Travel Shaper Kerwin McKenzie – Houston, Texas – PassRider.com
I don’t really recall where Kerwin and I first met. It may have been Stockholm or Manila. But then, he and I have attended many TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) conferences together. In fact, we have even done a few fam trips together, like Northern Israel and Central Bohemia (Czech Republic). I have always found him pleasant and helpful. Plus, he has a unique niche in Travel Blogging – Airlines! Read more about the travel shaper Kerwin McKenzie in his own words here.
Who is Kerwin McKenzie?
Hi, I’m Kerwin. I’m an ex-airline employee who now helps airline employees, friends and family members maximize their flight benefits. I also help travellers maximize their loyalty points and miles. My current home base is Houston, Texas. I’ve visited 125 countries/territories and flown 180 airlines.
What does Kerwin specialise in?
Airline employee travel and how to maximize loyalty travel programs. I used to work in the airline industry.
Kerwin’s Favourite Destinations
The south of France (love the colour of the water) and the United Kingdom (the countryside reminds me of Jamaica). I don’t do bucket lists. I just travel.
Kerwin’s Memorable Interaction with Locals
The joy and ability to meet people fuels my travels. I have an open mind and love talking to strangers. I’ve even written a book about random acts of kindness from perfect strangers. Like the guy who took us to our hotel in the middle of the night in Ghana and wanted nothing in return.
His Recent Trip
My last trip was driving to Denver from Houston and then flying back. It was great to discover America by road. Beautiful country. The landscape is so different as you drive along. Also did some road trips around Texas visiting cities named with international names like Turkey and Dublin.
Kerwin’s Pandemic Travel
I’ve not travelled internationally since February 2020. My last aeroplane flight was in July 2020 within the domestic U.S. I have been driving around Texas working on a project to visit cities with international names. Details are here.
His Future Travel Plan
None really. But I may do an Amtrak train trip around the U.S. or take a few new airlines operating in the U.S.
Kerwin McKenzie’s Advice to Aspiring Travel Bloggers
It’s quite difficult these days, but find an audience who wants the information you are trying to provide. Do something you love. Try to solve a problem for your audience. Don’t really listen to your friends. Surround yourself with people who are more knowledgeable than you are. Help people and expect nothing in return. Start a newsletter and collect email addresses from the get-go. Do not rely totally on social media.
Kerwin is a class act, such a good guy and so very helpful to others in the industry. Nice to learn a bit more about him.
I so agree with you, Mike!