Celebrity Travel Addict: Travel Media Producer and Two-Time Emmy Winner, Ashley Colburn

This week’s celebrity travel addict is Ashley Colburn, expert travel host and twenty-something entrepreneur. Ashley already has two Emmy awards under her belt for her work on “WOW: Croatia” and “Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.” Ashley’s a young CEO with a passion for experiencing destinations authentically. She brings the excitement of discovery to life through her travel films, and for that she’s a true travel addict. Here she dishes on her some of her favorite and least-favorite aspects of traveling, and confidently advises us to all go out and milk cows to see how cheese is made.

Where was the first place you traveled to for work? What was the project?

The first travel show I filmed was “WOW Croatia” and I would say that this destination and the show really molded my career.  The show received an EMMY and it just so happens I absolutely adored Croatia, bringing me back time and time again.  I am very thankful for this business trip.

How many days/weeks are you traveling in any given year?

The past few years I have been gone about 6-7 months a year.

You have covered Croatia quite a bit for television. What about it makes it such a fascinating destination?

The best part about Croatia is each time I go there, I discover something new. The country is rich with culture and has some of the best cuisine and friendliest people. What many people don’t know is Croatia is has more than 1200 islands! The islands are truly magical with private beaches and some of the cleanest and most refreshing sea! I feel I discovered the country when no one else knew about it, then it become more like a second home.

How many countries have you been to?

33

Name your top three destinations (one historic, one stylish, and one picturesque)

Historic: Peru

Stylish: Croatia

Picturesque: Switzerland

Give us your ‘Top 5’ list for one of the above destinations, like a mini-guide or to-do list of sorts.

Top 5 for Switzerland:

1.  Visit the car-free town of Zermatt and view the Matterhorn

2.  Ski in St. Moritz

3. Go milk some cows at 4 a.m. and see how cheese is made.

4.  Ride the train through the Bernina Pass and have lunch at Alp Grum.

5  E-bike up to Rosenlaui waterfall.

What destination do you find yourself returning to again and again? What about it is so alluring?

Croatia is definitely where I return time and time again and thats because it really holds a special place in my heart.  I love the pride that the Croats have for their country and the tradition that is seen each and every day.  I think they all really enjoy living life and I like to be apart of that atmosphere.

Your favorite travel movie?

My Life in Ruins

Favorite restaurant in the U.S.?

Felidia Restaurant NYC

Favorite restaurant abroad?

Wine Vault at Hotel Monte Mulini in Rovinj, Croatia

Favorite airport?

Amsterdam

Favorite airline?

Swiss International

Least favorite airline?

Czech Airlines

City with the friendliest people?

Queenstown, New Zealand

If your travels had a soundtrack what album would it be?

Il Divo’s Greatest Hits.

Your favorite traveling companion?

A local in whatever city I am in.

Kindle, Nook, or i-Pad?

iPad

Favorite way to kill time while flying?

Watch movies

Most influential person you have met while traveling?

I’ve met many influential people on airplanes, interviews, etc. who are well known to others, however I have made so many wonderful friends across the globe who I consider to be family.  For these relationships I am forever grateful.

A destination that surpassed all your expectations and surprised you the most?

South Africa

Where is the most exotic place(s) your career has taken you?

Sri Lanka

Your best piece of travel advice?

Let locals show you around.

What are some challenges associated with a career in travel journalism?

It is sometimes hard to set a “routine.”  I also have to deal with sometimes just not being able to attend important events because there is only one of ME and my job is to travel.  A lot of people think I don’t work too, just travel- they should come along and see.

What are five things you could never travel without?

Passport, toothpaste, chapstick, running shoes, all-purpose wipes.

What is your dream destination?

This changes, but right now I want to go to Ireland.

What projects are you currently working on?

Getting ready to go film in Montenegro.

Your favorite travel quote?

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Where to next?

Dominican Republic in a few weeks.  Then I’m off to Europe for the whole summer.

Bio

Ashley Colburn is a California native who calls San Diego home when she is not jet setting around the world. Coming from a family of travelers, her desire to travel started at an early age and began in earnest when she studied for a semester in Spain. After graduating from Colorado State University with a major in technical journalism and minor in Spanish, Colburn began her career as a host, producer, and writer for Wealth TV in 2009.  She produced her first travel show ”WOW Croatia!” which was awarded Croatia’s Golden Pen award (Best U.S. media) and won an Emmy in 2010. Since late 2011 Colburn has run her own production company, Ashley Colburn Productions, with the aim of “Finding the Wonder in the World. Wonderful People. Wonderful Cultures. Wonderful History. ” Colburn received her 2nd Emmy in 2012 for her work in “Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.” Her production of “TAKEOFF: Thailand” was awarded a Telly as well as the Silver prize in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition. Connect with Ashley through Facebok, Twitter, and Instagram.