September 2011
Travel Talk with Austin Armacost

July 2011
Travel Talk with Josh Flagg

Travel Talk with Fortune Feimster
By: Jeremy Bryant

We’re back! And we’ve got our first female interview. This month we met up with the funny Fortune Feimster. Fortune, the hilarious comic moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue comedy, but first she made a pit stop in Sevilla, Spain for a year where she taught English, studied Spanish, and backpacked all over Western Europe.

Since moving to Los Angeles, Fortune has taken the comedy scene by storm and last year made her national TV debut on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” where she finished as a semi-finalist. Now Fortune is a full-time writer and performer on the E! Network’s popular “Chelsea Lately” show.

Take an insight on Fortune’s travels and tips. 

When traveling on a long flight, how do you pass the time?

Fortune: I always download a good book on my Ipad.  I just finished reading Mindy Kaling's book on my flight home to NC.  It was really funny and passed the time quite nicely! 

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you while on vacation?  

Fortune: I was in Mexico and we went to see the Mayan pyramid Chichen Itza.  It's like 365 stairs high and my friend and I thought it would be hilarious to race up it.  This of course is when I was like 40 pounds lighter.  I got to the top and pumped my fist in the air like Rocky, and then literally almost passed out and fell off the pyramid.  But, I won!! 

Which destination would you recommend most to visit?

Fortune: I lived in Sevilla, Spain for a year and it's one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  The food is amazing and there is so much culture there. I also loved a tiny village in Portugal called Sagres.  It's very small and quaint so you have to go with the intention of taking it down a few notches and just enjoying life. If you just want to see beautiful countryside, go anywhere in Austria and take the train!  

What is your favorite hotel? Why?

Fortune: There is a tiny boutique hotel in Los Angeles called Petit Ermitage.  It's very artsy and unique.  Every detail of the place is so specific and cool. There's also an amazing rooftop pool that overlooks the city and it has big lounge chairs with comfy blankets.  

What is one destination you'll never go back to? Why should we avoid it?

Fortune: I went to Den Haag in the Netherlands and I didn't enjoy it.  Maybe it was because I was backpacking and broke, which can put a damper on things.  It was also the dead of winter so it was freezing, but I just never really took to the city and there wasn't much to do.

Is there a destination that you've always wanted to visit, but never have?

Fortune: I definitely want to go to South Africa and Argentina.   

Do you book your own travel or do you use a travel agent or agency?

Fortune: I book my own but I like to research it on the internet first or get suggestions from friends. 

If you could sit next to anyone on a flight, who would it be?

Fortune: Someone quiet!  I know people think I love to chat because I'm a comedian but when I'm on an airplane, I just want to watch movies, sleep, and read books.  I'm pretty boring like that.   

What is the one item that you have to have when you travel?

Fortune: My ipod.  It's a great way to help pass the time and it keeps weird people from talking to me.  Haha!  I'm kidding.  If I'm on long trips, I do like to bring one of those neck pillows.  The little pillows in the plane just don't cut it.  Oh my gosh!  I'm starting to sound like my mom!

What is the best travel tip you know?

Fortune: Pack light!  I used to make a big mistake of going on trips and taking way too much luggage.  It just gets in the way and slows you down.  You don't need that many clothes when you're traveling so just packed what you can get by on for a few days!

Does the term gay-friendly or gay owned & operated impact your decisions when traveling?

Fortune: It doesn't, to be honest. It's certainly helps when places are gay friendly but I go to cities that I've always wanted to visit.  However, I have had some great experiences at gay-owned places.  I just stayed at the Parker Guest House in San Francisco and it was so beautifully decorated that it could be owned by none other than a gay man and everyone that worked there was so nice.

When was the last vacation you took? Where did you go and why?

Fortune: I went to Mykonos in Greece this summer.  There was a group of 20 of us who went.  We were celebrating my friend's birthday and we had a blast!  I just couldn't believe that the nightlife there doesn't even get started till after midnight.  I felt like a grandma the whole time I was there!  Luckily my friends like to dance on the tables at lunch!  

Fortune travels the country doing standup, but can often be seen at the Hollywood Improv and the World Famous Comedy Store where she is a paid regular. Fortune also does comedy on lesbian cruises. To learn more about Fortune Feimster, check out her website: http://www.fortunefeimster.com/