By The Numbers: Professional Gypsy Edition

During my ten year journalism school reunion back in April, I attended a panel about reinventing yourself. I couldn’t help thinking about how that phrase has applied to my career before and since attending Columbia‘s j-school.

Reporting Live: That's me with the microphone during my on-air days at WBOC-TV in Dover, Delaware, 2002

It’s been quite a journey from my days as a fresh-faced college graduate to my current profession of travel PR. I’ve written about municipal bonds for a trade newspaper, reported live during a Delaware blizzard and researched business segments for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Here are some of the bends in the long and winding road of my career -- By The Numbers:

Number of jobs since graduating from Mount Holyoke College: 10
Number of career changes: 2
Number of small market TV news jobs outside of New York: 4
Number of overseas jobs: 1
Number of years spent working in PR: 4.5

Four and a half years after making the transition to travel PR and joining Quinn & Company, I feel the same as I did when I first started -- fortunate to work for talented, honorable people and to be promoting one of my biggest passions, travel. Even better, I get to do this in the world’s greatest city.

Meeting A Member Of The Brat Pack

One of my favorite things about living in New York is random celebrity encounters. Yesterday, I had a most unexpected celeb sighting – at a travel industry event held at the New Yorker hotel in Midtown NYC.

My lovely colleagues Katie and Morgan and I were representing Quinn & Co at Caribbean Media Marketplace, where travel providers in the region (and the PR agencies who rep them) have the opportunity to schmooze with journalists.

Travelgirls: Me, Katie and Morgan at Caribbean Media Marketplace

Imagine my surprise when none other than actor Andrew McCarthy approached our table.

I smiled widely, unable to resist quipping that he’s not a member of the media. He laughed, and genially corrected me – saying he’s moonlighting as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler. It turns out he’s been writing for the venerable magazine (and its sister publication, National Geographic Adventure) for years.

Andrew is an absolute charmer in person. He has the same mischievous smile and quick wit that made him so irresistible in many of the classic 80’s movies (“St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Mannequin,” and of course, “Pretty In Pink.”). And yes, he’s still adorable.

I don’t know what made me feel older – remembering those movies, or the fact that my twenty-something colleagues didn’t know who Andrew was. Thankfully, my good friend and fellow PR maven Lauren was in attendance and she shared my excitement about this celebrity blast from the past.

I love New York.

My First Visit To The USVI

One of the perks of working in travel PR is getting the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most beautiful places. This week, I’m enjoying a four-day jaunt (my first) to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A glorious sunset view from St. John

I’m down here working on a video shoot at our client, The Westin St. John Resort & Villas, a sprawling beachfront property where every staffer greets you with a smile.

Since arriving on Sunday, I’ve seen a fisherman nab a giant mahi mahi, witnessed an iguana feeding and enjoyed a sun-drenched ferry ride over from the mainland.

Just another day at the office!

Global Traveler's Fifth Anniversary Bash

Thursday night, I joined a handful of my Quinn & Co. colleagues as guests at Global Traveler’s swanky fifth anniversary party.

Held at the Renaissance Hotel in Times Square, the event had everyone enraptured with stunning 360 degree views. All the single ladies in the house agreed that, if your guest list is on the smaller side, there could be no better spot for a quintessentially Gotham wedding.

What A View: Times Square is what you see in 360 at NYC’s Renaissance Hotel

Equally enchanting -- the sounds of a keyboard player and cellist and a tasty selection of hors d’oeuvres including quail with fried egg, mini fish and chips and even cookies and milk (shots).

I had the chance to catch up with GT Editor in Chief Lisa Matte, and was happy to hear her upcoming visit to Q&C client Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris will coincide with her 50th birthday.

In the small world department, I found myself standing next to Daryl, a charming event planner from Toronto, my hometown for four years as a teenager. We gushed about the city’s recent exponential growth, and Darryl promised me a night on the town next time I’m up north.

Fellow travel PR maven Andrea and I shared our excitement about scoring tickets to U2’s one night only show at Giants Stadium in September. Andrea was double booked, heading from the GT soiree to a season finale party for “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

She invited me to join her, but I too had another commitment -- a date with an old flame who, despite geography, still has a special place in my heart.

