What I Pack: Sue Badyari

Sue Badyari, chief executive of World Expeditions. Photo / Supplied

Do you travel light or heavy?

I'm a minimalist - always light.

Cattle or first class?

Mostly cattle, occasionally business.

I can't travel without...

My special eye mask that allows rapid eye movement and affords me a great sleep, plus of course a great book.

What type of suitcase do you carry?

Normally a kitbag full of trekking clothes and equipment as invariably that is the type of travel I always do.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?

A beautiful Indian man from Kashmir who is now my husband of 20 years.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

Most exciting would be Lukla, the main airstrip in the Everest region of Nepal.

Best packing tip?

Know what season you are heading into and familiarise yourself with the customs of the destination so that you pack appropriately.

Your most memorable trip?

Impossible question...too many great and memorable trips! Trekking to Machapuchare base camp in Nepal and spotting snow leopard, ascending the summit of Mt Kinabalu in Borneo for sunrise, cycling through the ancient hilltop towns in Italy's Umbria region, ascending the active volcano of Agua in Guatemala or finding the elusive mountain gorillas in the Ruwenzori Mountains in Rwanda - all high on the list.

What do you do while on the plane?

I find flying increases my perspective - I like to brainstorm and write ideas for business directions and products but can't go past a good movie; also I've also had some of the best discussions in my life with the person sitting next to me when flying.

Sue Badyari is the CEO of World Expeditions.