Fox Traveller Diaries | Exploring new lifestyles: SCOTT Sports India's Jaymin Shah

Jaymin Shah started off his career as a Trainee Employee at Hyper City  Retail and was amongst their first 10 employees when the company started off in India. Passionate about sports he moved up quickly through the ranks and carved a niche for himself in the segment. Very soon he was handpicked by SCOTT Sports India to head their India operations, with only three members in the team.

He holds a post graduate degree in Business Administration with specialization in Marketing & Retail from Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. Apart from being a dedicated and hardworking person, he is adventurous and sporty and believes that sport’s provides confidence, energy and also helps in bonding. Shah also loves travelling and is an outdoor person.
Adgully caught up with Jaymin Shah, Country Manager, SCOTT Sports India to know more about him and his various travelling experiences.

Fox Traveller Diaries (FTD): If there is one place you can keep going back to for a holiday, where would it be?
Jaymin Shah (JS): It would have to be Goa. I enjoy the laid back lifestyle that Goa has to offer along with the beach sunshine.

FTD: Tell us three good things about travelling.
JS: The opportunity to explore a new city and its lifestyle. It allows you to spend time with your family if travelling on a vacation and time to think in peace!

FTD: When you travel, what is a must carry for you?
JS: Actually I like travelling light. A credit card and some local currency is a must while travelling and so also a small digital camera that I carry along with me.

FTD: When and where did your best holiday happen?
JS: It was recently on a holiday to Singapore. The city offers you multiple options right from visiting the Zoo, walking around the city to the nightlife at Clark Quay. The city exudes a certain vibe which I found most attractive.

FTD: As a traveller, what’s your tip for the others?
JS: Travel light always and be open to all the food experiences that the destination has to offer.

FTD: A colleague/co-worker from your industry with whom you would like to go on a holiday.
JS: I would want to go on a vacation with family or friends. If I ever went out on a holiday with a colleague/co-worker it would stop being a vacation and start becoming a business trip.

FTD: Have you ever been surprised by the taste of food, outside India? Where?
JS: I was in Sri Lanka where I was pleasantly surprised by the food. They Sri Lankans use their spices very well and it lends a distinct taste which I found to be very unique.

FTD: What and where has been your best bazaar bargain so far?
JS: It has to be China Town, Singapore where I bought an extra back pack to carry back all the shopping that my wife and I ended up doing on that trip.

FTD: Which has been the most unique destination that you ever visited? When and why?
JS: The most unique destination I have visited till date is Cambodia. It is amazing to see the positive changes there after a long period of civil strife. There seems to be a sense of optimism as you meet the people there. The country has an old world charm to it along with all the modern day amenities to make your travels enjoyable.

FTD: Tell us how have you managed to make a journey fun?
JS: The best way to make a journey fun is not to ever plan your daily schedule. That way you wake up each day not knowing what surprise the destination holds for you!

FTD: A gourmet gaffe that you would like to share.
JS: It was at a restaurant in South Africa. I was asked by the host of what I would like to have and I asked him to order a local specialty of his choice. I ended up being served Game meats which I had a tough time eating. I went hungry that evening, but  ensured that in future I would order my own food !

FTD: What has been your worst travel moment? Why?
JS: None So far.

FTD: What is the best souvenir you ever bought for anyone?

JS: It has to be a small painting of Buddha that I bought from a street painter in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for my wife!