Eric Dalius is a
retired real estate and marketing professional based in Miami, Florida but with
homes throughout the U.S. His philanthropic organization, the Eric J. Dalius
Foundation, helps to relieve some of the inequality surrounding higher
education. He attended Penn State University and graduated with a marketing
degree in 1992. His financial success enabled him to retire early and to start
his foundation.
Eric Dalius believes that all students should have the
opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. His strong principles ensure
that his scholarship recipients will have successful lives in the future.
Dalius is a seasoned traveler who enjoys journeys around the world. He shares
his travel experiences with readers and relates some of his favorite
destinations and activities.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
I love to see all of the different sights and landscapes around the world. I am especially inspired by nature and by great architecture. The journey itself is not always enjoyable, but it’s always worth it when I get there.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
Travel is a hobby for me. The Eric J. Dalius Foundation keeps me busy in Miami Beach much of the time. I like to get away from Florida’s heat in the summers. Last summer, I took an Alaskan cruise with friends. That was a nice change, but I was glad to come home.
I got my start in traveling right after I graduated from Penn State. I took a few months during the summer after graduation and traveled around Europe by myself. I took the train most of the time and stayed in hostels. It was a fun trip and I made friends along the way.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
I am hoping to get to Hong Kong at some point in the near future. I have friends in the area, and they have wanted me to visit them for a while now.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Make sure that you make copies of your passport, driver’s license, and other important travel documents. It’s much easier to get them replaced if you have photocopies. I lost my wallet and passport on two separate occasions. I had bad luck that year. I also recommend carrying a neck wallet for your passport. That would have kept me from losing mine, though I suppose it wouldn’t have helped with my wallet.
Where would you like to go?
I am excited to travel to Italy this summer. I thought that would be a nice change from Florida. I’m fascinated to be in a place where the sun never sets at night. I would like to try the food in some of the smaller towns in Italy, I’ve heard it is great.
Where would you like to revisit?
I would like to go back to Seattle. The seafood and coffee are outstanding. It’s a fun and relaxed city with so much natural beauty close by.
Do you travel alone? Why?
When I travel, I generally travel alone. Often, I meet friends at my destination. I like the quiet of traveling alone, and I like to read or sleep on planes. I am a sociable person, but I do need time to myself.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
I would recommend that everyone visit New York City, especially if they are interested in food. The variety is amazing. There are also so many places in Asia that are worth a visit. Miami, as well, is another place I would recommend.
Do you travel light, or do you pack up the house?
I am a light traveler. I try to pack as few clothes as possible. I don’t like checking bags, so I have a compact roll-aboard suitcase. Since I fly first class, I never have a problem finding a place for my carry-on. I know that can be very frustrating when you are flying coach. Sometimes I don’t pack enough and end up having to buy things at my destination. Someday I will learn the right balance between underpacking and overpacking.
