Inside the Traveler's Mind: Robin Locker

Like many travelers, Robin Locker's physical self often exists far away from her heart. One lives in the Hudson Valley, the other is constantly touring Europe, drinking espresso and scouting out the next great meal. This, is a problem I can sympathize with. Read our interview below to get a deeper look at the lady also known as My Melange.

Name: Robin Locker
Hometown: Clinton Corners, NY
Current Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Where have you been?

Outside of the US, I have been to Martinique, Paris, Montreal and Old Quebec City, and Italy- Venice, Rome, Florence, the surrounding Tuscan countryside and the Amalfi Coast. In the US- I have been to Denver, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and D.C., Orlando and the Florida Keys, Maine, Vermont and countless places all over New England.

In the 90's, I packed up and moved from the East Coast to California. I drove the entire way, so technically, I have been to many states on the route- but only for a short time. I landed in Northern California, near San Fran and traveled all over the state, from Mendicino, to Monterey, Napa Valley, Yosemite, Tahoe and even L.A.. It was great fun when I look back. I got to visit so many wonderful places there in such a short time.

What's your favorite travel memory?

A few years ago I went to the Florida Keys. I had the opportunity to visit a research and rehabilitation center on Key Largo, where they use dolphins to help children. I donned a wet suit and had the time of my life swimming with the dolphins. They did tricks- I got to shake fins and be pushed by my feet, around in the water. I had the time of my life and got to connect with these wonderful creatures- up close and personal!

Do you have a favorite airport?
Nope. I have never met an airport that I liked. I am not the best flyer- and sitting in an airport waiting for a plane is really just prolonging my agony. If I had to pick, I'd probably say Stewart International in Newburgh, NY, because it is small, local and not very well-known. In and out quickly- you know. But, forget flying out of there. Most flights are insanely priced.

What's on your essential packing list?  What have you learned to leave at home and what can't you live without?
Essentials are anything black that doesn't wrinkle. A black dress, my camera, pen and paper for taking good notes and writing details about my travels. I leave my hairdryer home. Big, bulky and most hotels and B&B's that I come across have one. I have also learned to do without bringing every one of my skin care or beauty regimen products. One week without expensive wrinkle cream isn't really going to affect my complexion that much.

If you got stuck somewhere and were never able to leave, where would it be?
Tuscany. But I'm not fussy. I'd take anywhere in Italy, really.

Who's your travel hero?

Anthony Bourdain. He gets to travel to great places, mingle with the locals, eat and drink the best food, all while keeping his snarky sense of humor. And he gets PAID for it! Uh, sign me up. I want that job!

What's the biggest travel myth that you can debunk?

This one is near and dear to my heart. I hear all the time from people that don't consider traveling to Europe, because they can't afford it! Sure the dollar is in the crapper- but honestly, if you are smart about it, plan in advance and learn a few tricks- you can go for much less than you'd think. People always think it costs a fortune- and that it's way out of their realm of possibilites to visit- but it can be done on a budget. I am living proof of that fact! Now, if you want to stay at 5 star hotels, be chauffered to and fro and eat out at fancy restaurants for 3 meals each day- well than yes- you'd be in the luxury travel category and that will cost you!

What mistake have you learned from that could help others to avoid the same mistake?

First would be to always double, triple check your flight arrival and departure times. Do it a quadrillion times. It never hurts. I won't give you the long, sordid story about how I know this- or what happened when I didn't follow my own advice. Suffice it to say it's still too painful. I have spent countless hours and tons of money trying to erase the memory. Yeah, it was that bad.

Another thing would be to not pack so much into a trip or try to tackle too many different areas on one trip. It's much better to spend less time running and more time enjoying and appreciating the little things around you. I have learned that I can always make a return visit and experience things I missed on the first or second trip.

What's the first thing you do when you get off the plane or leave the airport?

I head to my hotel, check in, drop my bags, freshen up and hit the streets. If there is a time change, I don't nap- I try to stay up as late as possible, so I can acclimate to the time difference. Oh, and I almost forgot- I have to head to the first cafe I find for an espresso or some coffee to recharge the batteries!

What do you plan before you leave home and what do you leave to chance?

Well, I am a natural-born planner. That usually bodes well for my clients, but not necessarily for my travel companions. I guess I'd say it depends on the trip. If I am traveling for business, and am on a fact-finding mission- I tend to have a pretty set itinerary, because I need to. I have specific things I need to accomplish. But if I am traveling for pleasure, at the very least, I need to have set accommodations for each place I'll be. I plan a rough itinerary for what I want to do each day and being a foodie, I always have a list of places to eat on the trip. I leave the rest up to how I am feeling. One night I may decide that I don't want to eat out. If I have a museum that I'd like to visit, I may wait for a rainy day.

Occasionally, budget may dictate the plan, though. I travel on a tight budget- so if I know that a museum is free on Friday, I try and hit it and take advantage of the savings. Likewise I'll try to work in a special meal at an otherwise expensive joint, on a specific day or time if it means I can afford it.

