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: Clint Johnston
Occupation: Travel Blogger/Travel Writer/Travel Hacker
Hometown: Boston, MA
Residence: Brooklyn, NY
Website: triphackr.com
Twitter: @triphackr
Facebook: facebook.com/triphackr
Short Bio: Clint Johnston is the founder of Triphackr, where he shows anyone how to fly for free, see more of the world for less, and travel smarter. Clint started travel hacking after college when he realized how much it would cost to travel to 193 countries at full price. He has a passion for photography and travel tech. Catch up with his latest adventures on Triphackr or you will find him contributing at the Huffington Post, the Travel Channel, and more.
How often do you fly: 1-2 per month
How many countries have you been to: 50+
How many continents have you been to: 5
Favorite American city: Boston but right now I love Brooklyn
Favorite international city: Buenos Aires or Havana
Least favorite country: I can’t say I have a least favorite. I may have had bad experiences in some countries but none that would rank them at the bottom. Every country has something desirable and interesting in my eyes.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Angkor Wat
Favorite airline: I fly Delta a lot and they have been great but in reality whoever has the best fare and gives me the best shot at an upgrade.
Favorite aircraft type: To be honest I don’t obsess over this like many others do. As long as I have enough room to stretch out and get up to walk around I am happy. I care more about the service/friendliness of the carrier than the plane I am flying on.
Aisle or window: Aisle. I love the view at the window but my legs don’t.
Favorite airport lounge: Virgin JFK Clubhouse is one I want to check out but I really don’t spend much time in them.
Favorite U.S. airport: MSP
Favorite international airport: Incheon (Seoul, South Korea)
Favorite hotel: I am a house/apt rental kind of guy but one of my favorites was a tent in the middle of the Serengeti. Hyenas were scratching all around the outside during the night, which was very cool.
Do you unpack into the dresser/closet? Or live out of your suitcase? Over a week and I am unpacking to make it feel like home but usually out of the suitcase.
Favorite cruise line: It might be a long time until I can answer this. Never been on a cruise and haven’t found a reason to go.
Favorite island: Zanzibar/Nantucket/Cuba
Favorite hole in the wall: Anywhere serving delicious tacos at 3am
Favorite fruit: Honeycrisp apples
Favorite food: Mexican
Least favorite food: Balut
Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground): I am a beer guy but love caipirinhas
Favorite travel movie(s): Weekend at Bernie’s (I & II)
Favorite travel show(s): Anything with Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations or Parts Unknown)
Favorite travel book(s): Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding
Right now I am reading: One River by Wade Davis
Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: The Points Guy, NatGeo Traveler, and facebook/twitter. I really receive most of my travel news from social media. It is a great resource for finding the best deals.
Favorite travel website(s) – besides JohnnyJet.com, of course!: Seatguru so I can always snag the best seat on the plane.
Five things you bring on a plane: earplugs, eye mask, book, iPod, and light sweatshirt
What do you always seem to forget: My Book (I still like to hold a real book in my hands when I read)
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport duty free store?
Favorite travel iPhone app(s): TripIt, XE.com, Kayak, OpenTable, Delta
Most embarrassing travel moment: Trying to convince a Mexican immigration officer to not stamp my passport on the way back from Cuba and failing. He didn’t like me very much.
Worst travel moment: 8 hour bus ride turning into 19 hours with no AC in the Philippines on a jam packed bus.
What’s your dream destination: Northern Brazil and I am headed there next year for my birthday. Andrew McCarthy told me about Canoa Quebrada and now I have to go see it for myself. I plan on driving the coast for a few weeks and ending the trip to celebrate my birthday with some great friends on the beach.
Favorite travel charity: Passports with Purpose
Best travel tip: Be flexible and enjoy the journey
Clint sounds like a really great guy and such an experienced traveler. Interesting interview.
Would like to hear more about his travels.
Clint – Why did you leave blank answers?
don’t plan a trip abroard without tapping into Clint’s knowledge and experience.