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.
Name: Hugo Burge
Occupation: CEO – Cheapflights Media
Hometown: Berwickshire, Scotland
Residence: London
Website: Cheapflights & Momondo
Twitter:@hugoburge
Facebook: Cheapflights
Pinterest: Cheapflights
YouTube: Momondo
Short Bio: I have a passion for travel and studied Geography at Cambridge University. I was lucky enough to invest in Cheapflights in March 2000, whereupon I became one of three people in a small room running the business and have been helping build the Company since. In 2011, I became CEO and am enjoying the journey. Our mission is to make travel search better.
How often do you fly: One or two return trips a month.
How many countries have you been to: 49 and happily, lots more to go :) I have traveled a fair bit in Europe, Africa and Australasia but am delighted and thoroughly excited that there is so much more of the world to explore, especially in Asia where my experience is very limited indeed.
How many continents have you been to: Technically 6 – with Greenland as the odd one out. My travel experience in Middle East and Asia is pretty lame – something to look forward to.
Favorite American city: I’m pretty loyal to Boston where I opened the office and I lived in a few years back.
Favorite international city: Buenos Aires made the deepest impression on me. Like Paris but with a more mysterious and adventurous spirit.
Least favorite country: That’s hard. I’m not sure I have one. I try to enjoy everywhere for what it is. I did find Belgium a little tedious but then I do like Moules, Frites and a good beer!
Favorite World Heritage Site: Tikal, Guatemala, stands out in my mind from when I went in 1990. The ruins at dusk, set in the middle of a vast expanse of jungle, seem truly to be from another world.
Favorite airline: I’m a tad patriotic, so I’m never happier than when on British Airways.
Favorite aircraft type: New ones! I did get a childish pleasure flying on the new Airbus 380. My favourite flight though was in a single engine seaplane flying to a campsite on Lizard Island, Australia. Landing on the water is a nifty experience.
Aisle or window: Window please, I like the view.
Favorite airport lounge: I’m the standard bearer for all things cheap – so sadly I don’t get treated often. Any lounge is a treat.
Favorite U.S. airport: I do like Boston Logan Terminal E. Nice and small.
Favorite international airport: Singapore. You really feel you are on your way to an adventure somewhere. I love the idea that you can get to a swimming pool on a stop-over.
Favorite hotel: A tent or hut somewhere where the planet can show off a bit.
Favorite cruise line: Never been on one but I love boats. I’d like to do one in the Antarctic though.
Favorite island: Soa – a tiny islet next to Iona in Scotland where I spent the night a little time ago. Uninhabited, 1 seal and lots of nesting sea birds.
Favorite fancy restaurant: Typically I don’t like fancy restaurants. Never happier than in somewhere like The Daily Catch in Boston.
Favorite hole in the wall: Not sure if this qualifies but my favorite kebab place used to be Kebab Kid on the Kings Road. Best kebab in the world (so far), on par with those little Souvlaki bars you find everywhere on the Greek islands.
Favorite fruit: Mango.
Favorite food: Fresh seafood (or anything homegrown).
Least favorite food: Supermarket pre-made food.
Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground): In the air – a virgin Mary. On the ground – hmm, no favorite – depends a lot on environment. Beach: bloody Mary. Cold: Whisky – Lafroaig. Eating: Burgundy.
Favorite travel movie(s): Airplane!
Favorite travel show(s): Any. But one I enjoyed a lot was Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin.
Favorite travel book(s): The Songlines, Bruce Chatwin
Right now I am reading: Short Stories, Ray Bradbury
Five things you bring on a plane: Noise cancelling earphones, book, iPad, washbag + everything else I can, so I don’t have to check-in a bag.
What do you always seem to forget: To bring the loose change I got from the last trip
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport duty free store? A surprise.
Favorite travel iPhone app(s): Momondo (oh dear am I allowed to be that shameless?)
Most embarrassing/ worst travel moment: When a stewardess asked me if I was a banker (turned out ok though, I said I was an artist and got upgraded!)
What’s your dream destination: Somewhere new in Africa
Favorite travel website(s) – besides JohnnyJet.com, of course!: Besides, Cheapflights and besides Momondo? Trivago?
Best travel tip: Stay calm and be flexible.
