Travel Tech Q&A: Sky Software's Nick Stanley
In this week's ZDNet Travel Tech Q&A, Sky Software CEO Nick Stanley reveals that he brings all of his tech devices when he travels, discusses why you shouldn't stand in the middle of Manila in a three-piece suit, and talks about the time he left his car keys in Singapore.
What tech do you travel with and why?
My new HTC One. It's a great phone, and tethers well with my laptop when needed.
What tech do you miss from home?
As I travel so much, I need to be able to "do my thing" on the road, and I typically bring all my devices when I'm away from home. Plus, most of my devices are super portable.
What tech do you love abroad, where and why?
The free wireless network on the Heathrow Express makes a rapid trip into the city or to the airport even faster.
What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?
Google Maps, for obvious reasons!
Most memorable travel story/experience?
Getting up early while visiting clients in Prague and going for a run over the Charles Bridge at daybreak. It was an amazing experience as the sun was rising, but I did nearly collide with a few photographers.
Personal travel advice/tip?
Try not to stand out. The more obvious you are, the more likely you are to get accosted, targeted, etc.
I realised this the hard way once when in Manila. I was standing in the street dressed in a three-piece suit; I got approached by an undercover policeman who politely suggested I hide!
What tech is in your briefcase?
I'm more of a manbag/European carry-all type of guy, but I have my HTC One and Asus Zenbook with me all the time.
What is your one must-have piece of tech when travelling?
I could leave home without the phone, but not the laptop.
What was your biggest travel disaster?
Leaving my car keys on the desktop in my hotel room in Singapore only to realise where they were once I arrived in the Tullamarine airport in Melbourne.
It was a bit of a drive for one of my support guys from the Geelong office. I'm sure he said something about that not being in his employment contract.
What is the best airport you've visited and why?
Singapore or Dubai. Super easy to navigate and things always seem to be so well organised.
What tech do you expect in hotels when you are travelling?
Wireless, wireless, wireless, and did I say wireless? It's amazing how some hotels still try to slug you for the charge.
Name one thing you wish your iPod/phone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?
Write a business plan!
Which airport would you prefer to be stranded at and why?
Probably Heathrow. The express service to the city means you can travel to Paddington, enjoy all it has to office, and get back to the airport moments before departure (well, 60 minutes beforehand, anyway).