Sarah Lee is a journalist with eternal wanderlust who has edited travel magazines and provided features for luxury, cruise, business and online titles. She has just launched a new travel and lifestyle website LiveShareTravel (www.livesharetravel.com), offering up inspirational features and a world of exciting experiences from professional writers exploring each corner of the globe.
Cheapflights: What do you always do when you travel – any routine procedures?
Sarah Lee: Check my passport and ticket about a dozen times, just in case…
CF: What is your travel pet peeve?
SL: Airport security. I know it’s important but it really is making flying a chore. The worse thing is the inconsistencies in security rules from airport to airport and country to country. Also the recently introduced one bag rule for hand luggage is a problem for women used to carrying handbags.
CF: What is your favourite kind of trip (preferences, romantic, city, beach etc)?
SL: As a city girl I’m fascinated by every city – the culture, pace of life and adventures to be found in each. But I equally love kicking back on beaches so really enjoy twin centre trips where you can sample both.
CF: Best destination you have ever been to and why?
SL: South Africa – it’s a huge and diverse country, where the landscape is forever changing, but always beautiful. The food, culture, cities, beaches and wildlife ensure you have a complete holiday experience.
CF: Where in the world offers the best value for money?
SL: India is incredibly cheap and Thailand is still very good value even though the exchange rate isn’t as favourable as it once was.
CF: Where would you pay to stay? Is there anywhere you think offers great value and a great deal?
SL: I love “The bodyholiday” at Le Sport in St Lucia – it’s pure indulgence and is definitely worth a splurge. But for value it has to be Thailand as hotels in Bangkok are excellent value and though the beach resorts are more pricey you can still find a five-star hotel for under £100 a night.
CF: What is the best airport you have flown from and is there a tip to make this airport experience great?
SL: Koh Samui is a tropical, low-rise, thatched-roofed, heavenly airport. No major tips – just sit back and enjoy it’s quaintness.
CF: When you fly, is there a tip you can share to make the experience a great one?
SL: I’m easily pleased on short-haul journeys but on long haul I’d book the most expensive seat you can afford – comfort is crucial.
CF: If there was one travel nightmare trip, where would it be to and what would it involve?
SL: Oh dear, it’s not pleasant but it happened this summer when only 15 minutes into a 12 hour flight from Bangkok to London I suffered terrible food poisoning. It was so awful the crew put out the call “we have a medical emergency is there a doctor on board”. It’s definitely one not to be repeated so I’d recommend not eating sushi before a flight!
