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: Peter Steyn
Occupation: Consumer Insights Analyst
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Residence: Hong Kong
College: Lulea University (Sweden), University of Pretoria & University of Johannesburg (South Africa)
College major: Marketing, Economics, Industrial Psychology
Website: globerovers-magazine.com
Twitter: @Globerovers
Facebook: Globerovers Travel-Mag
Pinterest: Globerovers Photography
Instagram: globerovers
YouTube: Peter at Globerovers Magazine
Short bio: I’ve been a traveler since birth and always dream to travel to far-off destinations. I always like to see what’s at the edge of the map! Hope to one day make enough money off my travel experience and photography to fund 100% of my travels. Until such time, I analyze the consumers’ mind which pay my bills.
How often do you fly? About four long-haul (over eight hours) and 15 short-haul annually.
How many countries have you been to? 111 and countingl
How many continents have you been to? All but Antarctica.
Earliest travel memory: Traveling to Cape Town and around the southern part of South Africa. Absolutely stunning.
Favorite American city: Palm Springs.
Favorite international city: Tokyo.
Least favorite country: China.
I have no desire to go to: Saudi Arabia.
Friendliest people in the world: Middle East.
Country with the meanest immigration officers: China.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Petra, Jordan.
Favorite airline: Singapore Airlines.
Favorite aircraft type: Airbus A380.
Aisle or window: Window for sure because I hardly ever get up, even during a 12-hour flight.
Favorite airport lounge: First Class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.
Favorite U.S. airport: Tampa International Airport.
Favorite international airport: Hong Kong International Airport.
Favorite hotel: Wherever I can find a clean comfy room which fits my budget. Moscow’s Hilton Leningradskaya when I’m in Moscow and have enough loyalty points.
Favorite cruise line: Never taken a cruise line and not interested.
Favorite travel credit card: Just my VISA and MC.
Favorite island: Innafushi Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives.
Favorite beach: Zinkwazi Beach, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Favorite fancy restaurant: CAFÉ 103, 103/F of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. Great buffets with stunning views over Hong Kong.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Many in the old city of Damascus.
Favorite bar: OZONE, Floor 118, International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong.
Favorite fruit: Durian and mangosteen.
Favorite food: Thai and Japanese.
Least favorite food: The incredible abundant maize-based pancakes of Latin America such as their dreadful tortillas.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Single-malt Scotch and South African wine.
Favorite travel movie(s): Yentl.
Favorite travel show(s): All of Anthony Bourdain.
Favorite travel book(s): All of Freya Stark’s (1893-1993) chronicles of her explorations of Arabia, in particular Yemen as in “The Southern Gates of Arabia: A Journey in the Hadhramaut” (1936).
Right now I am reading: Nothing right now.
Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: thetravelcamel.com, Globerovers Magazine of course!
5 things you bring on a plane: Earphones, tiny relaxation tablet, toothpicks, iPod, camera to capture those stunning views.
What do you always seem to forget? Toothpicks.
What do you like least about travel? The planning which I do meticulously, especially finding the right airlines for a complicated multi-country itinerary.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Nice cologne and a nice single-malt Scotch.
Favorite travel app(s): Booking.com, Google Maps, Evernote, XE Currency.
Most embarrassing travel moment: Too embarrassing to write about it!
I’m embarrassed but I haven’t been to: Antarctica even though I know that it will be the highlight of my life. But, I’ve been very close to the North Pole by dogsled.
Worst travel moment: Planned a trip to Iran and Iraq via Dubai and when I checked-in at Hong Kong airport I was informed that rules recently changed and I needed to get a visa for transit in Dubai. Had to cancel flights and rebook. Lost a lot of money!
What’s your dream destination? Antarctica.
Favorite travel charity: Earthbox from Global Volunteers.
Best travel tip: Leave all your preconception at home and enjoy your travels. Be an ambassador for your country.
