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: Sam Deal
Occupation: Pilot for United Airlines & Travel Website Entrepreneur
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Residence: Aurora, CO
College: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
College major: Professional Aeronautics
Website: bidgotravel.com
Twitter: @BidGoTravel
Facebook: BidGoTravel
Short bio: Upon graduating high school I joined the Marine Corps. After getting out of the Marine Corps I discovered the joy of flying and went to flight school. Shortly thereafter I transferred to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I received my college degree and worked as a flight instructor on the side. Prior to graduating Embry-Riddle I was selected for 2 internship programs. One for a group out of Southern California flying Lear jets and the other was with United Airlines. I was hired with United Airlines and became a Pilot Instructor. I have flown most of United’s airplanes and have enjoyed them all.
BidGoTravel was founded in the middle of the night while flying at 35,000 ft. I was thinking about my own experiences as a vacation home owner and the frustration of trying to keep my vacation home rented. That’s when I said, “There has to be a better way.” I thought why not have auctions and rent now together. I jotted down the highlights of what I envisioned BidGoTravel would become on the back of my flight schedule and stuck them in my pocket. The rest was history and for the last several years I set out to make BidGoTravel the one place everyone goes. Whether you’re simply searching for a rental or you’re looking to turn your vacation rental into a real money maker!
How often do you fly? Average 10-16 days a month
How many countries have you been to? 22
How many continents have you been to? 4
Earliest travel memory: Waking up beside my 2 sisters in the back of the old station wagon as we pulled into the gas station for some gas and a pit stop. Several times a year we would make the pilgrimage from PA to either South Carolina to visit family or North Carolina to stay at my parents beach house.
Favorite American city: Charleston, SC.
Favorite international city: So far I would say Singapore. But ask me in another few years when I have a few more exotic and interesting places I have explored.
Favorite airline(s): United Airlines of course.
Favorite aircraft type: 747.
Aisle or window: Aisle.
Favorite U.S. airport: Houston, Texas.
Favorite international airport: Singapore Changi International Airport.
Favorite cruise line: Royal Caribbean.
Favorite island: St. Martin.
Favorite fancy restaurant: Shanahan’s Steakhouse, Denver, CO & Prime 951 Steakhouse, Key West, FL.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Boondocks, Big Pine Key, FL.
Favorite bar: The View House, Centennial/DTC, CO.
Favorite fruit: Banana.
Favorite food: Sushi.
Least favorite food: Brussels sprouts still remain champion.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Red or White wine, unless of course I am flying the airplane!
5 things you bring on a plane: iPad, cell phone, laptop computer, noise canceling headphones and last but not least a snack to tide me over.
What do you always seem to forget? Charger for my cell phone.
What do you like least about travel? The food or lack there of.
Favorite travel app(s): Kayak.com.
Most embarrassing travel moment: In Cancun on vacation. Couldn’t think of the word “Grande” and spread my arms out wide and said, “Biiiiggg.”
Best travel tip: Don’t sweat the small stuff. After all, you’re on vacation!!