Meet the Art Director: David Hong

Hometown: Toronto.

Occupation: Art director.

Favorite destinations: San Francisco, Paris.

Dying to visit: Brazil, Egypt, Australia.

Bizarre travel rituals: To combat my anxiety from flying, I pop a Gravol prior to boarding to knock myself out. Then a cola Chupa Chups lollipop at landing to fend off the pain in my ears.

In-flight relaxation regime: I'm usually passed out (possibly drooling), but if the Gravol doesn't work, magazines that I pick up from the newsstand is a back-up plan.

Always in carry-on: Camera, laptop, iPhone.

Concierge or DIY? DIY. Everything is more fun on a whim. 

See it all or take it easy? A little mix of both. Heavy sight-seeing in the beginning of the trip, and some time to wind down and take it all in by the end.

Drive or be driven? Public transit and walking would be my route.

Travel hero: Dad. He left home at a young age and moved to Europe where he knew nobody.

Weirdest thing seen on travels: Flash mobs. It just isn't the same as just watching them on YouTube.

My favorite hotel is Airbnb because you get to meet and live like the locals.

I dream about my meal at Sukiyabashi Jiro after seeing that Jiro Dreams of Sushi documentary.

Best hotel amenity: Housekeeping.

Favorite childhood travel memory: Family road trips to Montreal for our family reunions.

Everywhere I go, I check out the local pub. The key to my heart is good pint of beer.

When I arrive in a new place, I learn the lay of the land by stepping outside, getting lost, and attempting to find a nice cup of java (or a cold one if it's past noon).

I always bring home a nice bottle of wine that I usually end up drinking as I go through vacation withdrawals while watching reality TV.

I travel for the thrill.

MORE DAVID

Website: davidhong.ca
Twitter: @hongdavey
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