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How often are you up in the air? Since becoming a father I have been traveling a lot less. Nowadays I usually do a quick long-haul once a month and another local flight. My son had been to Australia, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong by the time he was 6 months old.

Where do you go the most? These days I am heading to Shanghai a lot. I am also in Milan and Sydney a good bit. In Sydney I have a hideaway beach hut that I use when I need to escape.

What frequent-flier plans do you use? [Cathay Pacific's] Marco Polo, of course; it is essential if you are based in Hong Kong.

What's your favorite airport? Hong Kong, because it works really well. It is great that you can get a buggy from the lounge to the gate easily. I love the buggy rides, and I always meet characters on them. Also, if you have a Hong Kong resident's card, you are through the gate in seconds and into the city with no traffic in 30 minutes. I don't know any large city like that. If I had to pick a worst I would say I hate London airports. I detest landing from Asia to be greeted by miserable ground staff.

What is the best hotel in the region? In Shanghai I settle for the PuLi Hotel and Spa most of the time, since it's part of Luxury Hotels of the World, and I've been using them for years.

Is there a hotel that you believe incorporates superior design? I stayed in the main suite at the Waterhouse Hotel at the South Bund, Shanghai, with my family. The only problem is that the air-con units are on the outside wall, so the room vibrates when they are on, and the service is like 'Fawlty Towers.'

What's your favorite airport-to-city journey? Sydney to Palm Beach, because once you get to Avalon, you are in your own zone. There is this feeling of, 'It's all over, and it's all going to be all right.'

Who is your preferred carrier? Cathay Pacific. I guess it's just a solid airline. There are no surprises, and the staff are peaceful and nice. The cabins' colors are terrible, though, and so is the majority of the design, but it's better than most.

Best airline food? Cathay Pacific First Class. I just traveled to Milan first class, and they have great caviar with salmon. I don't normally eat the stuff, but up in the air it is fun. I actually don't eat food on planes as a rule, even in business class. I always try to eat prior to flying.

If you were to design an airline seat, what would you change? For me, privacy without claustrophobia is paramount. Also, I would love to be able to put a 'Do Not Disturb' sign up to stop attendants bothering me.

How do you beat jet lag? I don't. I'm not big into sleeping tablets, so I tend to look like a lizard in Milan most of the time. A few glasses of red wine can help with a power nap, but it's a gamble.

What's your advice on scoring an upgrade? I always travel business, so it could definitely be worse, but if I had to say one thing it would be don't order special food, because that really screws your chances up. Otherwise, travel on your birthday or arrive with a walking stick.

Do you have any essential travel gadgets? These days I carry an iPhone and a Macbook Air so I can get online most of the time. I always carry a music magazine for the flight, but generally I don't like gadgets. I don't need them, and I don't like to carry extra stuff. Generally I just need my brain to keep me entertained.

Any packing tips? Do it the day before you leave, or you will end up in Milan with no socks or a warm jacket.