Travel Tales: Jen Bishop
Age: 28
Occupation: Magazine editor
Favourite travel destination?: Paris is my favourite city in the world and I’ve been there 13 times (not so easy now I live in Australia and not the UK!). I love the architecture, the culture, the art, the people, the wine, the romantic atmosphere; everything! I have a love affair with Paris! Sigh. Two other places I’ve visited that have really stuck with me are Luxor in Egypt and New York. Luxor’s full of incredible ancient and inexplicable history and I was always fascinated by ancient Egypt at school. New York’s just magic. That really is the best word to describe it.
Worst travel experience? What happened?: A trip to Tunisia. I just hated everything about it, especially the overbearing, pushy locals trying to sell you something at every corner. It stressed me out all holiday. As a country I found it very flat and boring without much of interest at all.
Best tips for beating jetlag?: I know all the tips but I never follow them! I’m awful at sleeping on planes so arrive everywhere tired and disorientated and just get on with it. It always pays to stay up until bedtime when you arrive at your destination, however hard it is to keep your eyes open.
What is the one thing you don’t leave home without?: My iPod.
Do you stay in touch with people while you’re travelling? If so, what is the best way to do this?: I find Facebook’s good. As a Pom in Australia, I find the cheapest way to call home is with international calling cards from a landline to a landline.
Best meal you’ve ever had while travelling?: I had some amazing breakfasts in NYC: waffles, crispy bacon and maple syrup. So wrong it’s right!
Best kiss?: At the top of the Eiffel Tower was pretty romantic.
Best/scariest/funniest drive?: By a very crazy guy in a dodgy old 4×4 in Luxor! I feared for my life!
What has been the big WOW moment of your travelling life?: This sounds cheesy but it was the first time I saw the Sydney Opera House. Jetlagged and disgusting and having just arrived to start my new life in Australia, it took my breath away. I still get an excited feeling in my stomach every time I cross the Harbour Bridge too, and I hope that never goes away.
Jen Bishop is the Editor of Dynamic Business. Follow Jen on Twitter @jenbishopsydney
