My Travel CV: Terrifying flight Kylie Sackley will never forget

This Aussie singer/songwriter has boarded her fair share of planes, but she will never forget this hair-raising flight over the Caribbean with Nashville’s entertainment elite.

The Queensland-born Nashville-based musician Kylie Sackley usually runs a tight travel ship, but she knows all too well that sometimes things don’t go to plan. This is her Travel CV:

My most memorable travel experience happened when…

We were flying back from Anguilla. The pilot had to cut the engines of the 757 due to an engine fire. He had to float us over the Caribbean and landed us in Puerto Rico, somehow saving our lives against all odds. The plane was filled with Nashville elite – songwriters and radio/TV personalities. It was pretty insane. Hell of a trip and gig, though.

I got my first passport when…

Our folks took us to Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong when I was 11ish. All I wanted to do was go to Disneyland at that age and looking back, learning how to barter at the Bangkok markets was such a cooler and far more special experience.

My first holiday memory is…

Of camping up in the Weipa area. I still dream of sitting by the fire, throwing a line in the water, and eating hot-chip sandwiches after a day spent adventuring.

My favourite place in Australia is…

You can’t beat Far North Queensland, humidity aside. I spent the first six years of my life in Port Douglas, then moved to Wonga Beach where I stayed until I moved to the city for music. It’s truly unbelievable how the rainforest grows to the Great Barrier Reef. It is so beautiful sometimes the Americans think I’m making it up.

My favourite place in Australia is Far North Queensland.

The place I’d love to visit in Australia is…

I left for America at 20 so I feel like there’s so much I’ve yet to see. I’ve never been to Tasmania and I would love to check that out. Western Australia, too.

What I’ve noticed has changed in travel…

More cancelled flights with zero explanation and international flights that give you zero time to make the connection, stranding you for days.

The place that most surprised me was…

Utah. I played Robert Redford’s Sundance resort a few years back and I’ve never seen scenery like it in my life. It doesn’t seem real.

I would love to check out Western Australia.

The advice I’d give to young travellers is…

If you are down to lean into the adventure of it all, you can make a fun/interesting time pretty much anywhere. Also, try native food as often as possible. If you have enough of an imagination, I think you can make anywhere in the world a fun experience.

My most memorable travel experience happened when…

We were flying back from Anguilla. The pilot had to cut the engines of the 757 due to an engine fire. He had to float us over the Caribbean and landed us in Puerto Rico, somehow saving our lives against all odds. The plane was filled with Nashville elite – songwriters and radio/TV personalities. It was pretty insane. Hell of a trip and gig, though.

My holidays are mostly devoted to…

Connecting with family and friends. Usually over some yummy food with some silly games. And rest. There’s power in allowing yourself to rest and reset when you need it.

I’ve been to Napa a couple of times some years back and, honestly, the restaurants are incredible.

The best things I’ve eaten while travelling were…

I’ve been to Napa a couple of times some years back and, honestly, the restaurants are incredible. Cuba also had some unbelievable food. I’m not really a “chicken feet and eyeball” gal. My other half loves to try it all, though.

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in …

The Dewberry in Charleston is a southern dream.

The sickest I’ve been on holiday…

I got a bug in Mexico that took me out for a day and a half. It was quite the buzz kill.

I got a bug in Mexico that took me out for a day and a half.

The souvenir I always buy…

Coffee cups. Nice cups – chunky, fun to hold, symbols of my travels.

The most interesting person I’ve met on a plane is…

I sat beside the head of a Nashville major record label years ago and had a pretty fascinating and candid conversation about the industry. Something about a plane makes people more open. I love a good, real human-to-human conversation in whatever fashion that arrives.

The travel tips I’d like to share are…

Write down phone numbers, email addresses and passwords. I lost my cell a couple years back and had zero numbers elsewhere to be able to contact my family and let them know. Also, take an empty water bottle with you and fill it up in the airport. Ain’t nobody got me for $14 water.

Travel has taught me…

How little is within my control and to recognise what is, and roll with the rest. Also, how lucky I am to live in Nashville, a city I love so much.

Travel has taught me how little is within my control and to recognise what is, and roll with the rest. Picture: Supplied.

How many flights have you missed?

I’ve never missed a flight that wasn’t a connection gone wrong. I’m a Virgo. I run a tight internal ship.

Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?

I’ve had a few bags go missing and one guitar but I got them all back, thankfully.

Who is your favourite travel  companion?

My other half, Blake. He’s such a cruiser; we love to explore.

I am lucky to live in Nashville, a city I love so much.

Flight, cruise, car or train?

Flight. Let’s get this over with.

Check-in or carry-on?

Carry-on. It’s harder with a guitar in the mix and the airlines are cracking down on that, but we persevere.

How do you manage jet lag?

By fighting a nap that first day. Sunshine on my skin and in my eyeballs as soon as humanly possible. Something about vitamin D helps. Hydrate (and no, beer doesn’t count!).

Follow Kylie Sackley on Instagram @kyliesackley. To find out more about Nashville, go to visitmusiccity.com.

Originally published as My Travel CV: Terrifying flight Kylie Sackley will never forget