Fox Sports' Jessica Yates travels for motorsport, but a family road trip is her No.1

Travels in the fast lane go with the territory for this motorsports journalist, but a leisurely Australian road trip rates as one of her favourite family adventures.

The Fox Sports host is a frequent flyer in her role following motorsport around the world but revels in the simpler joys of a family road trip. 

I travel… All over Australia and New Zealand in my job as host of the Supercars Championship for Fox Sports. I thrive on travel and love to explore new cities and locations.

Coming up, I’m off to Noosa to host the Noosa Concours d’Elegance, an incredible event that showcases rare and desirable cars in the heart of Hastings Street. This year’s Concours display promises to be truly extraordinary, featuring 50 cars including the Porsche 917/30 and the legendary 1966 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. There’s also an extended program of fine dining and lifestyle events. Noosa is such a great family holiday destination, with amazing beaches, restaurants, shopping and entertainment at your fingertips. Especially on Hastings Street.

I have just returned from... Two weeks in Europe for work, visiting the famous Silverstone Circuit for the British MotoGP. I made a quick pit stop in Paris, my favourite city in the world, on my way home. I love the shopping and food in Paris – it is the best in the world.

The one tip I have learnt about constant travel from F1 drivers is... Sleep whenever you can. The rigours of jetlag are real and listening to your body when it’s tired actually helps you on the other end of getting over jetlag. I’ve learnt to sleep just about anywhere – on planes, trains and in the back of taxis.

Jessica Yates at the Palais-Royal in Paris, her favourite city.

For family trips... We choose driving over flying. We love to get off the beaten track, throw the bikes and surfboards in the back of the car. The kids (Jessica and retired professional surfer Luke Egan are parents to Isabella and Sam) love watching the world go by out the car window, plus we have the luxury of stopping whenever we need to.

We recently took the kids to Tasmania in the car. We drove from Sydney to Geelong, stopping at the Sir George at Jugiong for the night. The rooms are gorgeous and geared for families, plus the garden and the pub make it easy for dinner before turning in for the night. We then put the car on the Spirit of Tasmania overnight which the kids loved. It was such a fun adventure.

Jessica Yates’ children, Isabella and Sam, at the Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania.

I keep my passport safe by… Always keeping it on my body in a cross-body travel bag that has a zipper.

I use carry-on… Whenever possible. I’ve become pretty good at minimising luggage to take only the essentials so I can walk on and off the plane with ease. I love the Rimowa carry-on suitcase. It has four wheels which makes it easy to push.

I plan the trip… Myself. It’s the journalist in me. I love to research where I’m travelling to and love hunting the best deals for flights, accommodation, eating and shopping options.

The first thing I do once my flight is booked is... Book my hotel. I recently stayed at Durrants Hotel in Marylebone in London. It’s a family-owned hotel in a grand Georgian townhouse. I loved the location as it was walking proximity to Mayfair, Oxford Street and Soho. I love to stay in places that capture the flavour and history of a destination.

Jessica Yates at the British MotoGP at Silverstone Circuit.

In my carry-on you’ll always find… My Kindle, a Louis Vuitton pashmina which doubles as a scarf or blanket on the flight, ear pods, cashmere tracksuit, Time magazine and a peppermint Aero bar.

I pack my suitcase… And then take everything out and cull it to half. It’s always easy to overpack. I always pack dark colours that will survive any accident and try to pack versatile pieces that I can mix and match.

I’m loyal to one airline because… Frequent-flyer status makes all the difference when you travel. Extra luggage and access to the lounge are the little creature comforts that make the journey more enjoyable.

Jessica Yates travels the world as a Fox Sports host.

My preferred plane meal is… A cup of tea. I try not to eat a heavy meal on the flight. I always feel better at the other end if I’ve just eaten lightly. I always pack a healthy snack in my hand luggage and try to drink plenty of water. I always indulge in a cup of English breakfast tea with milk; it’s my go to.

I save money when travelling by... Using public transport when convenient, especially in countries like the UK, Japan and France where the train and metro systems are excellent.

Noosa Concours d’Elegance is on July 19.

Originally published as Fox Sports' Jessica Yates travels for motorsport, but a family road trip is her No.1