A Q&A adapted from Monocle magazine
What’s your favorite carrier?
All Nippon Airways (ANA) specifically to fly to Asia, Swiss and Delta when traveling across the United States and Europe.
Do you arrive bright and early or just in time for your flight?
I stopped being an airport buzzer beater once I got lounge access courtesy of my credit cards. I like the feeling of having a pre-flight meal and drinks; it gives the illusion that I’m flying Business Class on those times I don’t.
Ever missed a flight?
Never; I have missed more than a few trains and buses though.
What’s your favorite airport – and least favorite?
Zürich airport is my favorite, not because of what it has, but because it’s only 20 minutes away from the Zürich Hauptbanhof (main train station). On a long layover, I can head to the city to decompress and have a bite and still make it to my connection.
Worst is definitely the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines. It’s disappointingly disorganized. I could feel for Filipino travelers having to go through lines that snaked to forever.
What are your top tips for coping with lots of travel?
Day 1: Do everything you can to stay up at least until 10:00 p.m. local time.
Day 2 – onwards: Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. (Coffees, teas, gin & tonics, red wines, and everything in between are acceptable, but compensate with lots of water.)
What hotel do you have on speed dial?
In the U.S., I always check for if there’s a Hyatt Hotel in my destination. I’m an Explorist with them, and as a result, I get a ton of benefits like late checkout, free room upgrades, waived resort fees, and more. Not to mention their breakfast buffet is something I always look forward to.
Elsewhere, I crash over my friends’ places or book an Airbnb.
Do you prefer a breakfast buffet or a morning coffee brought to your room?
I don’t fast intermittently when I travel, so bring on the breakfast buffet.
What’s your luggage brand of choice?
Osprey and Eagle Creek for their packs, Samsonite for their luggages. I did buy an Etro leather weekender last year that I’m raring to use when I travel to Montréal this summer.
What’s your favorite city to wake up in?
Too many to mention! Paris, Constance, New York City, Tokyo, Osaka….
What’s on your wishlist of places to visit?
This year: Reykjavik, London, Cardiff, Brussels, Paris, Amiens, Constance, Montréal, Amsterdam, Dubrovnik, Bucharest, Medellin, and Mexico City.
What’s your idea of the perfect holiday?
Seventy five percent hanging out with friends and 25 percent doing touristy things.
What has been your most unforgettable trip?
A 15-day trip to Japan with my friend Brandon.
Do you check your work emails while you’re on holiday?
No. In fact, my vacation autoreply kicks one day before I leave for my holiday.
What’s your travel motto?
When you’re on a vacation, never save the best for last. Treat everyday as if it’s your last day.
Leave a Reply