Travel Tech Q&A: LivingSocial's Colin Fabig
A guardian angel to ward off danger and a dog running off with a human bone — Colin Fabig, CEO of LivingSocial Australia and NZ, shares these experiences along with some of his other travel adventures.
Colin Fabig
(Credit: LivingSocial)
Tell us a bit about LivingSocial and the recently announced LivingSocial Escapes.
LivingSocial is the online source for hand-picked deals at a great rate. We launched LivingSocial in Australia late last year. LivingSocial has since grown to become one of Australia's top five deals sites, offering online shoppers access to the best local deals and experiences in Australia and New Zealand.
We have just launched LivingSocial Escapes in Australia to offer everyone authentic and accessible getaways at great value and with minimal planning — perfect for the time-poor. Think 50 per cent or more off a weekend yoga retreat or, if wining and dining's more your thing, the same type of discount on a weekend at the wineries including luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and wine tasting. In addition to Australian escapes, LivingSocial Escapes offers getaways to destinations in Europe, the UK, the USA, South America and Central America.
What tech do you travel with and why?
For biz travel, my iPhone and laptop. For holidays, I leave behind everything to stay out of range — except my iPad, which I fight to have turns on with my kids.
What is your most memorable travel experience?
Stepping off a rowing boat on the Ganges in Varanasi by mistake at a burial ghat and seeing a scrawny dog stealing a hot bone from a burning funeral pyre!
What is your personal travel advice or tip?
Travel more often — it broadens your horizons and refreshes the spirit.
What was your biggest travel disaster?
I have always sent guardian angels ahead to avert disaster. In Colombia, they ensured our tour bus was hijacked the day before we got on it and then again the day after we got off it, so we were safe.
What tech do you expect in hotels when travelling?
A large Skype TV would be great to see family and the team back at home in full size.
Your dream travel tech for planes/airports/hotels?
A DJ, video dance floor and large spa bath on the plane — well, in the airport and hotel room, as well — why not?
What (if any) travel websites do you use?