@JoelECarlson – Good Tues morning to everyone! This morning we will be having a Twitterview with “Travel Titan” @BethBlair. Time to fly!
@BethBlair – Hi Joel! Thanks for having me.
Q – #1 To begin @BethBlair – Where did you grow up, and what are some of the steps in your life that got you where you are today?
A: I grew up with my four siblings in Baton Rouge, high school in Dallas and early 20’s in Steamboat Springs and Denver, Colorado.
I wanted to be a flight attendant so I followed my dream & worked for a NJ charter airline, based out of Newark & JFK.
I later worked for Frontier Airlines in Denver but ended up at @SouthwestAir.
I started writing/getting published. After having my 1st child I took off my wings and pursued my current career.
Q – #2 I see. So what aspects of travel do you focus on with there being so much that can and has been written already?
A: I really enjoy aviation-related writing since that’s my background, particularity anything safety related.
Since I’m a mom family travel comes naturally but I love a good adventure.
I was just on the @PrincessCruises Twitter #FollowMeAtSea trip – a perfect example of a fun travel experience.
Part of the fun of travel writing is that everyone has a unique experience & perspective; the story is never the same.
Q – #3 Interesting. So how many books have you written? Any exotic or unique places that you been able to travel to?
A: I have contributed to 12 books/anthologies and write regularly for Aviation Security Internationally Magazine.
I also run @TheVacationGals http://thevacationgals.com/ with @JenniferMiner and @KaraSW.
One of my favorite experiences was spending the night in Quebec’s Ice Hotel. http://www.icehotel-canada.com/ Magical!
Another highlight was going with my girlfriends to Puerto Rico and kayaking Bioluminescent Bay. I loved that!
Of course, I’m still on a high from landing on Yanert Glacier in Alaska a couple of weeks ago. What a thrill!
Q – #4 Cool! :D So who are 5-10 people that you follow on Twitter that offer you humor, inspiration or education?
A: Some fave travel tweeters: @global_gourmet @Marilyn_Res @RickGriffin @earthXplorer @elliottdotorg @nerdseyeviewand
They each offer their own travel perspective, wisdom and humor. Twitter has a terrific travel community.
Q – #5 How have you found Twitter/FB, etc to help you with your work and expand your network of connections?
A: I utilize Twitter/FB many ways, from finding sources for articles to discussing destination tips/insider secrets.
Social media has made the world so much smaller. It’s a true community where everyone is able to share their gifts.
Q – #6 Very true! Now the FAVS question – Favorite: restaurant, store, airline, hotel and summer activity?
A: Fun q’s! My favorite restaurant is Bar Abilene in Uptown (think margaritas & guacamole – maybe the Texan in me?).
I know most locals don’t go to MOA, but it’s my local mall so I don’t hesitate to go there. I love Ann Taylor.
Now that I’m in MSP, Delta is my main carrier. I’ve had good flight experiences. I still speak very highly of SWA.
This winter I stayed at The Sky Lodge, a super swanky hotel in Park City, Utah, it had a pool table in the suite!
Favorite summer activity: visiting cheesy roadside attractions. Most recently we went to the Largest Ball of Twine.
Q – #7 Thanks for sharing! To end with @BethBlair today – What thought or mantra would you like to share today?
A: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” Amelia Earhart
@JoelECarlson – It was very nice to Tweet with you today @BethBlair. Thanks for sharing some of your life today on Twitterview! Have a good morning.
@BethBlair – I’ve really enjoyed your interviews – another brilliant social media idea!
@BethBlair – Thanks for having me! Wishing you a great day.