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: John Heminway
Occupation: Writer, filmmaker
Hometown: New York, NY
Residence: Bozeman, Montana
College: Princeton University
College major: Modern European History and English
Website: heminway.net
Twitter: @JohnHeminway
Facebook: John Heminway
Short bio: In books and films, John Heminway has dedicated his life to capturing the last of the Earth’s frontiers and its protagonists. As a producer, director, writer, and presenter, he has contributed to works of science, travel, natural history, and anthropology. Along the way, after six books, dozens of magazine articles, hundreds of films as well as television’s most prestigious awards, he still strives to imbue serious topics with art, humor and an enduring story. His latest book, “In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement,” went on sale from Knopf on 2/13.
How often do you fly? On average about once every ten days.
How many countries have you been to? 20 in Africa, three in South America, six in Central America and the Caribbean, Canada, seven in Asia, and almost all of Europe, including Russia.
How many continents have you been to? All except Antarctica and Australia.
Earliest travel memory: On a train from New York to St. Louis with soldiers returning from World War II.
Favorite American city: Bozeman.
Favorite international city: London.
Least favorite country: Can’t think of one.
I have no desire to go to: Can’t think of where.
Friendliest people in the world: Sub-Saharan Africans.
Country with the meanest immigration officers: Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Luang Prabang, Laos.
Favorite airline: Delta.
Favorite aircraft type: Boeing 747 and 767.
Aisle or window: Aisle.
Favorite airport lounge: KLM Amsterdam.
Favorite U.S. airport: Bozeman.
Favorite international airport: Amsterdam.
Favorite hotel: Peponi, Lamu.
Favorite cruise line: Lindblad.
Favorite travel credit card: American Express Reserve.
Favorite island: Tristan Da Cunha.
Favorite beach: Shella, Kenya.
Favorite National Park: Ruaha, Tanzania; Kidepo, Uganda.
Favorite fancy restaurant: 21.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Como Lario, London.
Favorite airport restaurant: Ike’s, Minneapolis.
Favorite bar: Café de Cerf, Rougemont, Switzerland.
Favorite fruit: Banana.
Favorite food: Emincé de veau.
Least favorite food: Eggs.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Laphroig.
Favorite travel movie(s): The Waters Are Wide.
Favorite travel show(s): PBS travel series.
Favorite travel book(s): Leonard Clark, “The Rivers Ran East”; Rebecca West, “Black lamb and Grey Falcon”; Alan Moorehead, “The White Nile.”
Right now I am reading: Andrew Lawler, “Why Did The Chicken Cross The World?”; Carl Safina, “Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel.”
Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Lisa Lindblad’s Meditations on Travel, East African Retreats, NY Times Travel Dispatch, Outside Go.
Favorite travel website(s): Besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! Frugal Traveler.
5 things you bring on a plane: Books, laptop, earplugs, focus on work, upgrade-worthy clothes.
What do you always seem to forget? Raincoat, bathing suit.
What do you like least about travel? Over-zealous security check personnel, verbose life insurance salesmen seated beside me.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Single malt.
Favorite travel app(s): Fly Delta.
Most embarrassing travel moment: Trashing a high-profile politician who unexpectedly was seated in front of me. Still, I told him I meant every word I said.
I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: India.
Worst travel moment: Leaving for Africa with my daughter (her first visit) only to discover her suitcases were on a flight for Indianapolis.
What’s your dream destination? Africa.
Favorite travel charity: WildlifeDirect.
Best travel tip: Dress well if you want to be considered for an upgrade.
