Travel talk with Ian Parker

Ian Parker

Director, Hartleys Ltd

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

“Probably Aspen, Colorado. It is a great town with a brilliant variety of skiing.”

Best destination to holiday if you have to/want to take the kids?

“As above, depending on how rich I feel.”

Pet hate when travelling on airplanes?

“Waiting in queues.”

If you could only take one item on a long-haul flight what would it be?

“My Skins. They stop your legs getting sore.” (Ed note: Skins are tights manufactured using bioacceleration technology that support the muscles. According to the company behind Skins, the tights help reduce the build-up of lactic acid, which reduces muscle fatigue and soreness. Skins make a JetSkins product, to help muscles cope with reduced oxygen levels at high altitude. JetSkins are designed to keep the blood flowing using graduated compression.)

What has been your biggest travel disaster?

“Getting stranded overnight in Tokyo airport when it was snowed in. Everyone had to sleep on the floor; there was no food and we didn’t know how long it would take. You learn to travel with a spare pair of jocks! No real disasters, touch wood.”

How often do you take a holiday? Do you prefer short breaks or taking fewer, longer holidays?

“Short breaks are good but so are long ones. My colleagues seem to think I am always on holiday, but that is not the case.”

You wish Perth could be more like…

“I reckon Perth is ok but we badly need deregulated shopping hours and a more interesting CBD area.”

You hope Perth always retains…

“Free, uncrowded beaches. We must avoid the Gold Coast high-rise disaster at all costs.”

Where have you always wanted to travel/holiday but haven’t managed to yet? When do you hope to get there?

“I think Egypt would be interesting and maybe Russia. Don’t intend to go there in the near future, though, it’s too dangerous.”

What was the last book you read?

“Packer’s Lunch by Neil Chenoweth. Now I’m reading the biography of William Dampier.”

What CD is currently in your car?

“A mix that the kids gave me. Lots of modern stuff is on it, Gyroscope etc. They are trying to educate me.”

What is your favourite overseas restaurant?

“Nobu in London or Ku De Ta in Bali.”

What WA/Perth restaurant do you keep going back to and why?

“Coco’s in South Perth. Consistent good food, great service and an outstanding barman named Matt.”

Do you support the Eagles of the Dockers?

“The Eagles, for now. Maybe it will be Carlton next year…not really.”