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: Dominique Perregaux
Occupation: Author and Art Dealer
Hometown: Geneva (Swizterland)
Residence: Hong Kong
Website: atasteforintensity.com
Twitter: @perregauxD
Short Bio: Born in 1972 in Marseilles, to Swiss parents, Dominique Perregaux grew up in Geneva. He studied finance and economics in Geneva and Sydney and worked as a proprietary trader and institutional stock broker in Geneva and Jakarta. He then moved to Hong Kong to become a contemporary art gallerist and modern art dealer with spaces in Hong Kong and Tokyo. His first novel A Taste for Intensity was published by Bronco Publishing in 2013.
How often do you fly: Twice a month
How many countries have you been to: Around 30
How many continents have you been to: 5
Favorite American city: New York
Favorite international city: Rome
Least favorite country: North Korea
Favorite World Heritage Site: Lavaux Vineyards Terrace, Switzerland. The view on Lake Geneva and the Alps is absolutely breathtaking.
Favorite airline: Thai Airways
Aisle or window: Aisle
Favorite airport lounge: Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific
Favorite hotel: The Astor Hotel, Tianjin, China. I like places with a strong sense of history.
Do you unpack into the dresser/closet? Or live out of your suitcase? Half/half
Favorite island: Bali
Favorite fancy restaurant: Roberto, in Geneva
Favorite hole in the wall: Sunny’s, Hong Kong
Favorite fruit: Mango
Favorite food: Anything with truffles
Least favorite food: Chicken feet
Drink of choice (In the air and on the ground): Sloe Gin Fizz
Favorite travel movie(s): The Man Who Would Be King, by John Huston
Favorite travel book(s): Candide, by Volaire
Right now I am reading: The Elephant and the Tiger, by Wilbur H. Morrison
What do you always seem to forget: To take the spare change and bills left from my last trip in that country.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport duty free store? Swiss Chocolates
Most embarrassing travel moment: I like to try meals from different cultures that airlines offer so I always book a different one prior to flying. The advantage of pre-ordering a special meal is also to be served before other passengers, and, thus, to be more autonomous. I therefore booked several years ago a kosher meal for a flight Hong Kong – Geneva. In the air, after being served a large sealed plastic tray, and half way through my meal, a flight attendant came to me and discretely asked:” Tell me Mr. Perregaux, are you Ashkenazi or Sephardic?” Admitting that I was not Jewish but never the less enjoying such meal was a little awkward yet we eventually both laugh after I explained the misunderstanding.
What’s your dream destination: Anywhere I go with my girlfriend.
