ReZoom

In our continuing series, we peek into the travel journal of yet another ReZoomer with some miles under his belt. When Thomas Harrop isn't trekking through the nation's national parks or scuba diving somewhere off the coast in Asia, he's writing for one of the 150 magazines and newspapers that publish his work. Where does he find the time?

1. What one thing do you never leave home without?
My cell phone.

2. What's the best meal you've had while traveling?
Cheese sandwich. It was made by a darling farm wife at a little house in the south of France.

3. The best hotel you've stayed in?
New York Hilton. I loved the concierge service, and the furniture was all antique-looking and beautiful.

4. The attraction that really blew your socks off?
Sipadan Island, Borneo - best scuba diving in the world.

5. Your best souvenir purchase?
Guinness mugs from the brewery in Dublin. Every time I use them I think of the beauty of Ireland.

6. How early do you really get to the airport?
Domestic flight: 90 minutes. Foreign: 3 hours.

The service at the New York Hilton set it apart from the rest for Thomas. Photo courtesy of Hilton Times Square Hotel.

8. What is the most useful word to know in a foreign language?
"Hooker." (OK, how about "does anyone here speak any english?)

9. What do you look for in a traveling companion?
The ability to go with the flow. I hate traveling on a schedule.

10. What destination did you most enjoy when you were in your 20s or 30s?
Vegas - money, sex and glamour.

11. What destination do you most enjoy now?
Rocky Mountain National Park. I love the wildlife and solitude.

12. What was your biggest moment of culture shock?
I was in Borneo. There are people there who are so poor they have to live on makeshift housing on stilts over the ocean. There are no handrails on their walkways. I quipped that the children must all be great swimmers from a young age. The guide said, "yes, the ones who don't learn to swim die." He was dead serious.

13. If you could go back to one place, what would it be?
New South Wales, Australia. It is breathtakingly beautiful and the people are wonderful.

14. Where would you never go back to again?
I was not all that fond of Maui. It is too commercial.

15. Has there ever been a cultural tradition you tried to take home with you?
I brought home an instrument called the ‘sampooton' from Borneo. I tried to learn to play it. I was less than successful.

According to our pro, New South Wales is definitely worth a return visit.

17. What has been your biggest surprise while traveling?
I got stranded at a bus stop in Iowa once. They said they counted the people on the bus, but they left without me and my friend.

18. How do you stay safe when you're traveling?
I get to know the area I am in and make sure I stay out of the bad areas. Also, I keep my valuables hidden. I always carry my camera on a strap under my jacket.

19. What are the ingredients for the perfect trip?
A great looking red head with which to travel, a lot of new experiences and plenty of Imodium AD at the ready.

20. What's next on your list?
I am going to Utah next month. I can't wait.

Ready for more? Read more of ReZoom's Insider Tips.