Want to know how to travel in style, just like the pros? We check in with frequent fliers to find out how often they fly, their favorite destinations and what they never leave home without.

Charles Yap

Name: Charles Yap

Occupation: Director, Global Brand Communications, InterContinental Hotels Group

Hometown: Singapore

Residence: London

Website: Hotelprguy.wordpress.com

Twitter: @CharlesYap

Facebook: Charles Yap

Pinterest: CharlesYap

Short Bio: Charles Yap is Director of Global Brand Communications for InterContinental Hotels Group, and heads up the brand social media strategy for each of the group’s seven hotel brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo.

Born and raised in Singapore, Charles has been working and living in London since 2008. He is passionate about travel and hotels, Chinese tea, food and photography, a co-hosts #FriFotos, a weekly photo sharing forum on twitter.

In 2011, Charles was named the top travel PR and marketing online influencer by Brilliant Travel Media. He is also a leader of the travel community at Kred, a global index of influence and outreach.

How often do you fly:  On average, twice a month

How many countries have you been to:  45

How many continents have you been to:  5

Favorite American city:  Boston

Favorite international city:  Bangkok

Least favorite country:  Travel is a privilege; I haven’t yet been anywhere I do not like.

Favorite World Heritage Site: Angkor Wat

Favorite airline: Virgin Atlantic

Favorite aircraft type: Singapore Airlines A380

Aisle or window: Window on business or first, aisle on economy

Favorite airport lounge: I have two – Western Hemisphere: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in London Heathrow Terminal 3. Eastern Hemisphere: Air New Zealand lounge in Melbourne

Favorite U.S. airport: JFK Terminal 7 (especially the BA/QF First Class wing)

Favorite international airport: Singapore Changi (I know I’m home!)

Favorite hotel: InterContinental Hong Kong

Favorite island:  Bali

Favorite fancy restaurant:  Sketch by Pierre Gagnaire in London

Favorite hole in the wall:  The Heron in London, for great, authentic, fiery Thai food (the karaoke is optional, and fun)

Favorite fruit:  Durian, the Asian king of fruit

Favorite food:  Sushi and sashimi

Least favorite food:  Anything deep fried or battered

Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground) – Champagne, I love Perrier Jouet

Favorite travel movie(s): Catch Me If You Can

Favorite travel show(s): GlobeTrekker

Favorite travel book(s): A Fortune Teller Told Me by Tiziano Terzani

Right now I am reading: Six Rules of Brand Revitalization by Larry Light

Five things you bring on a plane:  iPad, noise-cancelling headphones, magazines from the lounge, slippers from my last hotel room, lip balm

What do you always seem to forget: My razor

Favorite travel iPhone app(s): Sleep Pillow – the raindrops sound lulls me to sleep, especially when I’m jet lagged.

Most embarrassing/worst travel moment: Leaving my passport in my hotel safe, only to realise as we approached the airport. It was a big lesson learnt, and yes, I made the flight!

What’s your dream destination:  Bora Bora

Favorite travel website(s) – besides JohnnyJet.com, of course!:  Gridskipper.com (it’s currently on hiatus, and for sale!)

Best travel tip: Learn to say hello, thank you and a few other phrases in the local language – it goes a long way.

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