Sonali is the Managing Director of Opella (Pvt) Limited. Family and business has  enabled her to travel to many destinations in the world. Here she relates her travel experiences.

Why do you love travel?

To enjoy and experience different cultures, cuisine, architecture, history, wildlife and the natural beauty and of course the thrilling rides and fun at theme parks.

Your favourite travel destination and why?

France - Paris, Monte Carlo and Nice. Absolutely romantic settings in different backdrops, easy to get about and fabulous food.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

My two sons Suhan and Divyeshz. For me a holiday will not be perfect without my two little rascals who fill up my life.

In which country have you felt most at home?  

UK is like my second home and I love visiting my sister Priyanka very regularly.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

Hmmm it’s a naughty secret I cannot divulge.

Favourite holiday discovery?

Hamilton Island off the coast of Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef. An idyllic island resort offering all water sports, snorkelling and diving activities.

Worst holiday or travel experience?

Whilst I was the Managing Director of an apparel business, I wanted to set an example on cutting costs so chose the most economic airline without checking the flight times assuming a short stopover and not using our national airline’s direct flight from London. It was a disaster, as our buyers who were to visit our factory arrived way before me and I had a 9 hour transit in Doha and had to go straight from the airport to the factory totally jet lagged.

Best piece of travel advice?

Pack your hand luggage wisely. Always carry an extra set of clothing in your hand luggage.

Your top five travel destinations?

The Swiss Riviera, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, USA and Kenya.

What has travel taught you?

To appreciate the amazing diversity of life on our planet and to respect different cultures.

What is the country you will never go back to and why?

So far I have liked every country that I have travelled to.

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

France.

Next travel destination?

Tasmania.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana