Hillary Clinton knows a few things about long-haul flights. We asked her and her staff how she copes on the road—and why it's important that we all try to make the world better.
Why should we all take action to make the world a better place?
When I arrived at State nearly four years ago, I told the assembled State Department employees, and then repeated it again at USAID, that we’re all on the same team—and it’s America’s team. In the leadership of President Obama, we have someone who wants us to reach out to the world, and to do so without illusions, understanding that the difficulties we face will not be wished away. But rather, we should meet those difficulties forthrightly and smartly and seize every opportunity we can.
Do you have a favorite travel-related book, and what is it?
I wish had time to read something other than endless six-inch briefing books.
What movies do you watch when you travel?
I’m at the whim of my staff during the long flights. I don’t even get a vote before they pop in a DVD!
Forgive us for being prosaic, but you are after all the ultimate traveler: Do you have any packing tips?
Make sure to pack for every climate, since you never know where you might end up. And most of all, make comfort a priority!
What's the hardest thing about being on the road all the time?
After visiting more than 100 countries in the last few years, getting enough sleep is probably the hardest part of the job. Especially with extreme time zone shifts. I didn’t even know there were places 17 hours ahead of the East Coast! Luckily I am able to sleep anytime, anywhere, and I try to do so whenever possible.
We asked Secretary Clinton’s office what she always packs:
A small mesh bag filled with the basics: Sharpies, Advil, sunscreen. Converters to charge her BlackBerry and iPad anywhere in the world. Red pepper flakes and a mini bottle of Tabasco Sauce for adding spice to her meals.
What's on your playlist when you travel?
I can’t even remember the last time I was able to listen to anything while on the road. I definitely need to make better use of my iPod.
Given that much of your travel is so public, what's your trick for having a special moment in every place you visit?
I don’t have a trick but I love visiting cultural sites whenever my official schedule allows. It doesn't happen as often as I would like but it's always a highlight on my trips. And I try to meet as many people as I can in every country. But if you have any tricks you want to share, please let me know, because I’ll need as many tips as possible when I return to these wonderful destinations as a tourist.
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