Silver Member Matthew Hogg on lounge benefits, why he enjoys holidays with less hype and how his most memorable trip to South Africa led to him meeting his future wife

What’s the best thing about being a Silver Member?
The number of lounges I can stroll into at airports around the world when I’m travelling – it’s made life on the road a little bit sweeter.

How do you spend your Avios?
I haven’t actually spent them yet. I’ve been saving them up for something special – perhaps a dream trip to China, Nepal and Japan (particularly the islands off Hokkaido Island) to explore some lesser-populated areas.

Do you travel much for business?
I spent about 20 per cent of the first six months of 2013 travelling for business – I tend to go to Europe, the Middle East, the USA and Australia. My next big trip with BA is in a month to Hong Kong, Singapore and a few Australian cities.

What’s your most memorable trip?
I tend to enjoy most holidays that came with no hype or expectations. I took a month off from work to travel around South Africa and that was very memorable. There’s nothing like diving with whales and sharks for excitement – and meeting my wife-to-be on that trip!

What are your recommendations for your hometown?
I’m not sure where I count as home – I am a proud Yorkshire man, but have lived in London and the USA for the last 14 years, and recently moved to Cambridgeshire. But I would beg any visitor to the UK not to think that London is all the UK has to offer: get out to Cornwall, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

Where have you been recently that’s inspired you?
Chile turned out to be an outstanding holiday last year. It was topped off by flying to Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s Eve on Copacabana beach – something everyone should do once in their lifetime.

Where’s next to visit on your list?
I haven’t travelled extensively around Greece, despite having studied the Classics, so an adventure in the Aegean Sea would be high up there.

Describe your Perfect Day...
Enjoying sun, beautiful landscapes, and great food and wine with my wife. Tuscany rates very highly for me, however my wife would probably rather be on a sun lounger in the Maldives!

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips