In addition to having contributed to publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and the Los Angeles Times, Eric Hiss has recently co-founded the global travel blog wandermelon.com with other professional travel writers.
When not on the road, Eric also teaches travel writing classes for the high profile writers’ resource mediabistro.com.
Eric has been kind enough to share some of his travel insight with us.
Cheapflights: What do you always do when you travel – any routine procedures?
Eric Hiss: I have various checklists i have accumulated over the years for different kinds of trips, including adventure-oriented trips, travel focused on urban areas or maybe a beach town visit. It’s impossible for me to remember all those items and details for various trips (the dry bag for that adventure trip or the sunblock for the beach trip). It’s reassuring to check those items off and know you’ve remembered everything.
CF: What is your travel pet peeve?
EH: Airlines intentionally overbooking flights. They might think it’s good for the bottom line, but it’s very bad for business when a passenger never wants to fly on your airline again.
CF: What is your favorite kind of trip?
EH: That’s a tough one, because every type of trip has some fantastic elements. At the end of the day though, I will always go for the isolated beach destination with more palm trees than people.
CF: In your opinion, what’s the best destination you have ever been to and why?
EH: It depends how I’m feeling and what I want to write about. But if I had to choose just one, it would probably be South Africa, which I just visited for the first time. I was absolutely floored by the diversity of experiences: superb wine-tasting in the Stellenbosch, cosmopolitan cities like Cape Town, incredible game viewing in multiple reserves and really amazing people. I think this is a country whose time has really come as the next great destination, especially since the World Cup.
CF: Where in the world offers the best value for money?
EH: I think there are multiple answers to this question, which is great for travelers. Central America immediately comes to mind. South America as well, including Colombia and Argentina (excluding Buenos Aires) and India is extremely easy on the pocketbook, especially with a little careful planning.
CF: Where would you pay to stay? Is there anywhere you think offers great value and a great deal?
EH: Almost anywhere in French Polynesia. I’m addicted. And by the way, everyone immediately thinks it’s very expensive and difficult to get here, but Tahiti Tourism regularly publishes excellent deals that are very affordable, especially to the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. Also, Tahiti is only 7 hours (direct) from Los Angeles.
CF: What is the best airport you have flown from and is there a tip to make this airport experience great?
EH: The first time I stepped into Kansai International in Osaka, I realized what an airport could really be. Hyper-modern, clean, spacious, filled with natural light and awesome food court. And if you have a long lay-over, there are spacious benches ideal for napping!
CF: When you fly, is there a tip you can share to make the experience a great one?
EH: Outside of having enough miles to get upgraded to business or first class, there are a few things you can do. Many airlines now allow you to check-in and get your seat assignment online 24-hours before your flight. Do it and avoid getting stuck in the “30’s” near the rear lavatory. Pack smarter, bring less and avoid having to check baggage so you can save on fees plus go right to the gate. It’s a no-brainer, but get there early and avoid the added stress of unforeseen speed bumps like added security or a huge tour group in front of you at the gate.
CF: At one point in your life, you will have to sit in the middle seat when you fly. If you have two people next to you, who you most want to share a long haul with and whom would you least?
EH: Most want to share an aisle with: Shakira, because she is tiny and wouldn’t fight me for elbow space, she is intelligent and thoughtful, and oh yeah, she’s gorgeous. Least want to share an aisle with: Glenn Beck, because I am allergic to chalk dust and hysterics.
CF: How would you define “experience-based travel?” What do you look for in planning such a trip?
EH: Experiential travel means putting the experience first-and-foremost as opposed to saying “I can only stay in a five-star” or “if it’s more than $150 bucks forget it.” I write about everything from five-star to no-star because the world is a very big place and to truly experience it, we have to go with the flow, enjoy a place on its own terms, and not limit it by our expectations. If i’m in a European capital, I might opt for a high-end hotel because it’s part of the fabric of that city. I’m also perfectly content to stay in a $15 per night guesthouse (no extra charge for monkeys swinging from the balconies) to catch a Ganges sunrise because you won’t find a Four Seasons in Varanasi.
CF: What do you consider the essential factors making for a unique trip?
EH: Allow for an element of surprise: have an itinerary, but be prepared to change, add, and simply go off trail when the occasion calls for it. Leave some goodwill behind, especially in poorer regions. Before you go, find out if there are any reputable local organizations that could use donations like school supplies or even a few hours of your time. These opportunities are expanding greatly. Most importantly, have a wonderful trip!
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.
