A DINK couple who travels the world while working, sounds like my twin sister! (At least until recently!) I have been so lucky in the brand ambassador work I have done to come across and meet extraordinary bloggers. The AFAR Ambassador group is only one example and that’s where I met Christina of My View From the Middle Seat (which of course I can totally relate to because when I travel with my hubby, it’s me in the middle seat!).
Christina is a travel blogger based in Washington, D.C. and labels herself as a traveler who loves to capture her adventures from a documentary, photojournalist perspective. I personally love the clean look and feel of her blog design will still packing in a lot of great content!
Let’s meet Christina!
When and how did you become a traveler?
During 2010, my husband and I traveled at some point each month during 10 of 12 months that year – and still held down full time jobs. We snuck away every time we had the chance: long weekends, random federal holidays. We fell in love with traveling and have been addicted to maximizing our vacation days ever since.
Where do you love to travel?
Everywhere? This is the hardest question to answer! I love beaches, especially in the Caribbean (Barbados, St. John), but I also love exploring new cities. Just wandering the streets and getting lost while discovering somewhere new makes me so happy. And every Labor Day we go to upstate New York to the Finger Lakes region to hang out by the lake in kayaks, hike a bunch and stuff our faces with s’mores.
Most memorable travel moment:
It’s really hard to pick just one, but watching the sunrise on the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine certainly ranks up there. It’s the first place in the United States to see daylight!
What won’t you travel without?
My camera
A day isn’t complete until I…
have a cup of coffee or espresso.
A quirky daily habit of mine is…
Other than my coffee addiction (which probably isn’t so quirky), I try to read something on paper every day – a newspaper, magazine or book. No e-reader for me!
Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with:
1. My black pashmina wrap – it’s my blanket/wrap/scarf/pillow/security blanket.
2. My Bose noise canceling headphones – a lifesaver on long flights.
3. A back up power source for my phone – my battery is constantly dying.
Name one thing people would be surprised to find in your travel bag:
Halls Vitamin C drops – I’m absolutely obsessed with them when flying!
Perfect travel day from start to finish.
Wake up early and head out to a local coffee shop for an espresso and breakfast. Explore the city while it’s still relatively quiet in the morning, stopping to take photos of any attractions/architecture that will be too crowded later. Be first in line for the “must do” thing/attraction/exhibit. A leisurely al fresco lunch with a glass of wine. Head to a quiet corner of the city – maybe a quirky neighborhood – for the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Quick late afternoon nap back at the hotel, followed by a pre-dinner vodka martini. Dinner out somewhere fun with great food – doesn’t have to be fancy. Spend the evening wandering with my camera during golden hour to take tons of photos of whatever catches my eye. Maybe some live music to round out the night at a little jazz club.
Photo credit: Tori Barratt Crane
What are your favorite food cities? What restaurants do you go to in each?
I think any city can be a food city, you just have to know where to look! Of course, I love NYC – Trattoria Del’Arte has been my go-to Italian since high school. If I want to go somewhere nice, Le Bernardin is amazing French seafood. Philadelphia is also awesome – way more than just cheesesteaks here (although I like Jim’s Steaks!) – Parc is good for brunch, The Continental for late night eats and Fork for their amazing bread. And my home base of Washington, D.C. is really growing as a food city – no more are we just steakhouses with lobbyists! My favorite spots include Bourbon Steak, Le Diplomate and Vermillion.
Have you been anywhere which turned out to be totally different to how you imagined? If so, how?
Both my husband and I were surprised how much we enjoyed Calgary, Alberta – such a fun, vibrant, youthful city with lots of walkable neighborhoods. Same thing with Halifax, Nova Scotia (we have a thing with Canada).
What has travel taught you?
I like to think of myself as being pretty open minded and open to new things, but travel has blown that out of the water. I have tried things I swore I’d never do while traveling (like flying in a small plane) and learned so much about myself and others.
Best and Worst place you’ve been to and why?
I have been to so many places that were the “best” for different reasons. I guess my number ones would either be NYC, because I feel so comfortable there, or Barbados, where my father lived for 4.5 years as an ex-pat because I feel like I really got to know the island and its people. Or Ireland – because we went there last May and it’s the trip I simply cannot stop talking about!
Definitely no “worst place” – every single place I’ve been has had some redeeming quality. If I had to answer, I guess Las Vegas. Our trip there was really fun, but once was enough.
What’s one location on your bucket list?
Petra, Jordan
Photo credit: Eric Monfort
Favorites:
Hotel: I love hotels, so it’s impossible to pick just one. When I’m traveling for work, I love Kimpton’s (unique, independent boutique). When splurging, I love the Four Seasons (it’s always lovely). Non-chain hotels I’ve loved: Adare Manor in Ireland; Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland; Library Hotel in NYC; Inn at the Market in Seattle.
Airline: I used to be loyal to U.S. Airways – sadly, they’re no more. I haven’t found the replacement yet…
Airport: I love my home airport of DCA. I can get there and be through security and boarding my flight in 30 minutes.
Mode of Transportation: I love the romantic notion of riding the train (Amtrak sometimes leaves something to be desired in execution), but I’ve also never found a kayak I didn’t love.
Travel Snack: I always stock up on Cliff bars before I head out on a trip.
Country: I love how varied traveling within my home country of America is. I love how darn nice everyone in Canada is (and how beautiful the country is). As I mentioned previously, Barbados will always have a place in my heart. And Ireland has unexpectedly stayed with me.
Travel Gear: I have Merrell hiking shoes that I love wearing pretty much everywhere, other than when I’m in the city. And my trusty pashmina…
Travel App: For someone who travels a lot on business for different clients, TripIt is super helpful in helping remind me where I’m going when and for who (and when I’ve forgotten to book my rental car!)
Travel Book: I just finished “Take a Right at Macchu Picchu,” which I unexpectedly loved and have added a new place to my “must visit” list.
Travel Movie: I loved the romance of Paris in “Midnight in Paris”
Song on your smartphone: I have Zac Brown Band on repeat right now!
You can keep up with Christina on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and of course on her blog. Wherever you catch her, I am sure you will enjoy her adventures!
How about you? What would you like to know about Christina?
The post Traveler Tuesday – Christina of My View from the Middle Seat appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.
