Sonali de Soysa is one who has traversed the world. This former airline personnel who now runs the succesful Little Sopranos singing school sees travel as an opportunity to broaden her horizons and spend time with family and friends.

Why do you love travel?

It gives me the opportunity to visit family and friends who are settled all over the world and to see some amazing destinations.

Your favourite travel destination and why?

Italy because it is steeped in history and to me nothing compares to the sights in Rome, Capri, Venice, Pompeii, Florence... I could go on and on.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

A smooth flight, great company, interesting cuisine, sightseeing and not forgetting some shopping.

In which country have you felt most at home?

Boston and Kuala Lumpur because my daughters live there.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

I am not into souvenirs but probably some lava stones from the city of Pompeii.

Favourite holiday discovery?

Climbing the Trient mountains in Switzerland right upto the glacier was pretty awesome.

Worst holiday or travel experience?

Except for the usual delays in flights, nothing in particular.

Best piece of travel advice?

Travel with the correct baggage weight and have a well planned itinerary so that you make maximum use of each day.

Your top five travel destinations?

Italy, Switzerland, Boston, Melbourne and Thailand.

What has travel taught you?

That there will always be amazing places to visit.

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

Melbourne.

Next travel destination?

San Francisco, to spend time with my elder daughter.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana