In Chapter 3 of 18 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, public affairs and communications strategist Matt Curtis answers "What Was it Like to Take Your First International Trip?" Curtis shares how he overcame embarrassment about his weight and fear of the unknown to take an overseas trip to Ireland in his late 30s. He talks about the times in his 20s and 30s when he was overweight and felt it was not even an option to travel long distances by plane. Now 160 pounds lighter but still a big man, he shares how easy it turned out to be and how the experience has opened new doors to future international travel plans. Matt Curtis is the director of government relations at HomeAway Inc. Previously he was communications director for Austin mayors Lee Leffingwell and Will Wynn. In 2011, Curtis won "Austinite of the Year" in the Austin Under 40 Awards. He earned his bachelor's degree in radio, television and film from the University of North Texas.