Celebrating craft and timeless design, which are representative in the designs she creates, fashion designer Charini Suriyage is a force to be reckoned with. Together with her formal design education and expertise within the lingerie industry Charini is inspired by her Sri Lanka heritage to design collections that care for the environment and support small artisan communities within Sri Lanka. Widely travelled she shared her travel experiences.

Why do you love travel?

To experience different cultures.

Your favourite travel destination and why?

Peru. It was just like going back in time. The country was rich in culture and the path to Machu Picchu was one of the best nature trails. It was an inspiring trip full of adventure.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

Sunglasses and comfortable shoes.

In which country have you felt most at home?

London, UK.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

Posters of vintage movie memorabilia from a market in Milan.

Worst holiday or travel experience?

Missing a connecting flight coming from the States and being stuck at the Dubai airport for half a day.

Best piece of travel advice?

Always travel light.

Your top five travel destinations?

Paris, Tokyo, Cambodia, New York, Prague and Venice.

What has travel taught you?

To appreciate the diversity of different people and also different cuisine.

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

Difficult to pick one as I love trying out different cuisine. I would say Vietnamese food.

Next travel destination?

Kenya on a safari.

Why do you love travel?

To experience different cultures.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana