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.
Occupation: Actor/Travel Writer
Hometown: Westfield, NJ
Residence: New York
Website: andrewmccarthy.com
Twitter: @AndrewTMcCarthy
Short Bio: Andrew McCarthy is an editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler. He’s written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, was named “Travel Journalist of the Year” by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2010, and won their “Grand Award” in 2011. As an actor he has appeared in dozens of films including The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Joy Luck Club, Mulholland Falls, and of course such iconic movies as Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire, and Less Then Zero, as well as cult favorites Weekend At Bernie’s and Mannequin. His memoir, “THE LONGEST WAY HOME,” was published by Free Press in September 2012. He lives in New York.
His new novel—”Just Fly Away”—is available on Amazon for $12.04.
How often do you fly: Several times a month
How many countries have you been to: 50+
How many continents have you been to: 5
Favorite American city: New York and Lander, Wyoming
Favorite international city: Rome
Least favorite country: I like them all, although I don’t have great memories of Oslo (but it might have been the jet lag)
Favorite World Heritage Site: Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina
Favorite airline: The one that upgrades me
Favorite aircraft type: 747
Aisle or window: Aisle
Favorite U.S. airport: SF
Favorite international airport: Vamizi International Airport (see photo)

Favorite hotel: The Berkeley London
Favorite cruise line: Never been
Favorite island: Maui
Favorite fancy restaurant: The French Laundry
Favorite hole in the wall: Lexington Luncheonette NYC
Favorite fruit: Mango
Favorite food: Rib-eye steak
Least favorite food: Brussel sprouts
Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground): Sparking water
Favorite travel movie(s): Weekend At Bernies
Favorite travel show(s): No Reservations
Favorite travel book(s): The Old Patagonian Express
Right now I am reading: Blue Latitudes
Five things you bring on a plane: A book, music, gum, water
What do you always seem to forget: My earphones for music
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport duty free store? Good sunglasses (I’m always loosing them)
What’s your dream destination: Atacama Desert. Patagonia again. Tibet. Bhutan. Seychelles. Burma. That’s a start…
Best travel tip: Carry on
Thank you for the fascinating interview with Mr. McCarthy. Looking forward to reading The Longest Way Home in September.
I attended NOLS and LOVE me some Lander Wyoming. A well-kept secret! (Til now, of course…)
Lander, Wyoming is great! I camped and explored ’round that area for two weeks. Have a great time at the Book Passage Conference this year, Andrew! And happy travels.
Error: Lowell Thomas Award is NOT presented by Society of American Travel Writers. It is presented by the SATW Foundation, satwf.com
Thank you for the interview with Andrew McCarthy! I have loved him since I first saw him in Pretty in Pink. It’s nice to see that he loves travel, but I didn’t know he is also a writer. I look forward to reading more from him.
Sparkling not Sparking, right?
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, glittering nightlife and warm weather, but this South Florida destination is also steeped in culture. On a recent one-day adventure in the city, actor and award-winning travel writer Andrew McCarthy set out to soak up the sun and sights. Aol’s BeOn group creates custom editorial content that is sponsored by marketing partners. The sponsoring partners do not exert editorial influence over the content, but may be organically integrated within content in an authentic manner that does not impact editorial integrity.