KEY POINTS:
Do you travel light or heavy?
Not as light as I'd like but I'm always very prepared and often known to my mates as the person who will be sorted if they need anything.
Cattle or first class?
Depends where I'm going. I'm not a travel snob and
wouldn't do a flight to Australia or the Pacific Islands in business. I've never gone first, but thanks to our relationship with Air NZ and the fact that mum and I travel to find buyers and media who are right to come to Air NZ Fashion Week, I fly business then and love it and really appreciate it!
I can't travel without ...
Moisturiser.
What type of suitcase do you carry?
Gravis luggage only. It looks just as hot in an airport as it does being dragged through the sand on an island. It's got great wheels and is very strong.
What's always in your hand luggage?
Pretty much what's in my handbag: moisturiser, eye drops, lip balm, Cybershot camera, iPod, notebook, pens, Blackberry, wallet with credit cards and driver's licence, comb and a book.
Are you a planner or last-minute packer?
I know what to take and don't get too stressed about planning. It also depends on where I'm going as some places are cheap enough to buy what you need when you get there. But generally a few weeks before a big trip, I start throwing a few bits and pieces together so there isn't that last minute "where the hell is my ... !"
What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
That's a big question when I have spent so many years travelling. But I would have to say my photos and my crystals - they mean so much to me and all tell a story.
Best travel tip?
Make sure you have your passport with you and drink water. I also think no expectations is a good way to deal with travel, because like life it sometimes just doesn't go how you think it will.
Favourite or most exciting airport?
I hate all airports, especially LAX - yuck! I have to say Caracas in Venezuela was fairly interesting as I was alone and terrified to go out and find a hotel, but staying inside the airport wasn't much better.
Most memorable trip?
The trip that began my passion for travel: I spent a year in Brazil on a student exchange 20 years ago ... , with a wonderful host family, learning a new language but more than anything learning about myself. I went back last year for a month and it still felt like yesterday, seeing my host family and feeling totally free to travel by myself in the best country in the world in my experience.
What do you do while on the plane?
Movies are my favourite. When I went to Spain a couple of months ago, I watched about nine of them!
Myken Stewart is the brand manager for Air New Zealand Fashion Week.