A Swanky France Tourism Soirée

Last night, I headed down for a cocktail reception at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill hosted by France Tourism.

Attending swanky events is definitely one of the perks of working in PR and France Tourism knows how to throw a truly first-class affair.

In addition to a generous selection of Champagne and French wines, last night’s reception offered a bountiful spread of cheeses, breads, and passed hors d’oeuvres that included brie cheese encrusted beef, mini potato and cheese strudels along with bite-sized desserts ranging from chocolate concoctions to Tirami Su.

The well-attended soirée featured industry folks from the media and travel agent worlds and gave me the opportunity to catch up with one my favorite new journalist friends -- GoNomad.com blogger and writer extraordinaire Kent St. John.

Memories of Brisbane: Kent and I on the final night of last month’s press trip to Queensland

I also connected with delightful travel & lifestyle writer Jean Tang, just back from a month-long stint in Paris. We quickly bonded over our mutual love for Australia (like me, she spent five months as a Sydney resident) and I told her about my client Tourism Queensland’s exciting Best Job In The World campaign, which has generated worldwide media attention and 11,000+ applicants so far.

Joining us at our lively table were veteran Daily News editor Mila André, travel PR and writing maven Meryl Pearlstein and freelance writer Jeryl Brunner. Conversation flowed freely as we talked about the appeal of mingling at gallery exhibits in NYC and the joys of doing what you love for a living.

One of the biggest joys for me -- regularly encountering smart, talented women as excited as I am about travel, and about living in the world’s greatest city.

By The Numbers: Frequent Flier Edition

It’s no accident that I promote travel for a living. Travel is one of my greatest passions, as I rediscovered during my recent return to Australia.

From reinvigorating weekend getaways stateside to adventurous jaunts in more far flung destinations, I’ve been lucky to experience all kinds of getaways. Like I always say, I never met a trip I didn’t like. Here are some of my more memorable travel moments -- By The Numbers:

Approximate Number of overseas trips: 25

All Smiles in Costa Rica: Enjoying the view from Hilton Papagayo in Guanacaste during a business trip, March 2008

Number of return flights to the U.S. from Australia spent in a coach middle seat: 2
Number of British Commonwealth cities in which I’ve resided: 3 (London, Sydney and Toronto)
Number of flight delays precipitated by a dog running loose on the tarmac: 1
Number of celebrity sightings while traveling: 8
Number of brushes with royalty in the baggage claim area of JFK: 1

It was England’s lovely Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson (a.k.a Fergie), whom I found myself standing next to at JFK many years ago. That’s one of my favorite things about traveling -- the interesting characters you encounter unexpectedly along the way.

Coming up…1,001 ways to meet Mr. Right and a belated birthday celebration.

Bonding With Fellow Bloggers

Last week’s press trip to Queensland in Australia was one of the most amazing travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Along with discovering the majestic beauty of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, I had the pleasure of traveling with six engaging and accomplished travel journalists – three of whom are fellow bloggers.

Travel Buddies: (from left, back row) Writers Jennifer Davoren, Kent St. John, Lisa Loverro, Stephanie Davis and Donovan Webster, and (front row) Barbara Ries, Lori Barbely and Kristin Luna with me and Tourism Queensland’s Kylie Smith, after a delicious dinner at Voyages on Lizard Island

Veteran travel writer Kent St. John delighted everyone with his wit, warmth and unwavering passion for both his wife and every part of our action-packed itinerary. His musings on Be Our Guest are worth checking out.

Prolific San Francisco-based freelancer Kristin Luna astonished us all with an extensive wardrobe of dresses – and her ability to fit them all in one very small suitcase (I, on the other hand, packed only 3 dresses and still managed to exceed the airline baggage limit). I’ve been a fan of her blog Camels and Chocolate for quite awhile.

Atlanta Skirt Magazine Editor and aspiring author Stephanie Davis was great fun to travel with. She brings sass and smarts to her cyberspace musings on Skirt’s website, and I can’t wait until her book comes out.

