Q: Most memorable trip to any destination? My trip to Kenya was one of my best vacations. During this trip, I had the opportunity to visit Nairobi, Mombasa and the mesmerising Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is one of those lifetime experiences that I will cherish forever. During this trip, I got a chance to see a lion kill its prey from very close quarters.
Q: You dream of going to? Touring Austria and Switzerland is on my cards. My primary objective is to experience the scenic beauty of these places.
Q: Favourite airline and why? Both British Airways and Emirates are fantastic for the services and the hospitality they offer. I have had many pleasant experiences while flying with these airlines and would continue to do so. This does not in any way mean that I do not like to fly with Air India.
Q: Best hotel experience and why? Accor and Marriott have been great places for me to stay around the globe. My personal favourite has been Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort. This amazing resort is located on a protected beach, which is also a hatch ground for turtles. The views, the property and the overall ambience of this place are phenomenal.
Q: A place you plan to visit again? I would love to go back to the English countryside again. The flora of this place just amazes me. Forest of Dean, Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter and many such small villages are beautiful.
Q: A family vacation that stands out? My vacation in Goa with my family and close friends is something that I enjoyed the most. Staying at Alila Diwa was one of the most enjoyable experiences that my family had. Goa is not only vibrant, but also gives you the opportunity to introspect in many ways and I always enjoy being there.
Q: Your best holiday with friends? My trip to Abu Dhabi was my best holiday with my friends. We had many great experiences and visited many places — from the best of hotels, to shopping malls, to the most amazing F1 tracks.
Q: Great food you enjoyed and where? I am a big fan of Continental food, and, during my numerous visits to the UK, I have had the opportunity to relish them. The choice of healthy food with morning bakeries is always amazing in the UK and I love being there. I have also enjoyed a visit to a restaurant named “Carnivore” in Kenya. The ambience of the place combined with the food was awesome.
Q: What to watch out while travelling? I am a big fan of natural beauty and the beaches. Thus, my choices revolve around these two places. I always look for experiencing a place in the most natural way possible. I try to be at the local markets instead of enclosed air-conditioned spaces.
Q: As a travel buyer, what’s your philosophy? I have always been of the view that you need to be flexible with the options that you are exploring for vacations along with the timelines. On the personal front, what matters for me is the cost-effectiveness of the deal along with the experiences that I am likely to get, and both these aspects help me in my decision-making process.
