Travel Style: Sheree Mitchell

Sheree Mitchell

Want to know how to travel in style, just like the pros? We check in with frequent fliers to find out how often they fly, their favorite destinations and what they never leave home without.

Name: Sheree Mitchell

Occupation: President & Founder of Immersa Global

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Residence: Miami, Costa Rica, Portugal

College: Florida State University

College major: Spanish Language & Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Website: immersaglobal.com

Twitter: @ImmersaGlobal

Facebook: ImmersaGlobal

Instagram: immersaglobal

Short bio: Sheree Mitchell is the founder and creative brain behind the experiential travel company Immersa Global. She has traveled to 39 countries and is either fluent or functional in four languages. In 2014, with a strong desire to get off "the grid," Sheree gave up her career, apartment and car and embarked on a five continent, 14-month solo sojourn around the globe.
Now with Immersa Global, Sheree spends over four months a year abroad visiting different programs sites, networking with international colleagues and laying the groundwork for new unique immersion programs.

Sheree happily spends her free time meeting new people and enjoying wine with friends around the world. Contact her at sheree@immersaglobal.com.

How often do you fly: About 20 times a year.

How many countries have you been to: 39

How many continents have you been to: 5

Earliest travel memory: Going to the Bahamas with my family as a small child.

Favorite American city: Miami (and New York City).

Favorite international city: Madrid & Lisbon (I think I was from both in a previous life).

Least favorite country: None.

I have no desire to go to: Not applicable. I want to go everywhere.

Friendliest people in the world: Myanmarese (Burmese).

Country with the meanest immigration: Israel.

Favorite World Heritage Site: Angkor in Cambodia.

Favorite airline: Etihad.

Favorite aircraft type: Boeing 787.

Aisle or window: Both…depending on the day.

Favorite airport lounge: Al Dhabi Lounge, Abu Dhabi Int'l.

Favorite U.S. airport: SFO (has better food options and a yoga room!).

Favorite international airport: Tokyo Narita for food and Madrid Barajas T4 for shopping.

Favorite hotel: Whatever is clean and comfortable!

Favorite cruise line: Fathom.

Favorite travel credit card: Citi AAdvantage Platinum.

Favorite island: Japan.

Favorite beach: Boulders Beach, South Africa

Favorite National Park: Arenal Volcano National Park.

Favorite fancy restaurant: Pied á Terre on Miami Beach.

Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Some random street vendor in Viet Nam.

Favorite Bar: Double 9 in Lisbon

Favorite fruit: Papaya.

Favorite food: Mediterranean.

Least favorite food: Overly processed fast food.

Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Anything made from fermented grapes.

Favorite travel movie(s): Eat, Pray, Love (sorry…had to do it!).

Favorite travel show(s): Anything with Anthony Bourdain.

Favorite travel books: "Tales of a Female Nomad" by Rita G. Gelman.

Right now I'm reading: HBR, Immersa Global website content and project proposals.

Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Matador, Nomadic Matt, Expert Vagabond.

Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! I'm monogamous, there is no other!

5 things you bring on a plane: Water, snacks, large scarf, toothbrush/toothpaste, phone chargers.

What do you always seem to forget: At this point, nothing since I don't fully unpack my suitcases when I return. ☺

What do you like least about travel: Extreme jetlag (ie Asia to USA).

What do you want your loved ones to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Nothing! I already have too much "stuff"!

Favorite travel apps: Momondo, Skyscanner, Booking, Uber.

Most embarrassing travel moment: I was 15 and it was my first solo trip to Mexico. In the airport on my way back, I was browsing through a gift shop when all of a sudden I heard a very loud noise that sounded like gunshots. I immediately dropped down to the ground. When I did, I suddenly felt a hot stinging sensation on the back of my left leg. It was warm and wet so naturally I assumed it was blood from the gunshot wound. I started to cry out for help just as the store attendant came around to help me…wipe off the hot COFFEE that fell on me!

I'm embarrassed I haven't been to: India or Australia.

Worst travel moment: In my late teens, I studied Spanish in every summer in Costa Rica. One year I had a local boyfriend that I had to say "goodbye" to when it was time to go back home. It was my first real heartbreak. The pain was so intense I thought I was going to die!

What's your dream vacation? Four months traveling around Africa on private expeditions arranged by the local ministers of tourism of each country!

Favorite travel charity: SERVAS.

Best travel tip: Always try to have local connections on the ground for each country that you visit. Reach out to your friends ahead of time and see if they "know someone who knows someone" who lives there. Especially if it's a developing country. Even if you're only able to meet up with someone for a cup of coffee or glass of wine, the local insight (and support) makes a world of a difference.