Globetrotter: Elettra Wiedemann

Although she’s barely 30-years-old, Elettra Wiedemann is already quite an accomplished woman—she’s graced the covers of some of the biggest fashion magazines in the world, has been the face of well-known brands such as Lancôme and Ferragamo, speaks fluent English, French and Italian, and has a Masters degree from the London School of Economics in Biomedicine (we know, we know, she’s amaaaazing!). And as if all that weren’t enough she’s recently launched ImpatientFoodie.com, a blog which follows her charming and humorous adventures in growing, cooking, making and baking her own food from her home in NYC. We caught up with the brilliant beauty to talk all things travel—including how she keeps healthy and fit on the road and the destinations on her bucket-list.

How often do you travel?

I travel very often…sometimes too often!

Where are your favorite places to visit?

Paris, Rome, British Columbia, Seattle…Anywhere I have close family and friends.

What brand of luggage do you use?

I have used Mandarina Duck suitcases for 15 years—I love them!

What about your carry-on bag?

My Mandarina Duck is carry on size and it is very rare that I travel with checked luggage. Occasionally, my dog Happy is my carry on.

Do you prefer an aisle or a window seat?

If I am traveling alone I like a window seat so I can lean on the wall and sleep. If I am traveling with Happy, I take the aisle because it helps both of us to have more room.

What’s your preferred in-flight beverage?

Lots of water.

Describe your overall beauty routine for the plane?

I like to wear very comfortable clothes on planes because I hope to sleep at least a little bit (especially if they are overseas flights for work). I also drink a lot of water and eat very little before I get on the plane. Before takeoff I wash my face, and then I put on a layer of Argan Oil (any brand I have at the moment is fine—right now I’m using a no-name brand that I found in a pharmacy in Rome). Finally, I put on a layer of Effadiane face cream (on top of the Argan Oil). This cream is incredibly thick and I only use it for flights or in a winter skin emergency. I feel like it helps my skin to stay hydrated.

Have you ever discovered a foreign beauty brand or product while you were traveling that you fell in love with?

I discovered Effadiane while I was in Paris and I LOVE it.

If your luggage was lost, what are the 5 items you would buy at the local drug store?

Embryolisse face cream, Effadiane, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a face wash for sensitive skin.

How do you stay fit while you’re traveling?

If I am traveling for work, I don’t worry too much about exercise as the trips are short and I am usually incredibly jet lagged. I take lots of walks to stay energized and minimize my alcohol intake. If I am going on a longer trip, I bring my workout gear and do whatever I can, when I can—run, swim, cycle, hike, yoga, whatever.

What about workout gear—what do you bring to exercise in?

I love Under Armour gear and my Adidas Primeknit sneakers.

How do you manage your health & eating routine when you’re away from home?

I enjoy exploring farmers markets when I am traveling, but cooking can be tough or near impossible depending on my accommodations. If I can’t cook for myself, I’ll do research on healthy restaurants beforehand and then go try them out. Room service is always a welcome indulgence too.

How do you deal with jetlag?

I find that if I limit my food intake before getting on a plane, and don’t eat until I get to my destination, it really helps with my internal clock and jet lag. I also avoid booze the day of the flight, as well as a day or two after, and drink lots of water (and coffee!)