Staying Fit
Phil Keoghan, host of the reality-TV hit The Amazing Race, has traveled some 4 million miles with the CBS show. The affable New Zealand native, 47, has picked up his fair share of globe-trotting tips in 25 seasons (the 25th returns on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT).. He shares them here.
Q: How often do you travel?
A: About every week, these days. I fly about 250,000 miles a year.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Q: What's the hardest lesson you've learned?
A: To travel light. Too many people take too much stuff — it just weighs you down. If you're going away for three weeks, don't pack clothing for 21 days. Instead, take clothes that dry quickly after washing and clothes that work in various combinations. And never check luggage; that way you can jump on a different flight, if need be.
Q: What will you not travel without?
A: Earplugs.
An eye mask.
My black Moleskine notebook — the kind Hemingway used (I keep it by my bed at night to write down ideas).
Sunscreen — always.
A "breakaway" bag, in case I need to empty items from my suitcase (to check it on carriers that restrict the weight of carry-ons). I also use it when I go on a boat or to the beach, and for shopping.
A good book — you never know when or where you'll get stuck.
A positive attitude; airport lines and flight delays can test the strongest nerves.
AARP Members! Save 25% or more when buying tickets in groups of four from Live Nation.