However, I always leave things open to possibility. I remember eating dinner at a trattoria in Florence, expecting to leave with more than enough time to stroll to the Arno and see the sunset. We ended up sitting next to a couple from Australia. Two magnums of Chianti, a bottle of Moscato d'Asti and several glasses of Vin Santo later, we stumbled back to our hotel after a five hour meal with our new friends. We missed the sunset, but still hold those memories dear. If I had stuck with the plan- I would have missed an amazing experience. Sometimes you need to just go where life takes you. The Arno sunset will be there next time.

Your most memorable meal....

Most memorable. Oh, that is a tough one. There have been so many. The one mentioned above is a contender. But the one that stands out most is the evening my dear (and tres chic!) Parisienne friend invited us for a home-cooked meal at her Paris apartment. We ate with her hubby and two adorable young daughters. The food was exquisite - she is a wonderful cook. As I recall, I think a cheese souffle may have made an appearance. But the evening itself was perfect. We were entertained by the girls and her husband who told wonderfully funny stories- we felt like old friends that had known each other for years. I got teary-eyed when her husband celebrated us with a champagne toast by saying, "welcome home!" It is no wonder that when I was looking for someone to host cooking classes and give market tours for clients in Paris, that I turned to her. We now not only have a wonderful friendship, but a great working relationship too!

If you could only give one piece of travel advice, what would it be?

Of course, it would be to ditch the checked bags and go carry-on! But, you knew that I'd say that, didn't you? Your wallet and back will thank you! And just think of all the time you'll save not waiting for your luggage at the carousel and not standing on line to check in at the airport. You'll be able to check in early, from the comfort of your own home. Ok, I'll stop trying to convince you now.

What's your take on souveniers? What do you bring home with you?

Personally, I think anything that helps you remember a trip or a place fondly, should be indulged. For some, a souvenir might just be the stub from your metro ticket, a postcard or your own photo. For others- it may mean an Eiffel Tower keychain or a $600 biscotti jar. I like to bring home a little something from each trip. When I go to Paris, I always gravitate toward scarves, since many Parisians, men and women alike, wear them. I have quite the collection and every time I don one, it's a way of getting in touch with my inner French girl. In Italy, it's usually wine and olive oil, though this trip I purchased an inexpensive bracelet with Murano glass beads. I also have a penchant for antiques. So, I love to check out flea markets when I travel. I love to score a little something that I either keep as a memento or sell on my website. I'd feel guilty keeping all the special treasures for myself! It's my way of passing on a little piece of a place that someone might not be able to visit.

Do you have a travel experience that's changed how you look at the world or changed your life?

Absolutely. The first time I traveled to Italy- it changed my life! I just loved everything about it. The lifestyle. The food. The people. Everyone just seemed happier. More relaxed. The important things, people, food, high-quality ingredients are the main focus. The other stuff, meh. Not so much. I came home and tried to adopt that lifestyle. It is what made me want to live there. It is what caused me to start my blog and subsequently led me to start writing, travel consulting and my photography.

What's your next trip?

That's a great question. I don't have one planned right now. I just came back from doing research for my itinerary planning in Rome and have lots of new places to recommend! The next trip will definitely be either France or Italy. Again. I'd like to go somewhere I have not been before, so that I can explore some new options to add to my itinerary planning and photo portfolio. Perhaps the South of France, the Italian Riviera or Southern Italy!

You are a self-proclaimed carry on guru, what's your advice for someone who wants to ditch the checked bag?

First, you can do it! Next, don't pack for 'just-in-case' scenarios. Like, just in case the Pope calls and wants to have you over for dinner? That is why you are packing 3 ball gowns and 5 different pairs of black dress shoes? Please. It's not gonna happen.

Pick fabrics that don't wrinkle. Pack darker colors. Black, brown or navy all work well. Don't pack an item that doesn't go with at least 2 other pieces. And plan to dress in layers. This way you can layer items to create different looks. Pack a few scarves and a few pieces of jewelry to change up the outfits and make them look a bit different. And wear your heaviest and bulkiest items on the plane. This keeps your bag lighter and able to hold more. If you are really committed to doing this, but are overwhelmed and frustrated- I offer help so you can convert to carry-on!

How do you fill your desire to travel when you're at home?

Planning trips for others and keeping up on the travels of fellow travel bloggers helps me to live vicariously though their travels. Writing about travel, both on my blog and elsewhere on the web, helps me learn about new areas and plants those seeds, which can be dangerous. I also spend time cataloging, uploading or organizing my travel photos, which allows me to reminisce about places I have been. When I am out at shows, selling my photos, greeting cards and luggage tags it is so much fun for me to tell stories about my photos and where they were taken! And that allows me to travel back to those places all over again. I am also a big fan of the roadtrip! Anywhere you go that isn't home, is considered travel, in my book. You don't even have to spend the night. So, I like to take day trips and weekend getaways, to satisfy my immediate needs to get out and explore something new.

Robin Locker shares her fabulous photos and travel tips at her blog, mymelange.net.