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Q&As

Jackie Kai Ellis, The Paris Tours

by Joy Pecknold

Life is pretty sweet for Jackie Kai Ellis. After studying pastry in Paris, she opened the much-loved Beaucoup Bakery & Café in Vancouver, and she routinely returns to the City of Light to guide The Paris Tours, an intimate walking tour of its most toothsome pâtisseries and chocolate shops. Herein, she sheds light on her travel loves and loathes.

Q Which in-flight film do you hope for?
A

I never have time to watch movies or TV so flights are where I catch up on pop culture so I can pretend to be a little bit relevant. I try to watch as many as possible.

Q What's the last book you took on holiday?
A

Gastronomical Me by M.F.K. Fisher

I love being at the mercy of the travel gods. It’s beautiful because, at any given moment, you’re exactly where you should be, nowhere else.
Q You tend to pack too many...
A

I’m known for being a very light packer. I can live off a carry-on for three weeks in two different climates, that’s a special talent!

Q What's your idea of travel happiness?
A

Land somewhere new and just get lost. I love being at the mercy of the travel gods. It’s beautiful because, at any given moment, you’re exactly where you should be, nowhere else.

Q What's your idea of travel misery?
A

On a huge, chartered bus with a tour group that has no interest in experiencing the place to which they’ve traveled.

Q What's your favorite quality in a hotel?
A

There are so many different styles, each can be amazing in their way. What I appreciate is when a hotel takes pride in, and works hard towards accomplishing their intent, whether it is luxury; educating others on their culture; or, creating a sense of adventure, home or relaxation. If they do it well, I applaud.

Q What do you appreciate most in a travel partner?
A

Flexibility and open-mindedness.

Q What is your greatest extravagance while abroad?
A

Bringing home local specialties, and almost always it is copious amounts of food.

Q What is your favorite journey to take?
A

I love journeys that allow me to peek into a culture through their kitchen door, and ones where the beauty of nature overwhelms me.

Q What is your greatest fear abroad?
A

I’m not a very fearful person in general. However, I can’t swim, so I’m always a little bothered if my lack of ability keeps me from experiencing something.

Q Which historical world traveler do you most identify with?
A

Julie Child.

Q What is the travel habit you most deplore in yourself?
A

I love meeting people along the way, but I don’t often travel well with others.

Q What is the travel habit you most deplore in others?
A

Fear of the unknown, because in travel, almost everything is unknown.

Q In what travel situations do you lie?
A

When I’m bringing ‘hard cheeses’ back from France. Wink, wink. On an unrelated topic, how much do we love French butter?

Q When and where were you last happiest?
A

I took a spontaneous trip to Arizona, landed, rented a car and drove around the state for five days by myself. I explored, swam in shallow rivers, climbed rocks, and watched the sun set over canyons and painted deserts. It was everything I needed.

Q What is your most treasured take-along?
A

My camera. And I’m a hippie at heart, so I always take some beautiful crystals a friend gave me.

Q What is your travel motto?
A

The world is so big, let’s go!

Follow Jackie on Instagram @jackiekaiellis and Twitter @jackiekaiellis.