The CEO and founder of new social network Tunepics, Justin Cooke, reminisces about holidays by the sea, the perfect holiday snap and maximising his Avios

Why did you join the Executive Club?
I joined when I was 18 because I was travelling a lot with my family. Nowadays I often fly for business so I’ve worked my way up to Gold – a badge of honour. I’ve become a little obsessed with Tier Points and keeping up my Avios balance.

What’s the best thing about being a member?
I flew back from New York recently, and was upgraded to First because the plane was full. It’s amazing how well they look after you there.

Where do you travel for business?
San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York because they are technology hubs. I also flew on the new BA route to Austin this year to go to the SXSW festival.

And leisure?
I don’t get much time for leisure trips, but I try to get away at Christmas with my family. Last year we went to Abu Dhabi, which was great. We usually go to Faro in August – there’s no time difference and the weather’s fantastic.

What inspired you to start Tunepics?
I took pictures of crisp autumn leaves while out walking in London. Then I had an urge to listen to Paolo Nutini’s Autumn, so I played it from my iTunes library – it was so emotive. I did a little research about making an app and then went for it.

Which destinations have you taken pictures of using the app?
I took a really nice picture when I was boarding a BA plane to Munich – I matched Leaving on a Jet Plane to it. And I always love taking pictures of Paris. Everyone has a holiday song, and it’s amazing how putting a track on top of an image can make a picture come to life.

What is your top tip for taking the perfect holiday snap?
Follow the rule of thirds: if you have the beach, sea and sky, you want to make sure each takes up a third of the shot.

Where is next on your travel list?
I’ve always wanted to go to Bora Bora. I’m a Pisces, so I love being near water – I’m at my calmest and happiest when I’m by the sea. I’d also love to go back to the Maldives to take some tunepics of that crazy blue sea.

What do you spend your Avios on?
At last count I had 1,486,000 Avios but I’m never organised enough to spend them. I used them to fly a friend to New York recently, and managed to get a flight to Munich for the Champions League Final using companion vouchers from my BA Amex card.

What’s your top tip on collecting Avios?
If BA doesn’t fly to a destination I want to go to, I always try to book with a oneworld partner so I can keep my Avios balance healthy.

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips