WorldCity Business Magazine

Sky Warrior: Ultimate Road Trip

by WC

When Romanian tech company BitDefender decided to branch beyond Europe, it set up a temporary office in Fort Lauderdale while it explored where to settle permanently. But South Florida proved such a strategic location that the company stayed. And now the firm, which develops anti-virus software, is expanding into Canada and Mexico from Broward County. A key player in the expansion is BitDefender Marketing Director Ginger Yerovsek, who hits the road 30 times a year on business trips, racking up 155,000 air miles in the process.

Where do you most often travel?

Bucharest, Romania our company headquarters Toronto, Mexico City, San Francisco and places in between.

*Do you have a favorite? *

New York City … even after years of trips. No matter what the season, there is always a great activity or event to enjoy in the city. On my last trip, I splurged on my first visit to Serendipity 3 for their famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. It was worth every single calorie!

How about hotels?

Westin hotels. The service is consistently high and the amenities are well maintained. How could anyone not love those feather-top beds with 100 pillows?

And restaurants?

I prefer to try something new on every trip. I love ethnic food and dining where locals choose to eat. I must say, however, that I am partial to locations with a water view.

What’s your cell phone service?

I have had great success traveling throughout Europe and North America with Cingular. I have never had any difficulties getting reception, even on a trip to the Black Sea in Romania.

How do you spend in-flight time?

I hold all my magazines and business journals to read in-flight. I never have the time otherwise. This is my guilty pleasure. Once my magazine collection is exhausted, I turn to books. Currently, I’m reading The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.

Any strange flight experiences?

During the wild fires in San Diego two years ago, we circled over Phoenix for two hours due to control tower evacuations in Southern California. We could see the smoke billowing even at that distance.

How do you kill time in an airport while waiting for your flight?

OK. I admit it. I’m in love with those duty-free shops. I wait and buy all my gifts and souvenirs on my return flight at the airport. Whoever came up with this duty-free shopping mall idea in airports was a genius.

Do you have a favorite airport?

For international travel, Schiphol in Amsterdam is my favorite and Newark for domestic. The duty-free shopping is great and they both have a variety of healthy eating options.

What’s the coolest service you’ve ever seen in an airport?

Foot and neck massages. And yes, it felt great!

Is there an airport you really dread?

I hate to say it, but Miami can be such a nightmare. The lines are always horrendous and the parking is terrible.