Captain Kerry Says: Pack Light, Explore More and Discover These Dream Destinations

Captain Kerry Titheradge’s Travel Insights

Fans of the Bravo seriesBelow Deckare familiar with Captain Kerry Titheradge in a specific travel context—playing host and leader of an earnest young crew onboard a series of yacht charters in the Caribbean. On screen, Titheradge sorts out crew drama, navigates maritime conundrums, and shares a good dose of Aussie humor, but he’s also a seasoned traveler.

With over three decades of experience working on boats, including two decades in the yachting industry, Titheradge has developed a deep understanding of travel and hospitality. His insights come from both personal experiences and observations of guests on his yacht charters, which haven’t all been filmed for the benefit of reality TV.

Captain Kerry’s Top Destinations

When asked about some of his favorite destinations, Titheradge starts with Australia: “The Whitsunday Islands—Whitehaven Beach is world class. Clear water, dramatic coastline—it is spectacular from the deck of a boat.” He rounds out the list with Italy’s Amalfi Coast, which he calls “iconic for a reason—best experienced by sea.”

Titheradge is also partial to the Turquoise Coast, a 600-mile stretch of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, which he calls “one of the most underrated yachting destinations in the world.” He’s taken with “charming harbor towns like Bodrum and Göcek, and incredible hospitality. You can anchor in a quiet bay for a swim, then dock in a lively village for dinner. It offers history, culture, and relaxed Mediterranean elegance.”

The fjords of Norway are also a favorite, where he captained the luxury yacht Mercury for the series spin-offBelow Deck Adventure, based out of the city of Ålesund. He noted the region’s “raw, dramatic, almost cinematic landscapes.”

For first-time charter guests, he suggests heading to the Caribbean, choosing “the British Virgin Islands for ease, and St. Barths for energy.” Finally, he recommends Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay for travelers seeking maximum hospitality: “It is the ‘land of smiles’—so warm, welcoming, the people are so friendly,” and the spectacular “limestone karsts rising out of emerald water” are a nice bonus.

Captain Kerry’s Packing Tips

Yacht crews—including captains—typically need to fit all their possessions into the tight crew spaces onboard, so they don’t have the luxury of packing quite as much as some of their guests. For travelers wanting to pack two weeks of gear into a carry-on, he has several tips, including wearing the bulkiest items on the plane: “Jacket, trainers [athletic shoes], and heavier layers do not waste suitcase space,” and to choose a single color palette: “Stick to neutrals with one or two accent colors so everything mixes and matches.”

He also suggests having laundry done while traveling. “Most destinations—and certainly yachts—can arrange laundry. Do not pack for 14 days if you can refresh [your supply of clean clothes] halfway.”

When it comes down to the actual packing, he’s a fan of packing cubes, and rolling clothing instead of folding, which he says “maximizes space and reduces creasing.” For trickier-to-fit items like shoes, he suggests limiting to three pairs: “One versatile dress shoe, one casual, one active.”

Captain Kerry’s Advice on Rookie Travel Mistakes

Overpacking is one, he says. “If you don’t want to schlep it through an airport for 30 minutes, you don’t need it.” Another suggestion is to understand the destination before traveling, particularly in regards to packing needs. “I see guests show up to tropical destinations without lightweight clothing, or arrive in conservative regions without appropriate attire. A little preparation goes a long way.”

He also suggests that travelers “confirm everything twice, especially international connections,” saying that plenty of travel problems come from ignoring the logistical details. “Transfers, luggage restrictions, visa requirements are where trips unravel.”

Perhaps importantly, he says that, “Travel shouldn’t just consist of a checklist. Whether it’s a yacht charter or a city break, leave spare time in your schedule. Some of the best experiences happen when you’re not racing to get to the next thing.”

Thanks, Captain, for the great tip meeting!