Lindsay Luv (a Sharon native born Lindsay Frio) is one of the hottest names on the disc jockey scene. Dubbed “DJ to the Stars’’ by MTV and “Turntable Goddess’’ by Victoria’s Secret, Luv spins at some of the hottest nightclubs, private parties, and star-studded events, and was recently named “Lifestyle Liaison’’ at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills hotel. We caught up with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst graduate, who lives in Los Angeles, to talk about all things travel.
Favorite vacation spot? Switzerland in December. Most people pick sunny beach vacations, but living in LA, I feel like I am on a permanent one, so my favorite vacations tend to be crisp, cool, charming, full of culture and great food. I’ve spent a lot of time in Switzerland, and I especially love it in December because it is right before Christmas and there are the most dazzling holiday market pop-ups all over the place. I dream of hot mulled wine on every corner, raclette cheese stands, fluffy pastries, cool crafts, live alpine music, advent celebrations, and a dusting of snow over the Alps with a perfect chill in clean air. It is pure magic. Of course, I still always love a beach vacation to Maui when I am in the mood for more fun and sun.
Favorite food or drink while vacationing? I love Provence Rosé and a cheese board in Paris, a Montepulciano red wine and wood-fired pizza in Italy, an extra dirty Martini and spicy Thai when back in [New York City], Malbec and empanadas in Argentina, a dry white wine and fondue in Switzerland, tequila and lime with ceviche in Mexico City, a Moscow Mule and poké in Maui, a fresh caught lobster and sparkling water in Maine, Moroccan mint iced tea and mezze spread in Dubai, a cold, dry beer and a hot chicken sandwich in Nashville, and a seafood tower and Moet in Boston. I eat like a local wherever I am.
Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? I have an insatiable adventurous spirit, so there is almost nowhere I don’t want to go, but right now these are at the top of my bucket list: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Istanbul, Kyoto, Morocco, Tuscany, and a safari in South Africa.
One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? My iPhone. I take so many pictures when I am traveling. I couldn’t live without it for photos — although I generally have it only on Wi-Fi, so I am pretty unplugged when abroad. Also comfortable but chic walking shoes, [like] broken-in boots I could get lost walking in for hours without complaining, but that also look cute in photos (laughs).
Aisle or window? Always aisle unless . . . I am taking a redeye or a flight I know I need to sleep undisturbed. I like easy access in and out of my seat, and I like to be able to get up and stretch many times on long flights.
Favorite childhood travel memory? My parents lived within the Navajo Nation before I was born, so we used to spend most summers back out west exploring different mountainous areas including [those in] Wyoming, Arizona, Montana, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Idaho. My favorite memories were the long drives together where we would play trivia games — no smart phones back then — and definitely the weeks we spent riding horses at Gros Ventre River Ranch outside of Jackson, Wyo. I loved galloping through the fields, catching shooting stars at night, making all these fast friends for the week, and of course all the delicious barbecue.
Guilty pleasure when traveling? Eating the delicacies of the area with abandon. Traveling is no time to stick to a rigid diet or the same old; I always make sure to try all the amazing regional food and worry about working it off later. You never want to leave a trip with any regrets, and the foodie in me makes sure to include some tasty memories. I also watch a million movies on long flights and listen to my [favorite] music.
Best travel tip? Have a compact flight travel bag stocked with all the things you may want to make your long flights just a bit more comfortable. My travel bag covers everything: sleep mask, earplugs, Purell, warm socks, gum, herbal teas, Stevia, raw almonds, power bars, hydrating facial mist, mini toothbrush and paste, hand lotion, essential oils, extra earbuds, Advil, a pen, and a pic of my family. You would be shocked how much you can fit into a small Pendleton pouch.
JULIET PENNINGTON
