Amy Chen is associate online editor at Frommers.com. She also writes for Gadling.com, Real Simple and Money magazine.
Cheapflights: What do you always do when you travel – any routine procedures?
Amy Chen: I’m a bit of a travel geek because I like to pack at least two days before my trip. I find some comfort in the ritual of spreading my suitcase out on the floor and then tossing things in as I go. This way, I’m pretty much packed the night before my trip, which I can then use to relax. I also leave a Post-it note for myself on my fridge so I don’t forget my cell phone charger and contact lens case – two things I always seem to forget.
CF: What is your travel pet peeve?
AC: Not being able to take bottled water through airport security. I hate paying $4 for water.
CF: What is your favorite kind of trip (romantic, city, beach, etc.)?
AC: Give me a beach vacation any day, but I’m happiest when I can eat outside: a picnic, a sidewalk café, it doesn’t really matter. Al fresco dining means vacation to me.
CF: Best destination you have ever been to and why?
AC: I haven’t found it yet, which is a great reason to keep traveling.
CF: What is the best airport you have flown from and is there a tip to make this airport experience great?
AC: I’m partial to JetBlue’s Terminal 5, which has free Wi-Fi. I once caught a free Chris Daughtry concert there while waiting to board a flight. Even though I’m not a huge fan, there was something refreshing about seeing everyone smiling – being happy to be at the airport doesn’t seem to happen very much anymore.
CF: When you fly, is there a tip you can share to make the experience a great one?
AC: Downloading movies or TV shows onto the iPad makes the time fly by. I also accumulate a stash of trashy celebrity or fashion magazines, which are fun to flip through.
CF: If there was one travel nightmare trip, where would it be to and what would it involve?
AC: I already experienced it, unfortunately. I contracted dysentery in Hong Kong and was in the emergency room not once but twice. My mom and I missed our return flight because I was in the ER. We had to stay a few extra days until we could rebook. Needless to say, I was never so happy to come home.
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