Libby Vertz has turned her love of travel into an envy-inducing career. A recent Wisconsin grad and current hotel industry employee, Libby has traveled all her life, and loves learning about the history, art and culture of the destinations she visits. Most important, she enjoys learning about and from those she meets on the road. Traveling all across the United States, often with her golden retriever, Libby writes about her experiences on The All Aboard Beat.
Cheapflights: Where does your love of travel come from?
Libby Vertz: I have to thank my family first for sparking my love of travel. We traveled quite a bit when I was young, so I learned as a child how exciting it could be. My love of travel also stems directly from my love of adventure. I love trying new foods and sports, and exploring new places. Like my dad says about himself, I always want to see what lies just over the next hill, and the next, and the next.
CF: What’s your approach for meeting new people when on the road?
LV: I bring my dog along. Seriously, I have an adorable golden retriever, and whenever she is with me while I travel, I meet so many new people. Nearly everyone likes a friendly golden, so they stop to pet her and the conversation flows from there.
Otherwise, I’ve found it’s easiest to get to know people with whom you are already sharing an experience. For instance, taking a tour together, a flight, sharing a taxi, taking a ski lift, or whatever else. Start a conversation during moments you find yourself sitting next to someone you don’t know.
CF: What destinations are on your must-visit list?
LV: I have to admit (and this is a little embarrassing, being surrounded by such expert travelers) I still haven’t been overseas. I plan to, but haven’t had the opportunity to make the trip yet. So, I will limit my must-visit travel destinations to North America and the Caribbean. The travel destinations I have loved most: New York City; San Diego, California; the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Sanibel Island, Florida; Key West, Florida; Culebra and Vieques, Puerto Rico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Anguilla.
Still, there are so many places I want to go. Unfortunately, because I am still young and largely broke, I know it will take some time before I reach all these places; but in my lifetime I want to visit the Greek Isles, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, Australia, Bermuda, British Columbia, Chile, Cuba, the Whitsundays, the Azores, the Seychelles and Zanzibar
CF: Any tips on researching a new destination before taking off?
LV: Before taking a trip, I tend to buy any and all guidebooks and maps I can find. It’s often easier to buy these before you arrive – especially if you want them in your native language. It’s also worth checking out the travel advisories from the U.S. government when choosing your destination. You may have missed some current events crucial to your safety; and some places today aren’t safe that used to be – or vice versa.
CF: What’s your routine before you fly?
I have always loved flying, so I don’t do much beforehand to prepare. I do always make sure to have a cozy sweater on hand, since many planes get incredibly cold once airborne. I also always pick up a pack of gum to chew, to keep my ears from hurting from the altitude changes. I’m also working on simplifying the outfits I wear traveling so passing through security is simpler.
CF: Who’s the most memorable seatmate you’ve met on a plane?
LV: Most recently, I sat next to two young professionals, one of whom was in town for an enormous AIDS convention. They ended up debating the best ways to address and deal with AIDS worldwide for the last half of the trip.
CF: What is an absolute must on your packing list?
LV: Besides the basics, I always pack a few good books (I will never buy a Kindle), a journal, a swimsuit and goggles (no matter where I am, just in case), a baseball cap and sunscreen from home (I have to have my Ocean Potion and Aveeno).
CF: How do you recommend anxious travelers stretch their comfort zone?
LV: I would say the best way anxious travelers can stretch their comfort zone is by traveling with family or friends who are just a little more adventurous than themselves. I believe trying new things while surrounded by people who love you is the best way to challenge yourself; you are surrounded by support. Similarly, if surrounded by friends and family, they will understand if you choose to back out from something that makes you too uncomfortable.
CF: Do you have a routine for staying healthy when you travel?
LV: I try to go for runs when I get the chance, although I must admit I don’t always fit them in. However, most of my trips end of being pretty active, with many of them centered on hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. It’s fairly easy to stay healthy when you’re doing so many athletic activities all day.
CF: How do you discover local or off-the-beaten-path places?
LV: The best way to discover off-the-beaten-path spots, I have found, is to ask the locals for the best of your destination. Sometimes their answers will match those of the guidebooks, but oftentimes they won’t. Before I leave home, I also like to ask on Twitter or Facebook if any of my followers or friends knows of lesser known but still great restaurants, beaches or attractions.
We’re proud to have guests voice their own opinions on the Cheapflights Travel Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cheapflights Media (USA) Inc.
(Image: twentymindsomething)
