Jennifer Cooper, E! ENTERTAINMENTRegularly traveling the world and getting paid to do so? That sounds like everyone's dream job, but for Paula Froelich, it's just another day at the office.
As Yahoo Travel's fearless editor-in-chief, Paula regularly trots the globe in search of travel and vacation hot spots—some of which you've probably never even heard of—and chronicles her experiences for readers. Plus, if you've never caught her A Broad Abroad web series, then you're seriously missing out.
Read on to hear about a day at work from this world-traveling trendsetter at work herself.
What was your first job?
My first professional job was at The Guardian newspaper in London. I'd moved there without any contacts and spent a week locked in the Westminster Library researching the names of the features editors at each local newspaper. I cold called each of them, and the only person that was too polite to slam the phone down on me was the features editor of The Guardian. As for non-professional jobs, I was a cashier at a BBQ chicken wing spot in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How did you get started in your career?
I started my career writing for the women's page at The Guardian. Since then, I've written about interest rate swaps and over the counter derivatives for Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal, gossip for the New York Post's Page Six, and more.
What is a typical day like for you?
There is no typical day! As a travel editor I am on the road for two to three weeks each month. When I'm in Yahoo's New York office, I'm typically in brainstorming meetings with my team, overseeing new social strategies, taping voiceovers in our studio and typing up articles for A Broad Abroad, the original adventure travel series on Yahoo Travel.
I also try not to give in to jetlag. It's a constant battle.
Tell us about your office décor. When did you last give your office a makeover?
Yahoo's new space in New York is an open concept that encourages creativity. I constantly fight to keep my desk clean (trinkets from my travels just appear magically, I swear!)
What's the best part about your job?
The travel! I love meeting new people, exploring other cultures and getting to share my experiences with the world. It's moving to hear how my travels inspire others to explore the world. My motto is "be bold, be brave, reclaim yourself."
Where do you shop for work clothes? And travel clothes?
I travel with a lot of "disposable" clothing – stuff that's wearable, but that I don't mind tossing if it's ruined at the end of a long trip. I love H&M and Old Navy...anything under $10 is my friend. I have a few staples from J.Crew, my Agnès B boots have traveled the world with me, and a hat...always a hat.
For meetings at the office, I'm usually in Tucker, Rag & Bone, or Balenciaga.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Be kind.
Where are you favorite places to travel?
I like to explore places that are off the beaten path… places where your imagination can run wild or where cultures still live like they did 1,000 years ago. We've filmed episodes of A Broad Abroad in places like Myanmar, Afghanistan and Jordan. While I love Italy, Mali is more my speed.
What places are you still dying to visit?
Everywhere! The top five spots on my travel bucket list are Bhutan, Russia, China, Japan and Argentina.
What's the best tip you have for Americans traveling abroad for the first time?
Don't be intimidated. Learn a few key phrases in the local language ("hello", "goodbye", "thank you" and "I'd like a cold beer please") and just go. The locals are usually lovely and will try and help you along the way.
What items are always packed in your suitcase?
Dental floss, Dramamine and ear plugs.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Ellen Levine, Dolly Parton and Amelia Earhart…women who set out to do what others thought was impossible. They've changed the world and the way women are perceived.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken at work?
Quitting a job that, from the outside looked great, but wasn't my passion—without another opportunity waiting in the wings.
Finish the sentences below…
Today for lunch I had… fish tacos. I love fish tacos.
The first website I log onto every day is… Yahoo Travel.
My usual Starbucks order is… grande vanilla latte with skim milk.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… be riding wild horses in Mongolia.
My ultimate vacation spot is… trekking the Silk Road or travelling the Trans-Siberian Railroad from start to finish.
The item that's always in my makeup bag is… powder. I'm a shiny girl.
The book I'm reading right now is… I'm rereading Wars, Guns, and Votes: Democracy in Dangerous Places by Paul Collier.