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: C.C. Chapman
Occupation: Author, Photographer & All Around Nice Guy
Hometown: West Lebanon, NH
Residence: Metro-west Boston
Website: C.C. Chapman
Twitter: @cc_chapman
Facebook: C.C. Chapman
Pinterest: C.C. Chapman
YouTube: C.C. Chapman
Short Bio: I’ve never been satisfied doing one thing in life, so bios are always hard. I’m a family first entrepreneur who lives outside of Boston with my family. I make a living speaking, writing and helping brands of all sizes develop strategic marketing programs and cultures that help them be more creative and do better.
My first book, that I wrote with the amazing Ann Handley, was called Content Rules. I’m currently working on my second book, which will hit shelves later this year.
I love photography and I love helping people live happier lives. I’m the founder of Digital Dads and the host of Passion Hit TV.
How often do you fly: It really depends on the time of year and what is going on in my life. At least a couple of times most months, but if I have a new book out or if it is peak conference season then I tend to do a lot more of it since I do a lot of professional speaking.
How many countries have you been to: Not nearly as many as you would think and that I want. At this point only the US, Canada, England, Germany, The Netherlands and Ghana.
How many continents have you been to: 3
Favorite American city: Picking one is not fair because I love so many of them. The Upper Valley of New Hampshire is home so that will always have a special place in my heart. I love New Orleans for the food and culture. Portland, Oregon and Sedona, Arizona are both places on my “maybe I’ll retire there list.”
Favorite international city: I fell in love with the kicked back creative vibe of Amsterdam. I walked around that city for a full day taking photos, drinking coffee and taking it all in. I’d love to go back and spend a month living in one of the awesome houseboats you see everywhere.
Least favorite country: I haven’t traveled abroad enough to have one.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Grand Canyon
Favorite airline: I’m a dedicated JetBlue and United guy. If Virgin America went more places, I’d add that to the list.
Favorite aircraft type: The bigger the better. I’m dying to try out the new Dreamliner.
Aisle or window: Always the aisle. I want to be able to get up and move without bothering anyone whenever I feel like it.
Favorite hotel: I still don’t have one, but I seem to stay at Marriotts whenever possible.
Favorite cruise line: I’ve only been on one cruise in my life and it didn’t really leave me that impressed. I don’t think I was meant to be a “cruise guy” but I’m willing to be proven wrong.
Favorite island: Maui at sunrise.
Favorite fruit: Cherries
Favorite food: Homemade corned beef hash and eggs. I try it at every restaurant I go to if they make it from scratch. Lou’s in Hanover, NH has the best I’ve ever tasted with Kenny & Zuke’s in Portland giving it some strong competition.
Least favorite food: Cooked spinach or liver. Not sure which I hate more.
Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground) Cherry Coke Zero whenever I can find it. An ice cold beer or a glass of red wine is also always an option.
Favorite travel movie(s): K2 and Into the Wild
Favorite travel show(s): Anything that Anthony Bourdain and his team produce I want to watch.
Right now I am reading: I just finished The Book of Business Awesome on the plane. Not sure what I’ll be reading next.
Five things you bring on a plane: My GORUCK GR1, iPad, headphones, a magazine and my phone.
What do you always seem to forget: The right amount of socks.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport duty free store? A bottle of scotch or tequila that I’ve never tried. Good quality dark chocolate is always appreciated as well.
Favorite travel iPhone app(s): I’d be forever lost if it wasn’t for TripIt. When I’m on the road it keeps me organized. Combine that with FlightTracker Pro and it keeps my wife updated at home with my flights and where I am.
Most embarrassing/worst travel moment: Nothing jumps to mind, but I recently got a massive bloody nose on a flight and nearly bleed all over the person sitting next to me since I didn’t get an aisle seat on that trip.
What’s your dream destination: I really want to take my family to the countries of our ancestors, so that would be Italy and China. I want to go when we have enough time to really soak everything in and to get off the beaten path.
But, at the top of my list is Alaska with my dad. He has always wanted to go and I grew up wanting to go with him. It is still THE single place I want to go above all else, but I want to go with him.
Favorite travel charity: I don’t know of any specific ones, but now that you ask I’m curious what some of the best ones are.
It isn’t directly travel related, but I’ll say the ONE campaign because they brought me to Ghana and do a lot of trips that bring people to Africa to see the work they are advocating for and I’m a big fan of the work they do around the globe.
Favorite travel website(s) – besides JohnnyJet.com, of course!:Vagabonding, The Planet D, Chris Guillebeau
Best travel tip: Research where you are going, but don’t over plan. There is nothing better than arriving somewhere and just going with the flow. Walk the streets and take it all in and see where it takes you.