Tips from the Top: Lucy Chow

Born in Vancouver, entrepreneur Lucy Chow studied International Relations at the University of British Columbia and holds an Executive MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She has lived and worked in Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York and has been based in Dubai for over eight years. Lucy is focused on philanthropy and assisting the 30% Club - Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) in increasing female representation in senior roles. She is most happy spending time with her husband Ray and her 9-year-old son, Max.

The most beautiful place on earth is…
Anywhere with a view of a mountain range.

What are your three handbag essentials when flying?
C.O. Bigelow's Lip Shine Balm; my Ordning&Reda Travel Wallet which fits my passport as well as my son's and has several sleeves for different currencies; and sadly, my Blackberry.

Do you have a favourite airline?
When we lived in Asia it was Cathay Pacific. However, now having lived in Dubai for so long, Emirates is extremely difficult to beat.

Where are you off to next?
We are flying to Washington, DC and then driving to Virginia.

What do you read in preparation for a trip?
I love LUXE City Guides. I only wish they had them for every major city in the world. An alternative is to ask someone who knows the place well: Less preparatory reading, more preparatory grilling.

What has been your favourite adventure so far?
Going on a zip line on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas was intimidating but memorable.

Do you have any tips on…tipping?
Read ahead on the tipping culture of the place you are visiting. In New York, you could potentially end up tipping 4-5 people. Whoever handles your luggage will feel entitled to a tip. If you would rather not tip everyone, then just make sure you tip the main porter well and say, "Share this as you see fit."

What is your not-to-be-missed event each year?
As a family we are trying to commit to attending the summer Olympics every four years. The London Olympics was our first event as a family. My husband made it to the Sochi Olympics last year and we are planning to attend the Rio Olympics.

Who is your favourite travel companion and why?
My son, Max. He is easygoing and unflappable even in the face of delays and long transits.

What's an insider tip you'd like to share that you discovered while on a Hideaways Club holiday?
The concierges on the ground are super concierges, so make use of them. For instance, our concierge in Marrakech could easily be the Ambassador for Morocco. His knowledge of the country is extensive and he is an officially licensed guide.