Meet the Traveler: Jay Riedl

Hometown: New York (via Sydney).

Occupation: Actor, writer, producer.

Favorite destinations: The Algarve, anywhere in Spain, and big ski mountains.

Dying to visit: Brazil, Morocco, and Mongolia.

Bizarre travel rituals: I frequently touch my passport throughout a journey. For airplane travel, I wear a pink scarf because I believe people are nicer to you when you are wearing pink. 

In-flight relaxation regime: After completing an aggressive but charming attempt to make it out of coach, I hopefully lie back and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Always in carry-on: MacBook, jewelry, cash. 

Concierge or DIY? DIY with a little help from my friends.

See it all or take it easy? Roll at the speed of my travel companions. 

Drive or be driven? Fine with driving on the left side of the road, not so good on the right. 

Travel hero: Vali Myers.

Weirdest thing seen on travels: Two-headed kitten in Portimao.

Best hotel amenity: Cleanliness. 

I dream about my meal at Au Bon Accueil in Paris. On a little street with a view of the Eiffel Tower, I had the filet of sole with Champagne butter sauce that was to die for. 

Everywhere I go, I check out the fashion, people, and bars.

When I arrive in a new place, I learn the lay of the land by walking in larger and larger circles around the hotel.

I always bring home tea towels — a useful reminder of where I have been.

If I never return to Hamilton Island, it'll be too soon because it is an example of what happens when a good island turns corporate.

I travel for the new perspective.