The number you are looking for is 225,000. That’s the mileage Phil Kegan typically records each year as host and executive producer of “The Amazing Race.” “It’s the most ambitious reality show because we’re always moving,” he said. “In any given season, we’re constantly switching countries that are thousands of miles apart.”
Since its 2001 premiere, Keohan has teamed up with CBS stalwarts — a two-man team spanning the globe in hopes of winning $1 million — that has garnered 23 Emmy nominations and 10 wins. But knocking out weary competitors at pit stops is only a small part of his journey. He also embarked on adventures not to try at home, such as biking from Los Angeles to New York City to raise money for MS disease (documented in the movie “The Ride”), enjoying a 5-star meal on an erupting volcano in Stromboli, Swim the Bosphorus Strait from Asia to Europe.
These lofty credentials unofficially make this rugged New Zealand native the most traveled host on the planet. (In fact, in 2004, he trekked 467,000 miles, which is “the distance to the moon and back.”) As such, he considers himself a true expert on the move.
“The bottom line is that you have to set up the proper systems and keep repeating them until everything becomes standard operating procedure,” explains Keoghan, who also hosts
“National Geographic Explorer” and has been a reporter for 60 Minutes Sports. “Keep your documents and money in the same place every time. Mistakes happen when you get tired and break the routine and decide to put electronics in the front seat pocket of an airplane.”
Keoghan, who lives in Los Angeles with his wife Louise and daughter Elle, spoke to CNN Underscored about products that help him navigate life on the go.
In short, “your passport is your ticket to the world,” Keoghan said. He put his booklet and a card listing emergency numbers in a sturdy clip. “If you’re in trouble, you need to know who to call,” he said. Note that he keeps some cash and a spare credit card on him in case the bag is misplaced or stolen.
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“I don’t like anything fancy,” Keohan said. “It’s all about functionality and finding something that will stand the test of time.” He found his suitcases complemented this waterproof duffel bag, which is made of ballistic nylon and has removable shoulder straps.
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write on! Of course, Keoghan has a state-of-the-art phone to communicate with his production crew. But when it comes to recording his thoughts, an old-fashioned notebook rule. “I like to carry this journal with me because I record cool things that happen to me and what people say to me—I jot down ideas and sketches,” Keoghan says. He even takes it with him when he’s not on the road.
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While viewers only get to see footage of Keoghan in each episode, he plots and predicts the contestants’ arrival at each destination for hours outside the element. That’s just one reason why he keeps applying sunscreen. “So far, it seems to be working!” he said. He also brought a bottle of water for hydration and an energy bar as a snack.
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This lightweight and packable jacket is similar to Keoghan’s jet lag jackets over the years. “It definitely looks bad,” he admitted to his favorite, over-worn coat. Still, he won’t leave the house without it because “it’s really light and fits nicely into my case.” Plus, he notes, “I always need an extra layer because it’s in It can get very cold at the airport or on the plane.”
Keoghan says he’s been searching for the ideal backpack “for years.” “I wanted a device that was durable and could carry camera gear,” he explained. Although he admits that the Peak Design bag—expandable to 33 liters, has padded laptop and tablet sleeves, works with the box, and is waterproof—it’s expensive, “it’s been running with me for a while. A million miles and I really like it.”
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Don’t even get Keoghan to start at the airport security line. “Some people just stand there for 10 minutes and forget to take out their electronics even after the TSA agent said it 300 times!” he said. To make his experience as seamless as possible, he wears slip-on, laceless boots. These particular shoes also happen to be “super comfortable”.
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