Meet the Writer: Caroline Kinneberg
Hometown: Grew up outside of Boston, went to school in Boston, worked in New York, and now I live in Paris!
Occupation: Writer and editor.
Favorite destinations: NYC, Israel, Southeast Asia.
Dying to visit: India, West Africa, any of the French overseas departments, Tokyo.
Bizarre travel rituals: I go to Bikram before leaving so I don't get stiff sitting on planes.
In-flight relaxation regime: Watch movies or read a book that I started beforehand and am already into.
Always in carry-on: Socks (to keep my feet from getting chilly on the plane) and jewelry (am paranoid about packing expensive things in my checked suitcase).
Concierge or DIY? DIY. But I try to be well-informed by reading local blogs, guide books, and recent articles, and getting tips from people I meet along the way.
See it all or take it easy? Take it easy. Seeing it all is impossible.
Drive or be driven? Drive, although I really need to learn how to use a stick shift now that I live in Europe...
Travel hero: My dad traveled a lot for work when I was little, and he gave me the travel bug.
Weirdest thing seen on travels: A lounging bedouin jerking off next to his camel in the middle of an Israeli desert (spotted while I was trying to pop a squat).
Best hotel amenity: I'm always thankful for shower caps and free wifi.
I dream about my meal at a hostel in Nadi, Fiji, where I ate papaya-stuffed ravioli that were so good, I ordered a second dinner. (However, I would not recommend hanging out in the city for any extended period of time, as it's somewhat dangerous. Get out to the little islands.)
Everywhere I go, I check out the vintage stores and outdoor markets.
When I arrive in a new place, I learn the lay of the land by walking until I'm starving and my feet are throbbing.
I always bring home trinkets. I've come back with measured sugar dispensers, antique jam spoons, an Instakilt towel, elephant amulets...
If I never return to Cozumel it'll be too soon because men dressed in scanty, metallic, Aztec-inspired costumes are not really my thing.
I travel for the stories and stimulations.
MORE CAROLINE
Website: carolinekinneberg.com