All news

6 (Hilarious) Minutes With … Jeff Mielcarz

7/8/2009 5:19:02 PM

Jeff Mielcarz is the host of The Weather Channel Road Crew and WeatherVentures, a show that has him traveling from coast to coast, chasing whales, ziplining through forests and even wrestling alligators. We spoke with him about his favorite destinations, how weather can affect travel and why you shouldn’t be afraid to see him in your town.

Jeff Mielcarz is the host of The Weather Channel Road Crew and WeatherVentures, shows that have him traveling from coast to coast, chasing whales, ziplining through forests and even wrestling alligators. We spoke with him about his favorite destinations, how weather can affect travel and why you shouldn’t be afraid to see him in your town.

How did you come to host WeatherVentures?

How did I end up doing Weather-Ventures? Are you sure this segment is called "6 Minutes," because honestly, I think the only way I’m going to be able to make this interview work is if I can schedule a nice sit-down dinner at your place. Yes, your house, dear reader. Send me your e-mail address and we can make this happen. See, I’m always on the road and am very tired of eating out.

Seriously, even at an early age, I had a strange fascination with weather. When I was 6 years old, a tornado passed down our street, and the scary coolness of it stuck with me. After touring with a rock band and then working in radio and local news for a few years, I took a job at The Weather Channel. Then I got a broadcast meteorology degree, and I’ve been in front of the camera ever since.

What do you do for The Weather Channel?

What I do for The Weather Channel is host a 30-minute travel-type show called WeatherVentures, and I also host a segment called The Weather Channel Road Crew. Every week, we travel to a different city to focus on the fun things that make each place unique. But just because I wear a Weather Channel shirt doesn’t mean I do what crazy Jim Cantore does. I’m the happy weather guy. You want to see me when I come to your town. You do not want Jim anywhere near it.

What’s the most interesting, fun, or scariest thing you’ve done on the show?

The scariest thing that ever happened to me occurred during the Florida Everglades episode. Go ahead, find it on your DVR … I’ll wait. Anyway, while we were filming, I was assured that it was safe to climb aboard a live alligator. If someone ever tells you this, they’re lying. On the show, you can actually see the color drain from my face and watch me run like a child to safety.

In your opinion, which destinations offer the best cold- and warm-weather activities?

When it comes to cold weather, I think skiing. I’ve been to about every U.S. ski resort, but my money goes to Beaver Creek in Colorado. Another option for winter would be to head to Hawaii. I went on the greatest whale watch in Maui. I’ve never been so close to nature in my life — from the safety of a boat, that is. It’s seriously a one-of-a-kind experience. As far as summer goes, I like Hilton Head. I just got back from there, and if anyone in your group is a golfer, then the rest of you should take one for the team and go, because it’s gorgeous. Even if you don’t golf, there’s plenty to do, like shop and lay in hammocks. I would also add forgetting what your name is and pretending like you don’t have any unpaid bills back at home.

What about more-thrilling adventures?

One of the coolest things I did was in New England during the fall foliage season. (Again, I’m going to just assume you saw that episode.) Just outside of Mount Washington, New Hampshire, there’s a zipline course that takes you through forest canopies that are simply gorgeous in the fall. But let me tell you, standing on a platform hundreds of feet in the air isn’t for the faint of heart. But that’s why your friends are there for support, right?

What should travelers do in the event of inclement weather?

Well, clearly watch The Weather Channel! Honestly, information is your most important tool. And just use common sense. If you’re on a group golf outing and it looks like thunderclouds are brewing, get off the course and reschedule. I mean there’s more than likely a happy hour down the street with a great drink and wing special that would be thrilled to have some “team-building” happen.

How should visitors traveling to destinations like Florida for a cruise or other vacation prepare for hurricane season?

The best thing to do is to say a prayer. It’s a catch 22: Cruise ships offer unbelievable packages during hurricane season because, well, it’s hurricane season. But at the same time, radar technology has evolved so much that every ship is equipped with state-of-the-art computers that allow them to steer far away from danger. In a worst-case scenario, you may miss out on a port of call, but you’ll be having so much fun on the rock-climbing wall, you probably won’t even notice.

In regard to weather, what factors should travelers consider before booking a trip?

Clearly, when talking about trips and weather, it’s all about comfort. Personal comfort. I always want it to be a comfortable temperature when I go on vacation. Being from the north, I always wanted to go south to the beach. But at the same time, you should try to experience something new every once in a while. My job affords me the ability to experience a little bit of everything. And so getting out of your comfort zone is something everyone should try.

What’s a unique way you’ve seen people adapt to weather conditions?

The craziest thing I’ve ever seen was in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the dead of winter. This is a place where you have to plug your car into an electrical outlet so it will start in the morning. Now that is cold! But people adapt. They eat more hearty soup.

You’re always on the road. What’s your must-have travel item?

My iPod. However, you also need a good book, because there are times on the plane you can’t use the iPod. Not to mention that reading makes you look intellectual. If you’re trying to put out that vibe, bring a book without pictures and hope someone good-looking sits down next to you.

Any other advice for travelers?

Pack a lot of patience — and a few bottles of wine. Air travel especially is very different than it was years ago. So be prepared. Be prepared for the security line, and the people behind you will thank you. Take your shoes off before you have to, take things out of your pockets quickly. And you’re going on vacation, so just check your bags. Sure, one in four gets lost, but you’ll get it back. You just need to have faith, kids!

Laura Moss

Group Travel Planet

Trip Tips