Jetlag notwithstanding, spending a week Down Under with Stephanie, Kristin, Kent and the six other talented writers in our group has reinvigorated me. Because of them, I’m excited all over again to see what adventures are yet to come -- not only as a travel publicist, but as a writer too.

Rubix Cube Redux

Last Saturday, my friend Lauren and I enjoyed a girls night out at O’Flanagan’s my favorite neighborhood pub.

A fellow travel PR maven, Lauren was the first person I connected with in the industry back in ‘04, when I was making the jump from TV news. We hit it off immediately during an informal networking lunch. I remember thinking if travel PR attracts fabulous women like her, this is the business for me.

Girls Night Out: Lauren (far right) and me rocking out to Rubix Cube with our new friends at O’Flanagan’s

After talking shop for a few minutes about representing Australian destinations, we moved onto more pressing matters -- like our shared New Year’s resolution to do more mingling with the opposite sex and make sure we’re having plenty of fun along the way.

To that end, we joined new friends Lori and Jamie on the dance floor to the groovy 80’s sounds of Rubix Kube.

Rubix Kube: The crème de la crème of 80’s cover bands

I first caught Rubix Kube at SoHo’s Canal Room last summer. The band was even more entertaining the second time around, and I was especially delighted when keyboard player Rich Forman made this special dedication --

“This goes out to all the single gals in the city here.”

As Rubix Kube kicked into high gear with classics from Erasure’s “A Little Respect” to Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” Lauren and I burned off our holiday indulgence with a little booty shaking.

During “Billie Jean,” I joined a male reveler in the center of the floor and we danced like it was 1985 while the crowd cheered us on.

It was well after 2am when we called it a night. I was exhausted but exhilarated, knowing that this is just the beginning of what is shaping up to be a great year. How could it be otherwise with my 35th birthday later this month and my long-awaited return to Australia just a few days away?

Spending The Day In L.A.

Today, I spent the day in the Los Angeles office of the client responsible for my imminent trip Down Under, Tourism Queensland.

Following a lengthy PR brainstorming session in her brightly lit office overlooking the mountains, Regional Director Shana and I headed out for lunch, enjoying a sunlit drive to Marina Del Rey.

I couldn’t help thinking of my last visit to this beautiful part of L.A., with my former long-distance love Sparky, back in ’94. The subject of moving on from old flames and embracing the future was one of many that came up during lunch with Shana at The Cheesecake Factory.

Shana and me after lunch in Marina Del Rey

As we enjoyed farfalle in a mushroom cream sauce, delectable tiramisu cheesecake and a beautiful harbor view, Shana and I talked about our good fortune in finding jobs we adore that allow us to tell the story of some of the most beautiful places on earth. We also reiterated our shared philosophy about dreaming big and reaching for what might seem like the impossible -- why not?

With my departure for Queensland just a few hours away, it felt like the perfect time to be talking about big dreams. I always hoped that working in travel PR would lead me back to Australia and, at long last, it has. I can’t wait to experience what Tourism Queensland refers to as life above the reef.

Stay tuned for more as I Dispatch from Down Under!

The Small, Sociable World of Travel Media

When you work in the travel media and PR universe, you quickly come to discover what a small world it is.

While attending a recent birthday party for Adam, a prolific travel writer, I was struck once again by this – and by how much easier it is to meet fabulous gay men than it is to meet equally fabulous straight ones.

I initially connected with Adam, the ex-boyfriend of another travel writer I took on a client press junket a few years ago, through my former colleague and good buddy Morty. At Adam's party at Nowhere Bar in NYC’s East Village, I also met Darren, the editor of a magazine that Adam freelances for.

“I’m sure you’ve sent me many emails that I’ve ignored,” Darren quipped apologetically.

Laughing, I assured him that I know it’s an occupational hazard and didn’t take his cyberspace silence personally.

While catching up with one of my favorite Travel + Leisure contributors, I clicked immediately with his friend Michael. The two had just come from a soiree with a snooty Abercrombie & Fitch-esque crowd – all of whom were aghast when someone inadvertently hit the light switch and ruined the flattering effect of partying by candlelight.

