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.
Christina Cindrich
Name: Christina Cindrich
Occupation: 2x Emmy Award-Winning TV Producer, Host, Writer & Influencer
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
College: Loyola Marymount University
College major: Communications
Website: christinacindrich.com
Twitter: @misscindrich
Facebook: Official Christina Cindrich
Instagram: misscindrich
YouTube: Christina Cindrich
Short bio: An extreme work ethic, a careful eye for detail and a strong dedication to her craft have not only earned Christina Cindrich the title of being a 2X Emmy award-winning television producer, host and writer, but have also landed her in over 20 acting roles for feature films and television.
While some people explore their craft, Christina has encapsulated the Entertainment Industry over the past 15 years with a resume that includes working one-on-one with the likes of Steven Spielberg, and appearing in other high-profile productions such as Spider-Man 3, Frasier, CSI, and Desperate Housewives. Additionally, Christina has produced and hosted 50+ television episodes in over 40 countries across a multitude of industries—from luxury, travel and adventure to environmental and animal conservation. Having a strong social media presence, Christina has become an influencer with sizable reach to bring inspiring messages and campaigns to international audiences.
How often do you fly? I was traveling internationally every six weeks for almost five years when I was filming my travel TV series, Private Islands. Currently I’m working on a couple new projects that will hopefully get me back out on the road in the near future! My wanderlust is in full effect right now!
How many countries have you been to? Around 40!
How many continents have you been to? 4
Earliest travel memory: I was fortunate to have traveled a lot with my family when I was growing up. We climbed the Great Wall of China and visited the Red Square in Moscow when I was in elementary school. Being aware of cultural values and norms is not only fascinating as a kid, but it’s also education and really helps shape you into a well-rounded adult.
Favorite American city: LA, NY and Miami!
Favorite international city: So tough to just pick one. I’d say Venice, Paris or Hong Kong!
Least favorite country: Have yet to go somewhere I didn’t love.
I have no desire to go to: Anywhere with temperatures below zero. Currently avoiding any countries that are high risk for a terror attack.
Friendliest people in the world: Fijians are some of the nicest and friendliest people I have met. It’s such a spirit-lifting destination.
Country with the meanest immigration officers: Miami has been rough a couple times with camera equipment.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Rock Islands of Palau and Mosi-oa-Tunya aka Victoria Falls in Zambia.
Favorite airline: Emirates. Kitschy and amazing.
Aisle or window: They say you should sit opposite of your dominant side. I’m a lefty so I always get a window on the right side of the plane!
Favorite airport lounge: Haven’t experienced these yet but would like to try Qatar Airways’ and Cathay Pacific’s lounges.
Favorite U.S. airport: Houston has great food! Also love Miami airport because I know I’m going somewhere warm and tropical when I’m traveling through there!
Favorite international airport: Dubai. The energy is alive at all hours. And the SnoozeCubes are the best for long layovers!
Favorite hotel: Laucala Island Resort in Fiji. If there was a seven-star rating, Laucala would be worthy of it. It’s perfection in every way.
Favorite island: I’ve been to hundreds of beautiful islands around the world. If I had to pick my most favorite, it would be El Nido in Palawan, Philippines. The whole area took my breath away. Huge limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and not overly developed.
Favorite beach: Cayman Islands has some of the most beautiful beaches with soft sand and warm bath water! Domestically, Siesta Key Beach in Florida is 99% pure quartz and the whitest sand I’ve ever seen!
Favorite National Park: So many I have yet to visit. Love Grand Canyon and that whole area of AZ. Zion is on the bucket list!
Favorite fancy restaurant: Locally, Nobu Malibu is pretty swanky and delicious!
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Totoraku looks like a hole-in-the-wall but it’s also the most exclusive restaurant in LA hidden inside a teriyaki facade on Pico Blvd. Aka “Secret Beef,” it’s invitation-only by the chef (who’s quite a character) and it’s some of the best beef you’ll ever have.
Favorite bar: Le Costes Bar in Paris is pretty iconic.
Favorite fruit: Nothing compares to Mangos from Manila!
Favorite food: Fresh fish/sushi!
Least favorite food: Anything that’s unhealthy or fried.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): I’m a wino in the air and on the ground! Ginger ale is always comforting on a flight too.
Favorite travel movie(s): How about favorite destinations where movies were filmed? Jurassic Park—Kauai; Castaway—Monuriki Island in Fiji; The Beach—Phi Phi Islands, Thailand; and James Bond films—Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur, India), James Bond Island (Phang Nga, Thailand; and Hotel Cipriani (Venice, Italy).
Favorite travel show(s): Can I say Private Islands? Haha. I don’t really watch anything consistently but Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown is well-researched and beautifully filmed.
Favorite travel book(s): “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Private Islands Magazine, Travel + Leisure and National Geographic Travel.
Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! Love catching up on my buddies Lee Abbamonte and VagaBrothers sites to see where they are in the world!
5 things you bring on a plane: Compression socks, sanitizer wipes, foam neck pillow, my own blanket, Xanax.
What do you always seem to forget? I have OCD so my packing process begins days before my trip. I rarely forget anything because I’m so organized with it. One time though I forgot underwear in Cognac, France! Fortunately, there was a tiny local mall and France knows good underwear!
What do you like least about travel? Getting off my clean diet and exercise routine.
Favorite travel app(s): Pinterest and Instagram for travel inspiration, TripIt and Expedia for itinerary and flights, Convert (for currency), and World Clock.
I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: Spain, Greece and Brazil!
Worst travel moment: My cameraman and I were making the long trip from Los Angeles to the Maldives. First flight was to Dubai. A man had a heart attack on the flight so we had to divert to the middle of Canada. We were on that plane (in coach) for 21 hours then had a five-hour layover in Dubai, and another six-hour flight to Maldives. It was a rough day!
What’s your dream destination? Fortunate to say I’ve been to my dream destinations. Still have a lot of places I want to visit. On the bucket list: gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Raja Ampat in Indonesia and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast!
Favorite travel charity: Lokai. Each bracelet is infused with elements from the highest and lowest points on Earth. The white bead carries water from Mt. Everest, and the black bead contains mud from the Dead Sea. They believe giving is the key to their message of balance. If you reach a peak, stay grounded by sharing your success. When you hit a low, gain perspective by helping others. They donate 10% of net profits to charity partners such as Save the Children, World Wildlife Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association and Oceana.
Best travel tip: Jobs fill your pockets…but adventures fill your soul. Get out of your comfort zone while traveling and you’ll reap the rewards physically, mentally and emotionally. As Mark Twain said, “Why not go out on a limb, that’s where all the fruit is.”
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