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: Jan Březina
Occupation: Professional photographer, tour leader, video caster, and founder of Fripito.com—travel photography guides mobile app
Hometown: Born in Prague, Czech Republic
Residence: Half time San Francisco, CA and half time in Europe
College: Charles University, Prague
College major: Computer Science
Website: jbrezina.cz and fripito.com
Twitter: @Alisczech
Facebook: Jan Brezina
Pinterest: I don’t use it.
Google+: Jan Brezina
Instagram: alisczech
YouTube: Jan Brezina
Short bio: Jan spent the last 15 years traveling with a camera around the globe as a guide and organizer of photographic expeditions. He has visited more than 100 countries on six continents taking pictures, leading groups of photographers and teaching photo workshops. He loves traveling and photography and all his projects combine these two passions.
He is a member of the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) and the International Photographic Council (IPC). He is an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Adobe Community Professional (ACP), Apple Certified Trainer (ACT), and co-author of numerous photography books. Jan is one of the leading video casters in the Czech Republic (Digit and 4Foto) and he founded and runs the community server Macforum.cz.
His latest project is travel photography guides mobile app Fripito. The Fripito app, available for free in AppStore or Google Play, helps to discover interesting photographic spots all around the world and offers photo guides to hundreds of amazing locations. The application is designed for photographers by photographers, a space to share up-to-date information, experiences and photo tips. However, the app is designed not only for all photography lovers, but for people who want to improve their photography skills and learn how to take the best pictures.
How often do you fly? I flew more then 500,000 miles in the last 12 months.
How many countries have you been to? 109 and still counting.
How many continents have you been to? The only one I haven´t been to yet is Antarctica :)
Earliest travel memory: It was January 1990, when the borders of Czech Republic opened after the Velvet Revolution and I visited my very first foreign country—Austria. It was absolutely stunning experience and I fell in love.
Favorite American city: It´s hard to pick just one. San Francisco is so colorful, Las Vegas so funny and New York so vibrant.
Favorite international city: I’m enchanted by Sydney, London and my hometown Prague.
Least favorite country: I did not like Russia and China that much but I’m still open to give them another try.
I have no desire to go to: India, but I would like visit and discover every country one day.
Friendliest people in the world: Southeast Asia is the most friendly part of world.
Country with the meanest immigration officers: It always depends on your own behavior. I’ve never had serious problems with immigration officers without reason and I’ve always solved everything smoothly.
Favorite World Heritage Site: It is so complicated to choose one, the most charming for me would be Machu Picchu.
Favorite airline: I prefer Oneworld alliance and specially British Airways for nice cabin baggage policy.
Favorite aircraft type: My favorite aircraft for traveling is B777 and I also love the shape of a 747 in sunset light.
Aisle or window: I prefer window seat because it is more comfortable to sleep there.
Favorite airport lounge: Any bigger airport in Asia offers more luxury lounges than anywhere else.
Favorite U.S. airport: Las Vegas McCarran airport is the most unique one.
Favorite international airport: London Heathrow is a great hub for any destination worldwide and it is the shortest way from central Europe to US.
Favorite hotel: I prefer smaller boutique hotels with unique atmospheres.
Favorite cruise line: I don’t like cruises at all because they limit me.
Favorite island: Iceland is the most diverse and so charming.
Favorite beach: Ruby Beach, Washington is not warmest for swimming but so picturesque. I never miss it when traveling to Olympic NP.
Favorite fancy restaurant: I love steaks and my favorite is Morton’s Steakhouse.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Any Asian garage with pho soup at a small village in the middle of nowhere.
Favorite bar: I don’t drink alcohol so I prefer coffee.
Favorite fruit: I love all exotic berries.
Favorite food: Big juicy steak never disappoints me and I love Asian and Italian cuisine.
Least favorite food: I cannot eat Lečo. It is local central European food.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): I love guava juice, ginger ale and good old Coca-Cola.
Favorite travel movie(s): Interstellar :) I hope there will be space travel available for all of us in the near future.
5 things you bring on a plane: iPad, batteries, my own socks, tooth brush, and pen.
What do you always seem to forget? I have a travel checklist because I don’t like surprises.
What do you like least about travel? Waiting at the airport.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Definitely bar of chocolate.
Favorite travel app(s): I spent the last two years working on Fripito—travel app made for photographers. I put all my knowledge into it and I love it!
Most embarrassing travel moment: When our five-star hotel in Botswana canceled our reservation and the only alternative was a one-star “massage salon.”
Worst travel moment: When all cards were blocked for fraud and I had $5 cash only.
What’s your dream destination? Definitely outer space :)
Best travel tip: Leave your house as often as you can. Try to prepare a little, do research but leave your hands open.