so fortunate to always meet wonderful people who help make my trips a ton of fun. And my motto is: I will try anything once, which has landed me upside down on a zip line and on top of an alligator! But it is always fun!
CF: Is there a destination that without fail (barring floods and famine) you visit regularly?
CW: Yes, every year (since I can remember) my family goes to the Florida Keys for the annual Lobster Mini Season, which is the end of July. My parents and brothers are active divers, so it’s a family tradition we do every year. Mini season opens a week before the regular season, and each person on your boat can have six lobsters per day. There’s nothing better than waking up early (5am) and going out to sea for the day in the dark. Then you watch the sun come up and dive or snorkel for the lobsters with a net and tickle stick. These fresh caught lobsters are the best you have ever tasted!
CF: Any tips on researching a new destination before taking off?
CW: One of my favorite things to do before going to a new destination is to post it on the Girls Getaway Guide’s Facebook Fan Page. I always get great feedback from people who have been there! Don’t be afraid to just ask.
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.
