Want to know how to travel in style, just like the pros? We check in with frequent fliers to find out how often they fly, their favorite destinations and what they never leave home without.
Name: Andrew John Virtue Dobson
Occupation: Full Time Blogger
Hometown: Toronto
Residence: Toronto
Website: Dobbernationloves.com
Twitter: @dobbernation
Facebook: /DobbernationLOVES
Pinterest: /dobbernation
YouTube: /dobbernationLOVES
Short Bio: I am fascinated by how food and drink enriches the sensory travel experience. I have travelled to almost 60 countries and regularly create Culinary Tourism Destination Guides on my website dobbernationLOVES. I was recently a judge for the Ontario Culinary Tourism Awards and stand out as a global expert on everything food, drink and travel with a penchant for adventure. When I’m not eating myself silly on a press trip, you can find me in my hometown of Toronto, reviewing the city’s top theatre, restaurant, bar and art experiences.
How often do you fly: This upcoming year I’m planning on organizing 12-24 press trips (1-2 a month) and will likely be flying, driving, sailing and running around the globe non stop.
How many countries have you been to: 58
How many continents have you been to: 6
Favorite American city: New York
Favorite international city: Stockholm
Least favorite country: Hanoi
Favorite World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu
Favorite airline: Singapore Airlines
Favorite aircraft type: Anything that gets my luggage from Point A to Point B.
Aisle or window: Aisle
Favorite airport lounge: Toronto Island Airport
Favorite U.S. airport: Miami
Favorite international airport: Amsterdam
Favorite hotel: Four Seasons
Do you unpack into the dresser/closet? Or live out of your suitcase? Unpack and relax!
Favorite cruise line: None I’m not a fan of unsustainable hotels floating on the water.
Favorite island: Sipadan in Borneo Malaysia
Favorite fancy restaurant: Kolabrautin, Reykjavik
Favorite hole in the wall: Hawker Stalls in Sinagpore
Favorite fruit: Raspberries
Favorite food: Whatever I’m craving in the moment. I have a penchant for cheese.
Least favorite food: Oysters
Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground) The Manhattan
Favorite travel movie(s): Jurassic Park
Favorite travel show(s): An Idiot Abroad
Favorite travel book(s): Cookbooks which showcase regional cuisine
Right now I am reading: Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle by Chris Hedges
Favorite travel website(s) – besides JohnnyJet.com, of course!: Travel + Escape
Five things you bring on a plane: iPhone, Macbook Pro, earplugs, sleeping pills, patience
What do you always seem to forget: One of the above mentioned essentials
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport duty free store? A local taste of place.
Favorite travel iPhone app(s): Google Maps
Most embarrassing travel moment: Taking the train from Venice to Florence and accidentally getting on the wrong train and ending up bound for Rome.
Worst travel moment: Getting robbed in Vietnam.
What’s your dream destination: French Polynesia
Favorite travel charity: Planeterra.org
Best travel tip: Plan your itinerary in advance! As a culinary tourism expert I’m all to aware of the fact that top restaurants in destination require reservations weeks in advance!
