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: Phil Baker
Occupation: Technology (product development, author and journalist)
Hometown: Worcester, MA
Residence: San Diego, CA
College: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Yale, Northeastern
College major: Physics, Business
Website: bakerontech.com, techspertsinc.com
Twitter: @pbaker
Facebook: Phil Baker
Short bio: Developed scores of electronic products for companies including Apple, Polaroid, Seiko. Founder of ThinkOutside. Inventor of the folding Stowaway keyboard. Author of “From Concept to Consumer.” Technology columnist. Expert in product development and manufacturing in Asia. Entrepreneur of the Year. VP PonoMusic.
How often do you fly? 3-5 times a month.
How many countries have you been to? 25
How many continents have you been to? 4
Earliest travel memory: Flying PanAm from NY to Tokyo.
Favorite American city: San Francisco.
Favorite international city: Tokyo.
Least favorite country: Hungary.
I have no desire to go to: Columbia.
Friendliest people in the world: UK.
Country with the meanest immigration officers: Russia.
Favorite World Heritage Site: Stonehenge.
Favorite airline: Cathay Pacific.
Favorite aircraft type: 787.
Aisle or window: Aisle.
Favorite airport lounge: Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong International Airport.
Favorite U.S. airport: SeaTac.
Favorite international airport: Hong Kong.
Favorite hotel: Okura, Tokyo.
Favorite travel credit card: American Express Platinum.
Favorite island: Hawaii.
Favorite beach: Poipu, Kauai.
Favorite fancy restaurant: Marche aux Fleur, Marin County.
Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Taqueria La Bamba, Mountain View, CA.
Favorite bar: Harry’s in Singapore.
Favorite fruit: Apple.
Favorite food: Lobster.
Least favorite food: Airplane food.
Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Red wine.
Favorite travel movie(s): Airplane!
Favorite travel show(s): Rick Steves.
Favorite travel book(s): DK books.
Right now I am reading: “The Martian.”
Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: Joe Brancatelli, FlyerTalk, Johnny Jet.
Favorite travel website(s)—besides JohnnyJet.com, of course! joesentme.com.
5 things you bring on a plane: Pono music player, good headphones, external battery charger, 12” MacBook, book.
What do you always seem to forget? Local currency.
What do you like least about travel? Lines and delays.
What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Bordeaux wine.
Favorite travel app(s): TripIt.
Most embarrassing travel moment: Getting on the wrong flight.
I’m embarrassed but I haven’t been to: South America.
Worst travel moment: Waiting with family for eight hours for a United flight to leave SFO for Hawaii.
What’s your dream destination? Around-the-world-trip in First Class.
Best travel tip: Avoid checking baggage.
