Traveling gives you perspective. You learn more about the world and yourself. When I first started traveling as a stewardess on a yacht, I was like, “This is so exciting, this is so thrilling.” Traveling for work seems very glamorous and you’re the one taking the pictures. through the airplane window. After a while – five, six, seven years – what seems exciting is having cushions and a dog and just being at home.
I have spent a lot of time traveling and I still love it. I love the South of Francebut not because it's so fancy or that's where all the people who want to see and be seen are. It's just really beautiful. It's like a fairy tale. Of course, I also spent a lot of time in the Caribbean and I would say British Virgin Islands are unmatched in their beauty. Saint-Barth is also very special.
The first time I traveled was to visit relatives in Texas. But the first trip that really got me interested in traveling was during spring break in college, when I went to Puerto Rico for seven days. They were the best seven days of my life.
My number one place I want to go next is Lake Tahoe during the summer. I heard it's like the Caribbean with the crystal blue water, but you're surrounded by alpine trees. I think that contrast would be just amazing. DC last week, it's a beautiful city. There are monuments and statues and it's so civilized, but it's still a city.
Rapid fire
Window, middle or aisle seat?
I'm totally window. Totally window. Never in the middle.
Window shade up or down?
I'm at takeoff with the windows down, and I think that sometimes annoys some people because it lets the light in. But no matter how often you fly, it's still pretty incredible to be flying 30,000 feet in the sky. It's not a view you get every day. I never lose my sense of wonder and appreciation for seeing the world from that perspective. And then, once the seatbelt light comes on, I buckle up.
Travel light or overpack?
Travel light. Over the years of sailing, I only had one suitcase. For two years, I didn’t know what country I was going to the next day or how long I would be there. So I really packed my bags. Keep in mind that I was always going to coastal places where there were boats, warm weather, and a beach vacation vibe. I always opted for lightweight, versatile things that could be dressed up or down, that could be used in many ways. And who doesn’t love shopping? Traveling light gives you an excuse to shop.
Favorite way to pass the time on a plane
I'm always overly ambitious and I'm like, “Okay, this is the time to go through my phone and delete old stuff, or I'm going to do my taxes this quarter, or I'm going to answer all these emails.” Never. I always order a cocktail, watch a movie, and hope I fall asleep. Every time, I bring my big bag with all my pens, my planner, and a highlighter and they never get touched.
My biggest dislike of traveling
I hate it, I hate it, I hate it when you're at baggage claim and people are going all the way to the edge. You don't know what order your bags are coming out. What if my bag comes out first and you're in the way? Everyone has to stand six feet apart, and you only approach the conveyor belt when you see your bag, and then you back away.
My biggest fear when traveling
My biggest trip – and this used to happen to me, but not as much anymore – is when I'm traveling and my bank sees that I'm abroad and I'm going to buy something, and it's declined. I'm like, “No, no, no!” I have to call the bank and I'm embarrassed, but for no reason. Then there's losing your passport or ID and getting stuck, or getting sick.
Favorite Travel Snack
My favorite travel snack is champagne or rosé, because everyone loves airports. It's a lawless place. You can order a glass of rosé at 11 a.m. and no one judges you.
Ordering takeaway drinks on a plane
I usually drink what's called a Skinny Bitch, a vodka-Diet Coke mix. I want something strong so I can sleep.
