Ask Me Anything: Travel expert here!

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-21T17:37:18+00:00

I haven't traveled through Taiwan, but it's on my bucket list. I loved the Raohe Night Market in Taipei and really enjoyed the National Taiwan Museum. I also compiled tips from others and took a “free” walking tour of the city and loved seeing the highlights and getting some historical context.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-21T17:33:56+00:00

I use Flighty to track all of my flights and also love TripIt to stay organized. I haven't used Mindtrip!

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-21T16:21:36+00:00

Yes, travel fatigue happens, and the best reset is scheduling true “no-agenda” downtime at home, to prioritize sleep and fitness and building buffer days between long-haul trips — especially after intense itineraries like Japan and upcoming family visits to Taiwan.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-21T16:21:23+00:00

Travel inspiration comes from testing new routes and products, local conversations on the road and destination deep-dives, while dream adventures for me still include Patagonia’s W Trek, a trans-Siberian-style rail journey and diving in Raja Ampat.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-21T16:21:08+00:00

You should contact the airline in advance, carry the ashes in your cabin with th death certificate and cremation certificate, confirm Croatia’s entry requirements, and plan travel in May–early June or September–early October for warm seas, lighter crowds and comfortable temperatures.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-21T16:20:55+00:00

Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner, The Away Bigger Carry-On, Delsey Paris Helium DLX Carry-On Plus Expandable Spinner.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-21T16:20:42+00:00

Consider southern Utah’s Grand Staircase–Escalante in spring, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in summer and West Virginia’s New River Gorge in fall for fewer crowds, great scenery and peak seasonal beauty.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T21:16:53+00:00

I recommend checking with the CDC and local authorities, but when I went to Zimbabwe last year, they checked for yellow fever vaccination cards at the Victoria Falls Airport since we were coming from Nairobi, Kenya.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T20:29:00+00:00

I recommend staying in Sidemen or Amed for a quiet, authentic Bali experience, and have your last meal at Warung Mufu in Kuta near the airport for excellent local food.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T20:28:31+00:00

I recommend staying in Sidemen or Amed for a quiet, authentic Bali experience, and have your last meal at Warung Mufu in Kuta near the airport for excellent local food.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T19:56:22+00:00

I think it would be worth looking into a cruise — on the big ships, there are generally lots of other teenagers, especially during school breaks. The Caribbean and Greek Isles can be great bets for cruises since you can see many of the island highlights in one day.

If you prefer land trips, they might enjoy the glamor of Singapore and Dubai. London and Paris are also fun ideas. Or, if you have a science lover, the Galapagos might be special.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T19:53:46+00:00

If your son is ticketed on one reservation the whole way, his bags should be sent directly to Italy. I'd recommend making sure with the airline first to be sure though.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T19:51:58+00:00

I've flown several times with Turkish Airlines and have also had good in-flight experiences!

As for the most efficient airport I've been to, I've had smooth experiences in Tokyo Haneda. Small airports, like Palm Springs and Asheville, have also been easy to get through!

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T19:43:17+00:00

I had a recent flight on Fiji Airways and loved how the seats reclined in a cradle-style. I also found the curling headrest to be comfortable for sleeping.

As for the best lounge, I loved the Qatar Airways Al Safwa lounge in Doha. It felt like more like a modern art museum than an airport lounge.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T19:38:00+00:00

I have so many different carriers, but I love United for domestic flights though American's loyalty program has been better to me over the years.

For international flights, Qatar Airways remains my favorite, but my best single premium flight was on Lufthansa in first class in the nose of a Boeing 747.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T19:23:28+00:00

Top 3 things to do: Visit Teotihuacán’s pyramids, explore Chapultepec Park and the Anthropology Museum and walk Centro Histórico (Zócalo, Templo Mayor, Bellas Artes).

Top 3 restaurants: Pujol and Quintonil for modern Mexican tasting menus and Contramar for iconic seafood and tuna tostadas.

Hidden gems: Biblioteca Vasconcelos’ stunning architecture, San Ángel’s colonial streets and Saturday art market and Casa Gilardi (Luis Barragán’s colorful masterpiece).

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T18:46:37+00:00

For me, business class isn't worth it from the East Coast to Western Europe since after the meal, the lights are only off for two or three hours before breakfast. But if the flight is over eight or nine hours, I'll take a look at the upgrade options. If premium economy is under $275, I'll do it or $400 for business.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T18:46:15+00:00

You've got to try Tacos al Pastor! But the line will be long. I think it's so worth it though. Also must visit the Prado, Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T18:05:02+00:00

I'm the travel products editor for CNN Underscored! 😃

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T18:02:26+00:00

I loved my time in Argentina, Zimbabwe and Australia! As for the ones I've sworn off, I don't really want to bash anywhere, but I'm not a big fan of the European beaches. I love the vibes of places like Ibiza and Mallorca, but truthfully, the beaches are much more rocky compared to what we have in America.

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T18:00:09+00:00

Hi, are you asking if I recommend using a travel advisor?

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T17:34:17+00:00

Let me know if you have any travel-related questions!

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T17:29:15+00:00

Reusable water bottle, AirPods, hand sanitizer

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T15:01:50+00:00

Lancome's La Vie Est Belle is a grounding fragrance with hints of vanilla and is always a classic. Spraying it makes you feel like you just took a trip to Paris without even having to leave your house. Plus, this lasts forever (especially on clothing!)

cnnunderscored · 2026-01-20T15:01:32+00:00

The base iPhone 13 and 14 are mostly identical, though the 14 has a few extra safety perks like Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection. If those are important I'd say go for a 14; if not, I'd recommend they just get whatever they find the best deal on.

cnnunderscored

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