Michael and I talked about the holiday shopping rush and the ups and downs of being single. When I revealed that I’m just one month away from turning 35, he asked—

“Are you worried about your ovaries?”

Amused, albeit somewhat taken, by the question, I told him that I’m not really feeling the urge to procreate this minute, but I became a bit anxious when I received a promotional flyer in the mail from Extend Fertility. The flyer featured the egg freezing company’s founder boasting that she had frozen hers at the tender age of 28.

Michael reassured me I have plenty of time to meet Mr. Right. We parted with a big hug and plans to, of course, become friends on Facebook.

I had a big smile on my face as I made my way home. Sometimes, the best kind of fun with the opposite sex happens when you’re surrounded by men you know you have absolutely no chance with.

Holiday Shopping For A Worthy Cause

Tonight, my friend Cindy and I attended an after hours holiday shopping event at luxe jeweler Judith Ripka on Madison Avenue. The by invitation only event was a benefit for North Shore Animal League, with 10% of sales going to the non-profit humane society.

As Cindy and I browsed the stunning baubles on display -- from teardrop diamond earrings to opal pendants -- we enjoyed Champagne and passed crudités that included mini salmon quesadillas and a tasty eggplant and cream cheese concoction.

I also had the pleasure of catching up with another good friend, veteran PR maven Cyndee. Cyndee and I met years ago, when we were both slogging away as writers working the overnight shift at WNBC-TV here in New York.

PR Gals Night Out: Cyndee and me at Judith Ripka's Holiday Shopping Night for North Shore Animal League

Our paths crossed again after we both found ourselves working in travel PR. She’s one of my most in-the-know single gal pals when it comes to what’s happening in the Big Apple -- and a big sweetheart besides.

Cyndee introduced me to North Shore’s delightful PR manager Dianne, who told me that tonight’s event brought in a few sales. Founded 54 years ago, North Shore Animal League is the largest animal adoption agency in the world, rescuing and adopting nearly 30,000 animal orphans annually.

The league is supported 100% by voluntary donations. I’m looking forward to including them on my holiday gift list -- and to attending more fun events benefiting man’s best friend.

A Very Happy Hour at Houndstooth

Tonight, I had the pleasure of enjoying celebratory drinks with my good friend and colleague Caroline. The venue -- brand-new Houndstooth Pub located in NYC’s Garment District. The occasion? Landing a new client, the destination of Queensland (http://www.destinationqueensland.com/), home to the islands of Australia’s legendary Great Barrier Reef.

Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Ever since entering the world of travel PR four years ago, it’s been my dream to have a client Down Under. I’m a big believer that people need to know more about Australia and take the time to experience its many wonders. I fell under its spell during my first trip there back in 2001, to visit longtime friends in Sydney.

Immediately smitten, I ended up changing my departure date three times and returning for a five-month stint as a Sydney resident and freelance producer for Australia’s national public broadcaster, the ABC.

When I returned to the U.S., I was asked the same question over and over again -- is Australia really as amazing as everyone says it is? My answer was and remains a resounding yes. Rich in natural beauty and populated with genial people who have mastered the art of living well, the land of Oz has a charm unlike anywhere else.

As Caroline and I raised our glasses to my new Aussie adventure, we took in the scene at Houndstooth Pub (http://www.houndstoothpub.com/). Having opened its doors only yesterday, Houndstooth had an understandably small number of customers. But with a friendly staff, inviting mahogany walls and spacious size (6,800 square feet spanning a main bar and seating area upstairs, as well as two downstairs bars ideal for parties and more intimate gatherings), it’s easy to imagine a big crowd here once the word gets out.

On our way out, we chatted with Alan, recruiter by day and Houndstooth bouncer by night. Alan informed us his friend is the owner of Houndstooth and two other local bars, and promised he would keep Caroline and me in the loop about grand opening festivities. I’m looking forward to it. After all, as today’s exciting work development reminded me, new beginnings are always worth celebrating -- and doubly festive when you have wonderful friends to share them with.

