Italy is a complete sensory experience: Hyatt's Poonegar

A woman who has been an avid traveller professionally would surely love to spend some time out with family and friends. Yasmin Poonegar, Director of Corporate Communications, Hyatt International South West Asia Limited, brings several years of experience in the hospitality industry, communications and marketing of luxury brands within India, the US, Chile, Italy and France.

Though her professional focus has been on corporate and internal communications and on launching international hotel, food and wine brands in India, she loves travelling the world too.

Fox Traveller Diaries (FTD): If there is one place you can keep going back to for a holiday, where would it be?

Yasmin Poonegar (YP): Italy — as it is a complete sensory experience. From the quality of the light over the amazing landscape to the art and history; great produce and food, sense of style and warm and vibrant people with strong humanistic values.

FTD: Tell us three good things about traveling.

YP: For me they would be creating indelible memories; meeting strangers who you find an unexpected connection with; and learning and opening your mind to new experiences.

FTD: When you travel, what is a must carry for you?

YP: A photograph of my son/family.

FTD: When and where did your best holiday happen?

YP: At a small seaside resort in Calabbria in the south of Italy called Nicotera Marina.

FTD: As a traveller, what’s your tip for the others?

YP: Leave your insularity and close mindedness behind.

FTD: A colleague/co-worker from your industry with whom you would like to go on a holiday.

YP: I love holidaying on my own as i can make the most of every experience and record it. If I had to go with someone I would prefer to have an artistic/creative person as a companion.

FTD: Have you ever been surprised by the taste of food, outside India? Where?

YP: Yes! In Chile. The first time I ate sea urchin and it was surprisingly strong and gooey. I love it now!

YP: The Chor Bazaar in Mumbai. I picked up a beautiful venetian inlaid chess set for Rs 700.

FTD: Which has been the most unique destination that you ever visited. When and why?

YP: Samode in Rajasthan. I thought that time truly stood still when I visited it back in the 90s.

FTD: Tell us how have you managed to make a journey fun.

YP: Taking lots of pictures and write for myself when i am travelling. I always have fun when my camera is in my hands!

FTD: A gourmet gaffe that you would like to share.

YP: Can't honestly think of any right now.

FTD: What has been your worst travel moment? Why?

YP: Having my bag stolen on the train from Rome to Naples by a really nice couple who I befriended!

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

YP: Glassware from Venice and an etruscan horse sculpture from Perugia .

Disclaimer: The views expressed are purely in the personal capacity of Yasmin Poonegar as a travel buff and has no bearing and/or correlation with her official role; Images, courtesy: Yasmin Poonegar