For Simon Ryan, chief executive of Dentsu Aegis Network ANZ and Carat ANZ, the French Riviera offers extraordinary scenery, food and experiences. He answers our Traveller Q&A.;

First, business or economy? 

I fly economy domestically and business internationally. Our corporate regulations are clear – anything below five hours is economy; over five hours is business. When travelling internationally, I'm normally on quick visits for business, so it's important that I travel in the most comfortable manner. Business enables me to travel not only in a relaxed environment, but also lets me work.

Most frequented destination? 

Domestically, I fly between Sydney and Melbourne every week. Internationally, I'm most often in Europe and the United States, for work and for pleasure. I've just returned from the International Advertising Festival in Cannes and a short holiday in St Tropez. I try to couple annual leave with business travel, then spend quality time with my kids or seek out a new culture and widen my thinking and approach to life.

Favourite airport? 

This may amuse some people, but one of the best airports in the world is actually Canberra. The architecture is modern and clean, and the airport is efficient. Its minimal and spacious design suits the business traveller and it has clearly been designed with the traveller's needs in mind as it has won multiple awards, including best Australian Airport of the Year in 2013. On an international level, I really like Dubai International Airport. Being a relatively new city, they have thought about everything to make it a good experience for travellers.

If I ran my own airline I would... 

...Focus on customer satisfaction and use one-on-one marketing for all frequent travellers. Working in media and marketing, this is what I do every day so I have a heightened appreciation for good customer experience.

Where would you go with a million air miles? 

A round trip to New York City, Paris, St Tropez and Hong Kong. Each of these locations represents the life, culture and experiences I love. I also have great memories of fun times in each place.

Best trip ever? 

To Cannes, staying at a place called Hotel Belles Rives in Antibes. The coast is beautiful, and you're only a short trip to Monaco, combining my interests in great new experiences and fast cars.

Most memorable overseas dining? 

I had an incredibly memorable lunch at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes. Best combination of service, view, seafood and white wine I've ever had.

In the suitcase? 

I'm a minimalist. I believe in taking the core essentials and block colours you can mix and match. The only time I break this rule is with shoes. Having the right footwear is important and you should always take more than you need.

First thing you do in a new city? 

When travelling for business I like to get in the day before my meetings to ensure I am prepared, rested and ready to perform. First I unpack, hang everything up and make a list of the things I need to do on the first day, then I prioritise my time to make the most out of the trip.

How do you make the most of a spare afternoon in a strange city? 

I like to sit at a good restaurant or cafe with a glass of wine and observe what's going on around me – a lot of us don't do enough of that. Taking time out to think and soak up a new environment and culture is one of the best things you can do on any holiday.

Cure for jetlag? 

The only way to manage jetlag is to acclimatise as quickly as you can – even if it means staying awake longer than is comfortable. You've got to get onto local time, and get on with it.

Any other tips? 

Always have travel insurance, because when you're experiencing new things you've got to be prepared for anything. Stretch yourself to maximise every opportunity and regret nothing – you only live once.

What technology do you use? 

iPhone and iPad for personal trips; for business I use a Mac Pro.

Best overseas purchase? 

Many of my best business suits and shirts were handmade in Italy; you can't beat the workmanship and quality of these bespoke garments.

Top travel gripe? 

Airports that have slow immigration lines. There's nothing worse than getting off a long flight then standing in a queue for an hour to get your passport stamped.

lifeandleisure@afr.com.au