The best travel advice comes from the people who have done it all before. In this series, we ask well-traveled experts for their tips and advice.
Writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar is currently traveling across the country, sharing her insights. We caught up with her in Arizona, where she was pre-charging before a whirlwind of events. She was kind enough to give us an hour of her time to talk about how she travels, her favorite places, and the trip she’ll never forget.
Where are you right now?
I’m in Sedona for the very first time, at Enchantment Resort. (As its name suggests, it’s incredibly…enchanting.) I live in Los Angeles. So while not exactly in my backyard, it’s about an hour flight and a two-hour drive from Phoenix.
And where did you travel most recently?
I was in Rome and Greece at the beginning of September. In Greece, we explored the Peloponnese Peninsula, off the coast of the Ionian Sea, which I had never visited. It was absolutely delightful, with beautiful beaches, olive groves, and incredibly delicious tomatoes. Each bite reminds me of how distinct and flavorful produce can be in different parts of the world. I find myself dreaming of a beautiful villa in Italy or Greece.
What was the best part of your trip?
A cool and unexpected highlight was attending an incredible concert at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, organized by a DJ collective called Cercle. They bring talented DJs to unique locations around the world, like the Pyramids of Giza and concerts below the Northern Lights in Finland. The experience was memorable; dancing among the recreations of the Roman forum and the Parthenon was surreal, especially while watching DJ Carlita drop the beat. Additionally, my first meal in Rome was delightful—a bite of tuna tartare paired with an icy glass of Italian white wine.
Where are you traveling next?
Following my current tour, I have a trip to Northern California’s wine country scheduled for November. Hopefully, we will have three nights booked at Montage Healdsburg; however, I still need to finalize flights.
How much planning do you do in advance?
I like to be proactive and get the next trip scheduled—whether by securing flights or lodging. However, once that is sorted, I prefer to keep things flexible while exploring what to do once I arrive at my destination. In the past, I may have meticulously planned my trips, creating detailed itineraries, but that often led to a feeling of being trapped by my schedule. Instead, I allow for spontaneity and unexpected adventures, which are often the most memorable.
What’s your preferred way to get around?
Generally, I tend to fly because I am not the best driver—anything longer than a two-hour drive is challenging for me. My preference would be to walk when possible. I truly enjoy train travel as well, especially with Amtrak in the US, which is spectacular, particularly the Pacific Surfliner. Riding between LA and San Diego or Santa Barbara is a much more enjoyable experience than driving, allowing passengers to take in beautiful scenery, enjoy a snack, and even relax in the bar car.
What do you download for your trip?
I always need a captivating novel on my Kindle before starting a trip. I find there’s a sense of security in having a story to dive into, and I prefer to start the journey already invested in it. Being unprepared with a novel can lead to unnecessary anxiety, particularly when it comes to downloading logistics.
Do you have a travel hack or habit you swear by?
I enjoy creating my own little hotel bar ambiance on the plane. Armed with my noise-canceling headphones, a good book, a glass of wine, and some nuts or olives, I transform my flying experience. In my imagination, I’m relaxing at my favorite hotel bar in the Aman Tokyo.
What’s your favorite place on earth?
It’s a two-way tie between Punta Mita in Mexico and the Maldives. I used to be a city person, with favorites such as Rome, Paris, London, and Tokyo. However, I’ve found myself enamored with destinations featuring warm, inviting waters and luxurious resorts with stunning pools. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for both Mexican and Maldivian cuisines. As an Indian American, the flavors in the Maldives resonate with me, providing a comforting familiarity amid breathtaking scenery. Food is an integral part of my travels, always something I look forward to or think about, whether simple or elaborate. There have been times I’ve planned entire trips around dining experiences, including a visit to Gaggan Onen’s renowned restaurant in Bangkok.
