After traveling around the world and to countless (somewhere in the 80s) countries, Michaela gets more and more questions about how she travels, what life on the road – and out of a suitcase – is really like, and the places she holds dearest. Here are a few of her answers.

Q. What is it about long-term travel that appeals to you?

A.   I’ve never had the time off of work to travel.  I feel like I am really going to be able to disconnect and truly engage with the amazing people I meet.

Q. Do you work when you’re on the road?

A.  In my previous life, I traveled almost exclusively for work. So yes, I did, but now I’ve added writing, filming and researching to “what I do for work”, so now it’s more because it’s a passion than work.

Q. Do you ever get lonely?

A.   Africa was my first time traveling by myself, not solely for business, and for such an extended period.  I loaded plenty of books on my Kindle and wrote plenty of tips for you from the road.  Surprisingly, I rarely felt lonely.  Rather, I used it as an opportunity to introduce myself to some of the most special strangers, who I can now call friends.

Q. How do you plan your trips?

A.  For vacation, I often plan on my own. But admittedly, I have worked in the travel industry for years, so I have the inside scoop.  For my epic African journey, I could not have done without the expert help, advice and connections of Muriel Truter, owner of Askari Travel.  Peru was in large part to Orient-Express and Taca Airlines, Doha thanks to Qatar Airways and the areas of India we visited in February 2013 would be virtually impossible without OurPersonalGuest.

Q. Which travel apps do you use?

A.   I always have a translator APP, a currency convertor, my airlines to check in/check status etc, but I also have AT&T and credit card apps so I can pay my bills easily from the road.

Q. What do you pack for a long journey like your three month trip to Africa?

A.   OMG!  The bane of my existence.  Let’s face it, safari gear is not sexy.  As a fairly fashionable NYer, this has been such a challenge.  The patient folks at Paragon Sports were fantastic at determining the color scheme of my bug repellant ware, zip of pants (North Face has a sliming pair) and polarized sunglasses (Maui Jim had a decently feminine selection).  And one of my fave designers, Isabelle Marant has some stylish lightweight African pieces—in Africa I rocked the light weight cotton one piece romper.  Believe it or not, I went to Africa for three months with one roll-y backpack with a zip off daypack.  By the time you pack all the gear—malaria meds, camera (I went with the Sony Alpha Make Believe + Nex-5N zoom for safari—light weight was a key deciding factor), laptop, headlamp, etc., you don’t have much room for clothing.  I had a few cotton dresses (nothing that needs to be dry cleaned), a few pairs of versatile pants, solid tanks and tees, a bathing suit, a pashmina, a fleece, and a linen blazer.  Most of the lodges will do your laundry daily, with the exception of women’s underwear (so I packed a few extra).  I was   advised against bringing any expensive jewelry and what you do bring, try and wear.  I snuck a fabulous horn necklace in from designer Michael Spirito sold at Sucre—it’s so in African theme—I couldn’t help myself!

Q. You’re a woman traveling alone. What precautions do you take?

A. I will caveat by saying that my dad, Michael Guzy, is a former homicide detective and currently works for the Sheriff’s Department, to say that I grew up mildly paranoid would be an understatement.  Among his more helpful advice, “If there is a dark alley and no one is around, it’s likely a good indicator you shouldn’t be there.”

JUST USE COMMON SENSE and as my dad might say, if you don’t have any, then stay home.  Stick with your guide if in the wilderness (lions won’t listen to excuses) or if in a city don’t walk around by yourself in secluded areas or at night.  Work with a uniformed person at the hotel to map out your route if walking around during the day.  Splurge for the taxi to and from your origin and destination. Always hide a little extra money on your person and a copy of your passport.  It’s a bit nerdy, but in places like Africa and Peru, I carry my headlamp and the number of a local person (even a hotel contact) when out and about by myself.  Limit your alcohol intake so you can be alert and always make eye contact—it shows confidence and you would be able to identify someone should there be any burglary or incident.

Q. Any other tips?

A.  Don’t forget to visit your doctor to make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date.  Typhoid and yellow fever vaccinations are required for many African countries.  Check out: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Malaria medicine is also recommended for several destinations…if you don’t believe me, read “Malaria Dreams, an African Adventure” by Stuart Stevens for a comedic relief.

My all time favorite hotel to date is:  Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Australia.