Hilton Baltimore’s Five-Star Opening

In the four years that I’ve worked in travel PR, I had never been part of a hotel’s opening day -- until last week. On Friday, my colleague Alexis and I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for one of our clients, the brand-new Hilton Baltimore.

Our visit to Charm City began the night before, at a delicious dinner at Pazo with the hotel’s fabulous local PR team. Reminiscent of NYC’s Buddakan in its ambience, Pazo dazzled with tapas ranging from mashed potato croquetas to beef tartar with manchego cheese, along with sesame flatbread crackers that everyone here rightfully raves about.

Between bites, Baltimore PR maven Barb and I bonded over our shared passion for travel publicity and a mutual appreciation for the value of an all-women’s education. Meanwhile, hotel general manager Matt regaled me, Alexis and Barb’s effervescent colleagues Beth and Ashley with tales of parenthood. We all had a lump in our throat when Matt spoke of how your priorities shift upon hearing your child take its first breath.

Speaking of giving birth, the period from Hilton Baltimore’s conception to opening day spanned nearly six years. Barb and her team put together a five-star celebration for the hotel's long-anticipated debut that kicked off with an energetic performance from a high school marching band and continued with speeches from Mayor Sheila Dixon and Governor Martin O'Malley.

As officials spoke of the nearly 500 new jobs created by the Hilton and dozens of hotel staffers excitedly looked on, I couldn’t help getting a little choked up. These are the people whose hard work and dedication helped to build this enormous 757-room convention center hotel. I felt excited all over again to be part of the team helping to spread the word about it.

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting and lots of confetti, all of us PR gals skipped the Champagne and made sure the official photographer snapped some important pix, including this one…

Hilton Baltimore PR Ladies: Me, Barb, Beth, Ashley and Alexis

With only a few hours before our train back to New York, Alexis and I strolled around Baltimore’s charming Inner Harbor and took in sweeping views of Oriole Park from the Hilton’s fourth floor outdoor terrace. Along the way, we spotted plenty of Yankee fans, in town for the Bronx Bombers’ face-off against the Orioles. What a perfect backdrop for Hilton Baltimore’s homerun first day.

Girls Night Out: Tavern On The Green

Every couple of months, a group of us gals who work in travel PR get together for happy hour to talk shop and the single life. Last Thursday, the destination for our after-hours imbibing was Tavern on the Green.

Set within Central Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the legendary tourist hotspot served up an interesting hodgepodge of people, hosting three private parties while we were there.

The girls and I were most inclined to crash Merrill Lynch’s soiree -- until we noticed that most of the youthful attendees appeared to be fresh out of business school. In fact, it seemed like we were the only ones representing the thirty-something demographic. The rest of the crowd assembled in Tavern on the Green’s courtyard consisted of people in their 20’s and people in their 40’s and 50’s trying to look like they were in their 20’s.

Despite the unusual mix, we were reminded of what a small world New York can be. Two of the girls spotted former boyfriends of high-school friends. As it turns out, one of these men--nattily dressed in a suit and pink tie -- has quite the background. Not only did he stalk my friend’s friend back in the day and end up in jail, but he also moonlighted from his blue-blooded background as a drug dealer. His parents must be so proud.

Later in the evening, another of the girls ran into a former fling and neighbor through whom she managed to score a substantial gym discount. I laughed as she told the story, telling her of the iPod that has outlasted the ex who gave it to me four years ago.

Also among the topics of conversation -- unexpected advances from longtime and otherwise attached male friends. My good buddy CK received quite a shock when her roommate of more than a year, on the eve of his departure, gave her a goodbye kiss that was anything but platonic. This was doubly shocking given that he was leaving the U.S. to be with his longtime girlfriend.

CK’s tale paved the way for me to mention a married boss of mine who planted one on me after my last day on the job. He kissed me with such ardor, I thought he was going to pull entire chunks of hair out of my head.

We took a brief break from the girl talk to please our palettes, washing down $8 cheeseburgers with $16 cocktails. We couldn’t decide what was more outrageous -- the prices or the life-sized tree sculptures of various animals lunging toward us. Only in New York.

Coming up…mixed reviews for a splashy new Atlantic City resort and the value of keeping your eyes open.