Name: Celina Colby
Blog: Trends and Tolstoy Facebook Instagram
Background:
I’m an arts and entertainment and travel journalist and a blogger championing the stylish intellectual.
Q1 What was the first travel experience that hooked you on becoming a travel writer?
While in Paris in 2015 I had a quasi-fist fight with a gentleman in a thrift store over a purple mohair pimp jacket. For the record, I won. It was such an absurd and amusing experience that the story wrote itself. That was the first travel piece I sold. It was also when I realized that travel writing, like travel itself, isn’t about the metro maps or the shopping recommendations, it’s about the absurd, eye opening, one-of-a-kind experiences that shape your world view.
Q2 What has been your best, unexpected travel experience as a journalist?
While traveling in the Champlain Valley, Vermont, I discovered a historic farm owned by an African American family, one of just a handful owned by people of color in the state. The property was a wealth of history, culture, and art related to the African diaspora. At the time the farm was just beginning its journey into a cultural destination with hopes of hosting artists in residence, property tours, and story hours. It felt very special to be one of the first to tell their story.
Q3 What amenities (on site or close by) are important in picking a vacation spot?
It varies for everyone of course based on preferences, but for me a strong (and ideally free) WiFi connection is essential for on the road work. Somehow this still isn’t a guarantee in many places. I also like to have a market within walking distances for snacks or picnic supplies while I’m exploring a new place.
Q4 When you travel for fun, not work, where do you like to go?
It’s rare that my work and personal lives aren’t intertwined on some level. But when I have my pick of destinations I tend to go on what I call “intellectual pilgrimages.” These are trips to places where authors or artists that I love lived or created work. It brings figures I’ve spent years studying to life in an exhilarating way.
Q5 With regards to New England, what locations do you think are under appreciated?
West Hartford, Connecticut has a lot to offer both in urban and natural experiences. Gloucester, Massachusetts is definitely underrated as a seaside retreat, especially one that’s accessible via MBTA. I think Providence, Rhode Island also often gets shafted in favor of Newport, but they’ve got an incredible art scene and a lot of great vintage shopping.
Q6 What travel essentials do you always bring with you?
I always, always bring plastic sandwich bags. It sounds random but they’re amazingly useful for everything from shampoos in danger of exploding to leftovers from dinner that you can’t keep in a bulky takeout container. When I’m traveling solo I also bring the New York Times crossword. It’s an easy way to make friends by asking if they have any knowledge about 3 Across, Fly Fishing.
Q7 What do you think is the biggest misconception about travel?
That only big trips count. In the age of the Instagrammer jet-setting around the world with who knows what money it’s easy to feel like only major, exotic, international trips are important. But the truth is, travel of any kind is good for you. A trip one state over can prove life changing. If you are able to travel internationally that’s wonderful and you should, but it’s not required to reap the benefits and joy of travel. Every experience counts.
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