Keeping the evidence: the joy of a seasoned traveler
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NAME/NATIONALITY: Alan Ang/Singaporean
Profession/title: General manager of Fairmont Hotel Yangcheng Lake
How often do you travel?
5-6 times a year.
Favorite traveling style?
Free and easy, with my lovely wife of course.
Q: What do you always do after returning from a trip?
A: I have a folder that keeps all the “evidences” from the trip. I enjoy reviewing them before filing it for future reference — boarding pass, train tickets, restaurant cards, admission tickets, match boxes, etc. They all have dates and addresses which are the perfect memoirs of the trip. Additionally, I also enjoy sharing some worthy reviews online with other travelers.
Q: What do you always search for during a trip?
A: Good restaurants and local markets. I love good food and they tell so much about the culture of a place. Local markets, even supermarkets, are the best places to see how the locals live.
Q: What do you always pack?
A: I like to travel light. Nothing fancy, although I will always have a set of formal wear for special occasions. It depends on the destination and the weather, but it must be something comfortable. I don’t like to be seen as a tourist, so I will try to follow the local dress code.
Q: What is your preferred airline?
A: Singapore Airlines, of course (laughing). I’m a patriot. Again, I like to explore. For short distances some budget airlines offer very good value for money.
Q: Do you have any tips about seating on a flight?
A: I will always prefer window seat on a long-haul flight where I can rest without too much disturbance. For short haul flights, it’s the opposite. I like to sit on the aisle and get off ASAP.
Q: Best in-flight meal or activity?
A: I must say the Middle Eastern airlines such as Etihad and Emirates offer much better meals than Asia-based airlines, although they are not too popular in this part of the world. In-flight movies are getting less important, since everyone uses their iPad these days.
Q: How do you get over jet-lag?
A: I normally will load myself with activities on the first day I arrive and try to sleep at the local time. It only takes me a day to get over it. Drink a lot, a lot of water though.
Q: What are your favorite hotels? What makes these hotels so memorable?
A: As I have worked in luxury and upscale hotel brands for more than 20 years, I prefer staying in local boutique hotels on holidays. The experience is more intimate and you get to learn a lot more about the culture of the place.
Q: What do you value most when choosing a hotel?
A: Other than location, I look at the overall service culture of a hotel, whether the staff genuinely care or just following procedures; this is also a common challenge for a lot of hotels.
Q: What hotels do you look forward to staying at?
A: Oh, there are just too many — anyone that carries character, or hotels with rich historical stories.
Q: What is one of your favorite destinations. Why is it so special?
A: Italy is always be my favorite. Do you realize there’s so much in common with our Asian culture? We both eat a lot of noodles (they call it pasta) and dumplings (their ravioli), our shaobing is their pizza! They also focus a lot on family. They are rich in history and culture.
Q: Best/must-purchase in Italy.
While all will focus on their branded fashion, shoes and leather goods, I load my suitcase with ham, cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Q: What do you do upon arriving in Italy?
A: I will always visit their markets first, picking up some good cheeses and wines.
Q: Where are you planning to go next and why?
A: I’d like to visit Spain again and perhaps take the route down to Portugal. I was in Spain in 2013 and love its food culture. There’s a lot of beautiful scenery along the southern coast which I have not explored.
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