Andy Hayes shares his travel tips with us

Andy Hayes is known as “that travel guy” and runs the popular travel lifestyle magazine Sharing Travel Experiences. He’s agreed to share his travel insight with us.

Cheapflights: What are your personal routine procedures every time you fly?
Andy Hayes: Water bottle, as flying is dehydrating.  Snacks, since most of the time your meal schedule on the plane is irregular at best (and I buy those in advance, of course).  Books – what am I reading when my laptop battery runs out?

CF: What is your biggest travel pet peeve?
AH: Mostly just people’s lack of manners and lack of appreciation for other people.  When I was growing up my parents never actually said “you shouldn’t clip your toenails while in the airport or on the plane,” but I guess it is kind of obvious isn’t it?  I understand travel can be a trying and stressful experience, but we’re all in it together, so let’s just try to get along.

CF: What kind of trip type do you prefer, and why? (Examples: beach vacations, city breaks, spa weekends)
AH: I prefer breaks where I can base myself in one place and try out a few different experiences.  Cities are great for this, where you can spend the day in a park or out in the museums, then daytrip to other towns or hiking in the hills.  I find being able to leave my luggage in one spot and roam is just less hassle.

CF: Although it’s hard to choose, tell us what your favorite destination is, and why.
AH: Not hard: New Zealand.  It’s just so beautiful – you can’t believe the things that Mother Nature has created.  On top of that, Kiwi hospitality is next to none, and their food is delicious.  (Runner up?  Belgium.  Beer and waffles.  Any other questions?)

CF: Cheapflights is all about value. What location do you think offers the best value for travelers?
AH: Well, value is relative – if you live in Moscow, one of the most expensive places in the world, then everywhere is good value.  It also depends a lot on where you are and what you’re looking for.   Generally speaking, Southeast Asia offers some of the best value in the world, but it isn’t always cheap to get there.  In Europe, anything east of the Czech Republic is mostly a good deal, and getting there can be a little less expensive.  And for those in North America, there are tons of deals and steals to be had if you look closely. 

CF: What is your ideal airport, and what’s your advice on how to best enjoy it?
AH: Asian airports seem to be doing this pretty well – America, please take notes.  For me, it is all about the amenities; we pay landing fees and taxes and all sorts of stuff, so I’d like to see that go to some good use.  We live in a day and age where power outlets and free Wifi are not a nice to have but are expected.  Plenty of seating would be great as well.  A choice of food and drink so you can have some healthy options as well as your classic pizza and burger places.  I like to just walk around airports to people watch (after all, you’re about to be sitting for a few hours, so…) because I find it hard to focus on work or a book with all that commotion.

CF: If you had to sit in the middle seat on a plane, who would be your chosen (or most-feared) seat mates, and why?
AH: Those who have poor personal hygiene or those who are obese, for the reasons I hope are obvious. 

CF: What would you classify as a hypothetical travel nightmare?
AH: To me, the most important thing is my personal safety.  Money, documents, luggage, etc. can all be replaced.  I’m sure many would identify their personal nightmare as being stranded but to me, something like being kidnapped would be far more terrifying.  Yes, there are a few parts of the world where tourists are preyed upon, but thankfully most of us will only have to endure travel delays or filthy restrooms – things which are annoying but won’t kill you.

CF: How does what you do for a living give you a unique angle on traveling?
AH: Well, I suppose being on the road a lot gives you one thing: perspective.  When you’ve been to the squalor of a third world country, or experienced food poisoning after a flight, a little bit of turbulence or a slightly not-so-fresh lavatory isn’t so scary.

CF: Share with us a few insider tips on how to improve the in-flight experience, in general.
AH: Information is knowledge, I say.  If you’re going long haul and there’s no in flight entertainment, better stock up on magazines.  If the food is going to be expensive or non-existent, then eat before you board.   Also check on seats online so you can make sure you’re getting a good seat, sitting together if you’re a group, etc.

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