What inspires you to travel?
The instant shift in perspective and the inspiration gained from immersing in a new culture.
What aspect of traveling do you find the most difficult?
Jetlag. Period.
How do you maintain health and fitness when you are away?
Choosing walking or cycling over other modes of transport to get around.
What is your most treasured possession you have picked up while traveling?
Openness and adaptability.
Describe your most memorable holiday.
It’s a tough tie between trips to Bhutan and Ibiza. I loved everything about Bhutan, the people, its history, culture and ancient spiritual sites. Hiking up to Tigers Nest, a temple carved into the mountains was out of this world. And a beautiful cliff top villa with 14 of your close friends on a magical island like Ibiza is bound to be pretty unforgettable too.
Which restaurant or bar in which foreign city would you go back to again and again, and why?
I always crave Prune in NYC for simple food done beautifully.
What are the top holiday destinations that you are yet to visit?
Cuba, Brazil, Iceland, in that order.
Who is your favorite traveling companion?
Depends on where I’m going and what I’m doing.
What is your ideal holiday?
A city with close proximity to nature, so that I can find inspiration and recharge from the mix of environments
What is the one item that you never travel without (and we don’t mean your passport or iPhone)?
A book, I bore easily.
What is your best tip about packing?
I don’t understand the science behind it but rolled clothes actually do take up less space so if you’re pressed for luggage room, roll.
What is your best tip about choosing a hotel?
Know how you’re going to get around the city and pick a location that works, i.e. near a train station, or close to places you want to see if planning to do city by foot. Read reviews online, check various sources and always ask your friends.
What is your best tip about getting to know a new place?
Research places you want to visit & make friends with the staff where you’re staying.
What is your best tip about navigating trains, planes and automobiles?
Download apps, maps and schedules into your phone for easy referral and buy a data plan so google-mapping wherever you are doesn’t require taking out a loan when you’re home.
Which place have you visited and never wanted to leave (and why)?
I’ve fallen in love with a few cities but I’ve yet to find a place that I would want to settle forever. I think that’s part of what keeps my travel bug alive.