Ian Filippini is a travel writer based out of Santa
Barbara. Filippini has recently launched a series of digital travel
publications where he lends his years of travel experience and extensive
knowledge of Santa Barbara. When he’s not traveling, Filippini is an active
member of the Santa Barbara business community and enjoys trying new cuisines.
Hi Ian, thanks for your time today. I love to
travel myself, I love seeing how other cultures live, I love the food and the
art... what is it about traveling that really appeals to you? What motivates
you to get out and explore?
There are several things that I like about
traveling. When I travel it is a new experience every time, even if I go to a
place I have been before. Also, when I travel it is as if I am on a trip of
self-discovery. I learn something new about myself every time I leave home.
Traveling to another location allows me to see different cultures and to learn
new languages. Whenever I travel, I try new foods and see things I have never
seen before. Above all, traveling away from home gives me a chance to just go
out and party.
I am motivated to travel and explore by the
prospect of breaking the everyday routine. I like to get out of work and home
and see and try new things. Particularly, I like to see and do things that are
once in a lifetime experiences. Traveling to locations away from home will
almost ensure that you get to enjoy sights and activities that you would never
enjoy at home. It is my self-assessment that I have something of wanderlust. In
my opinion, it is never good for someone to stay in the same place too long.
The human spirit needs new and different experiences.
I particularly love your restaurant
reviews... what do you look for in a great dining experience?
When I dine out the quality of a restaurant’s
beef is what tells me everything about a location. In my opinion, how good the
meat is everything. Steak and potato is the first thing I look for at almost
any restaurant that I visit. When the meat is good, everything else falls into
line. For example, when the steak is cooked well and tastes good; I can ensure
that the appetizers, deserts, and sides will all be excellent. The quality of
the food also transcends to the cleanliness of the establishment and how good
the service staff treats customers.
What is it about Santa Barbara that really
appeals to you?
Santa Barbara offers vacation territory like no
other. When you go to Santa Barbara, the “American Rivera”, the main
attractions are the beach, the food, and the wine. Also, it is a good place to
go shop and have a spa day.
I've actually never been to Santa Barbara
myself, but I'd love to now. I'm really adventurous... what
is the one thing I should definitely, absolutely check out in Santa Barbara?
For the ideal day in Santa Barbara, purchase
some of the local wine, grown and bottled less than 50 miles from where you’ll
drink it. Then, grab your favorite snacks that you combine with wine. After
you’ve got your provisions, head to the beach and spend a day in the sun while
eating, drinking, and enjoying the view of the Pacific.
Thanks so much for your time Ian, it's been an
absolute pleasure!