The number you are looking for is 225,000. That’s how many miles Phil Keoghan logs per year as host and executive producer of “The Amazing Race.” “It’s the most ambitious reality show out there because we’re always on the move,” he says. “In any given season, we’re constantly switching countries thousands of miles apart.”
Keoghan’s work with the CBS stalwart, in which teams of two travel the world in hopes of winning $1 million, has resulted in 23 Emmy nominations and 10 wins since its premiere in 2001. But remove the Exhausted competitors at the pit stops is only a small part of their journey. He’s also embarked on adventures he wouldn’t try at home, like riding his bike from Los Angeles to New York City to raise money for MS (documented in the movie ” The Ride”), enjoying 5 stars. eating on top of an erupting volcano in Stromboli and swimming the Bosphorus Strait from Asia to Europe.
These noble credentials unofficially make the gruff New Zealand native the most traveled host on the planet. (In fact, in 2004, he traveled 467,000 miles, which “is the distance to the moon and back.”) And as such, he considers himself a true expert on the dos and don’ts.
“The most important thing is that you have to have systems in place and keep iterating until everything becomes standard operating procedure,” explains Keoghan, who is also hosted.
“National Geographic Explorer” and has been a correspondent for “60 Minutes Sports”. “Keep your paperwork and money in the same place every time. Mistakes happen when you’re tired and break the pattern and decide to put your electronics in the front seat pocket of the plane.”
Keoghan, who lives in LA with his wife, Louise, and daughter, Elle, spoke with CNN Underscore to highlight the products that help him navigate life on the road.
Simply put: “Your passport is your ticket to the world,” says Keoghan. Store your brochure in a sturdy holder, along with a card that lists emergency phone numbers. “You have to know who to call if you’re in trouble,” he says. Note that she keeps some cash and a spare credit card on her body in case a purse is lost or stolen.
• Related: Here are some of our favorite passport cases
“I don’t like anything fancy looking,” says Keoghan. “It’s all about functionality and finding something that will stand the test of time.” He found his luggage with this water-resistant trunk, made of ballistic nylon and with detachable straps.
• Related: Stylish weekend bags perfect for your next getaway
Write! Of course, Keoghan has a state-of-the-art phone to communicate with his production team. But when it comes to documenting your thoughts, an old-school notebook rules. “I love having this journal with me because I take notes on interesting things that have happened to me and what people say to me, and jot down ideas and sketches,” says Keoghan. He even wears it when off road.
• Related: Some of our favorite travel diaries
Although viewers only see snippets of Keoghan in each episode, he is out in the elements for hours planning and anticipating the contestants’ arrival at each destination. That’s just one reason why you’re constantly applying sunscreen. “Looks like it’s worked so far!” he says. He also carries a bottle of water to hydrate and a Power Bar to snack on.
• Related: We talked to dermatologists to find the best facial sunscreens
This lightweight, packable jacket is similar to the Jet Lag jacket that Keoghan has had for years. “It definitely looks terrible,” she admits of her favorite, well-worn outerwear. However, she doesn’t leave home without it because “it’s very light and fits my case very well.” She also notes, “I always need an extra layer because it can get really cold in an airport or on a plane.”
Keoghan says he searched “for years and years” for an ideal backpack. “I wanted one that was durable and could carry camera equipment,” he explains. While he acknowledges that the Peak Design bag, which is expandable to 33L, has padded laptop and tablet sleeves, works with packing cubes and is waterproof, it’s expensive, “it’s done a million miles with me and I like it very much. “
• Related: 34 of our favorite travel backpacks to buy before your next getaway
Don’t even get Keoghan started on airport security lines. “There are people who stand there for 10 minutes and still forget to remove their electronics even though the TSA agent told them to 300 times!” he says. To make your experience as smooth as possible, wear slip-on boots without laces. These particular shoes are also “super comfortable”.
• Related: 20 travel shoes that provide support and comfort for any type of trip
