![Elisabeth Drysdale with her greyhound Mr T. She says an inquisitive imagination can take you far.](/content/dam/images/g/s/c/j/g/c/image.related.afrArticleLead.620x350.gscjgi.png/1478564798696.jpg)
To recover quickly from a flight, Champagne Bureau Australia director Elisabeth Drysdale recommends walking all day, eating an early dinner and downing a glass of champagne before bed. She answers our Traveller Q&A.;
First, business or economy?
Business, preferably on Cathay Pacific or Singapore. I never do stopovers when I travel to Europe, and long haul requires a flat bed, champagne and some TLC.
Most frequented destination?
Paris, then Champagne.
Favourite airport?
Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup. I just love its compact, sleek design and I felt like I was transported into retail heaven with its up-to-date city boutiques. It's pristine. If Santa Claus owned an airport, this would be it.
If I ran my own airline I would...
... run a more effective and rewarding frequent flyer program and actually offer some type of customer relationship service (not involving a website or call centre).
Where would you go with a million air miles?
I've been blessed with travel, so I would donate them to someone for whom they would make a significant difference.
The worst place you've been lost?
The Scottish Highlands with my parents. My father had decided to teach me how to drive a manual car and with the steep, icy, narrow roads, afternoon mists, cattle idling around the road, maps and a Scottish temperament, it certainly made for the most interesting, if not the worst, place to be lost.
Your best trip?
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji with my daughter. Just being idle was a luxury – plus the outstanding customer service made it a delight.
Most memorable overseas dining?
Dining in the '80s at the Savoy Hotel in London with my parents. I ordered potted shrimp and instantly regretted it. Because I ordered it, I was made to eat every last mouthful under the sneering gaze of snooty waiters. Ever since, I've always asked about a dish before ordering.
In the suitcase?
I've never learnt to pack light. Staples include walking shoes, a journal, a prayer book, facial moisturiser, a good SPF foundation, a great pen, lots of woollen layers, a good winter coat and a YSL red lipstick. I can't go anywhere without a splash of red.
What is the first thing you do when you arrive in a new city?
I usually ask the hotel in advance for an early check-in. I go straight to the room and have a hot bath with Epsom salts, hydrate, then get out into the fresh air, walk for hours and find a champagne bar.
How do you make the most of a spare afternoon in a strange city?
I try to find out where locals wine and dine, and sit myself in a restaurant to watch the world go by. I also love visiting historical churches for a calming effect and a history lesson.
Cure for jetlag?
Loads of Dr Hauschka lavender oil before and during a flight. I always arrive in the morning, walk all day, have an early dinner, enjoy one flute of champagne, take some melatonin then go straight to bed.
Any other travel tips?
An inquisitive imagination can take you far.
What technology do you use?
Skype. My favourite thing when I am away is Skyping my daughter.
Best overseas purchase?
Let's not scare the boyfriend with this question please. I'll just admit it came from a shop beginning with H and ending with S.
Best travel tale?
When she was about 12 months old, I took my daughter to Champagne via Paris with friends. I was nervous about travelling with a baby while juggling work. To my surprise the trip was a hoot. The Champenois were so accommodating. And when we stayed in Paris, we discovered how much the French love children. Every day we would walk all over Paris and come back with a pram full of French cheese, bread, champagne and foie gras, and a happy child covered in croissant flakes. The pram on cobblestones also turned out to be the best sleep aid for a baby!
Best thing about travelling?
I love this quote from Gustave Flaubert: "Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." It gives you clarity and perspective.
Top travel gripe?
Delays! Sitting on the tarmac is my worst nightmare.
lifeandleisure@afr.com.au