July, 2021: Our Destination Specialists at Frontiers have traveled all over the world exploring rivers, streams, flats, and more to bring out their “outer angler.” Our staff’s travel expertise has created and managed incredible adventures for thousands of our clients. Over those years, our Team has compiled a list of key travel tips that you should think about for your next Frontiers trip.

Frontiers Marketing Director, Anthony Conti

From a photography perspective, while it seems like a no-brainer, lens cloth and dust blower usually get left behind or not thought about enough. There’s nothing worse than being on the water, on safari, or experiencing inclement weather on a trip, and the only thing in arms reach to clean your lens is your shirt. Your shirt is not the best option for multiple reasons and could lead to lens damage if done too often. Always pack a microfiber lens cloth. For DSLR or mirrorless users, be sure to pack a dust blower too. This will make sure no dust from your adventures gets inside of your lens, or worse, your sensor.

Frontiers Destination Specialist, Ben Hoffman

I travel light when I am on my trips to Patagonia or Iceland. Therefore, I do not have lots of luggage with me when I am on the road. When I pack my fishing gear in my suitcase, I make sure that I have a couple of plastic grocery store bags along with me. So, after my last fishing session, I take my damp wading boots and put them in the bags, and tie the handles together. I can then pack my clothes around them and not worry that they will get wet or dirty.  

Frontiers Destination Specialist, Denise Schreiber

Tipping Guides: Always check with your travel specialist or directly with the lodge to know how tipping the guides should be handled. Guides enjoy and really appreciate receiving gratuities in cash at the end of each fishing day. That way, you can plan accordingly on the amount of USD to bring for tips.

Frontiers Destination Specialist, Elaine Wissolik

Pack light and carry all important items in a carry-on or day pack. If there’s anything I’d be upset to lose, I keep it in my carry-on, which is always by my side on the travel days. For me, that’s my passport, camera, credit and debit cards, a change of clothes, toiletries, and some cash. As sometimes, checked luggage is delayed or lost. 

Frontiers Destination Specialist, Joe Linscott

Never will I be referred to as a minimalist when it comes to fishing gear and apparel. In a prior occupation, I was a gear specialist for a major retailer and learned all about the importance of fishing with the best gear and apparel one can afford. I’ve been fortunate to travel the globe fishing with Frontiers, and on every getaway, at least two pairs of high-quality polarized sunglasses are always in my possession. They’re nearly as essential as your favorite fly outfit. Don’t make the mistake of leaving that backup pair on the dresser for a day on the water. They’ll do you know good there when you inadvertently lose or break the pair you’re wearing on the boat…and you’ll be your guide or buddy’s hero when they lose/break there’s, and you have them covered!  

Frontiers Destination Specialist, Kristene Fitzgerald

I keep a quote from a well-known New Zealand fishing guide, Chris Dore, posted on my desk. It says, “The Pro golfer doesn’t head out to the green without first putting in time at the driving range.” Practicing 10-20 minutes a few times per week in preparation for your trip could make all the difference in getting the fly in front of that rising brown trout on those first casts. I learned a tip from Barry and Cathy Beck to measure out the distance and cast to a hula-hoop to work on my accuracy. 

President, Mike Fitzgerald

Have you ever been at an airport when you have missed your connection or have a canceled flight, and there are 300 hundred people in line at the “Help Desk” and an anticipated 3-hour wait time to talk to an airline representative on your cell phone? Most major carriers have dedicated airline lounges for their high-end frequent flyers and other customers who travel a lot who pay for an annual membership. Most of these lounges offer day access to non-members for about $25-40. It’s money very well spent when you have a crisis. They have an experienced team in there to help stranded customers. Many times they have helped me change a flight quickly without spending hours in line or on hold! 

Frontiers Destination Specialist, Tom Gilliland

When traveling Internationally, bring along photocopies of your passport picture page. If you happen to lose your passport, this can save the day for timeliness in getting a new one issued. I put photocopies in every piece of luggage as well as my carry-on bag. For extra assurance, send an e-mail copy to your cell phone, and it’s not a bad idea to take a picture of your luggage in case it gets lost.