Jacqui Heinrich knows a thing or two about travel. As a White House correspondent for Fox News, she has traveled the world — 17 countries in all, including in Asia and Europe — as a member of the media on Air Force One with President Biden. The Massachusetts native, who was raised in Cumberland, Maine, may live in Washington, D.C., but she said that New England will always be home. “I was just back [in Maine] this weekend for my mom’s birthday and went to Scarborough Beach … and the weekend before that I went to the Vineyard,’’ Heinrich, 35, said during a recent phone call from Washington. “But my dad lives in Gilford, N.H., so when I go home, that’s where I go the most.’’ Recently promoted to senior White House correspondent at Fox News, Heinrich said that with the upcoming Democratic National Convention in August and the election in November, she knows that a vacation isn’t in the cards for her in the foreseeable future. “I figure I’m probably going to be working straight through January again,’’ she said, referencing the last presidential election she covered. “But who knows? Maybe it will be a decisive victory — on either side — and there won’t be any recounts or anything.’’ Heinrich, who joined the network in 2018 as a general assignment reporter based in New York City, said she has already told family members to “count me out’’ of all family events in the coming months. “And if I can make it,’’ she said, “it will be a happy surprise.’’ We caught up with Heinrich to talk about all things travel.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go? I’ve always dreamed of eating my way through the French Riviera and Provence, with sun-drenched days at the lavender fields punctuated by crisp wines and salty butter. That kind of trip is not possible with my schedule in an election year, but coastal New England checks most of the same boxes. I’m so excited to get back home next month and escape the humid throes of D.C. summer.
Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own? I typically only use agencies for tours and activities when traveling abroad — and I try to avoid big spending up front unless I’m dealing with a reputable company. A few years ago in Cuba, I used a great local agency for a day trip from Havana to the tobacco fields of Viñales. Often hotels will offer recommendations for guides.
Thoughts on an “unplugged’’ vacation? Nice in theory, but with my job it’s daunting to be out of the loop for too long — I hate returning to a mountain of emails. I’ll fully unplug for hours, not days. I do appreciate a no-phones dinner, though.
What has been your worst vacation experience? Last year I booked a rental car in Ireland and forgot to reserve automatic transmission. I spent seven days white-knuckling the windy countryside, driving on the left side of the road with a stick shift. I will never make that mistake again.
What is your favorite childhood travel memory? I loved camping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the summers as a kid — there’s nothing better than ending a day of kayaking with a campfire.
Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all? My ideal vacation involves some activity and some zen. I love getting outdoors for a day of fishing, hiking, kayaking, bicycling, skiing, or snowboarding — then ending the trip at the spa.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation? I’d probably sound smarter if I told you I love nonfiction, but the truth is, I’d prefer a thrilling murder mystery, a magazine, or a cookbook. I read enough heavy content in my day job.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be? David Attenborough, the narrator of “Planet Earth’’ — for his wisdom, wonder, and iconic voice. How cool would that be?
What is the best gift to give a traveler? Portable battery packs for cellphones: easy to carry a few fully charged spares, and handy when outlets aren’t readily accessible.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip? Trader Joe’s peanut butter-filled pretzels. Just enough protein to hold you over and satisfies the salty-crunchy craving.
What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation? I picked up a giant brass dragon in Indonesia — a real conversation starter. Most airlines will check odd shapes if they are packed safely. Getting the dragon home involved a lot of bubble wrap, tape, and cardboard.
What is your favorite app/website for travel? I always consult the Michelin Guide for restaurants — but if you find yourself near a US Embassy abroad, often staffers will have great tips and recommendations.
What has travel taught you? People are more similar than different — and a smile is universal.
What is your best travel tip? I always pack a lightweight expandable duffle bag inside my suitcase. If I end up with an overweight bag, it’s usually cheaper to check a second bag than pay the fee.
JULIET PENNINGTON
Juliet Pennington can be reached at writeonjuliet@comcast.net.
