What’s the place you most want to visit that you haven’t been to yet?

I have wanted to travel through Iran for quite some time but it just hasn't happened yet for different reasons. I saw a travel documentary by the iconic Joanna Lumley on a tour through the Silk Road, which spent an entire episode in Iran. Ever since, I've been captivated by the bazaars of Tehran, the mud-brick antiquity of Yazd, the emptiness of the Dasht-e Lut Desert, and the Persian gardens of Kashan.

Why is it important for travel to make a positive impact?

We are a tiny blue planet floating through an infinite void of stars, planets, moons, and gas. To our current knowledge, we are the only planet in the galaxy that has managed to not only create life, but also sustain it for over 3 billion years, and it is our duty to protect our unique home. Humans have devastated our planet and have destroyed so much, so it's our responsibility to all the creatures who call this planet home to take care of it and ensure its survival.

How can you promote positive change when traveling?

I'm a huge fan of slow travel, particularly by train! Trains are a great way of traveling responsibly by cutting out air pollution and taking a greener approach. Also, do not exploit animals for tourism! Elephant rides and photos with tigers are big no-nos. And finally, don't litter. Leave natural places you are traveling to in the same condition you would want to find them: pristine and untouched by humans.

What’s the most surreal travel experience you’ve had?

On my way to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, an elderly woman in a plaza tried to sell me seeds to feed the pigeons. I politely declined, but she insisted and put two bags of seeds in each of my palms as I tried to walk away. She then flipped my hands over so the seeds fell all around me and the pigeons dove in to feast. She then demanded I pay her for the seeds I didn’t want and, when I refused, she reached into my front pocket and took my money. Before I even realized what happened, she ran off while clapping her hands so the pigeons flew up into my face while she made her getaway. My friends still laugh at the story of how I was outrun by an 80-year-old.

Which was the most memorable property you've ever stayed at? Why?

The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosted me during a luxury travel show and I've never felt so pampered. The building was originally built to be a royal palace but after completion, it was turned into a spectacular palatial hotel. It was also the first time I met a Saudi Princess by accidentally locking myself in a room with her—it was a very memorable trip!