Daisuke Naka is works at bab.la, a language portal offering online dictionaries in 17 languages, and is responsible for the Japanese version of the site. Holiday-wise he’s a typical backpacker – conscious of his budget and focused on getting the most fun out of his trip.
Cheapflights: What do you always do when you travel – any routine procedures?
Daisuke Naka: Firstly, pack as little as possible. It gives you greater mobility. You don’t have to stress out too much about what to bring with you and what not to, when you know that you’re only taking the absolute necessities with you. I generally try to avoid visiting typical tourist traps. I like to observe the way locals spend their time – try local foods and talk to locals. This provides invaluable information that isn’t in the guidebooks.
CF: What is your favourite kind of trip?
DN: I prefer something mysterious and adventurous. It really depends on what you wish to get out of travelling. If relaxing away from your office is what you want, lying on a beach for a few weeks might be fine. However, I like to experience something that stimulates my anthropological curiosities. I like to immerse myself in cultures that are different from the ones I’m used to. It doesn’t matter if it is a huge metropolitan city such as Hong Kong or some remote countryside in a developing country. I don’t like to travel just for the sake of a holiday.
CF: Best destination you have ever been to and why?
DN: Padang, Indonesia. I flew there with almost no knowledge of the country. It was filled with surprises from the first day to the last. Luckily, I was hosted by a local family and I received guidance and support from a group of local students on how to get around. I was fascinated to discover the strong remaining culture of Minangkabau and the Indonesian youth culture that is not exposed enough to the rest of the world. The Minangs are the world’s largest matrilineal ethnic group. The mix of Minang and Islamic culture seems to create harmonious gender/family relationships and a welcoming community. The street fashion scene in Padang is buzzing and evolving and you can find many independent fashion labels founded by young local designers. They are mostly punk/skater inspired; something unexpected from the religiously strict youth of Padang.
CF: What is your favourite mobile travel app?
DN: Google maps? I’m not much of a technology person. I don’t own any of the latest travel gadgets. I’m hopeless with directions and always manage to get lost, so I suppose having a map app would save me from unnecessary troubles.
CF: How important do you think social media is in planning your trip?
DN: Very important. That is where you get information and tips that travel guidebooks don’t tell you about. It’s definitely changing the way people travel and should be utilised a lot more. For example, while I was exploring Padang, I discovered a number of amazing beaches just by word of mouth on social media websites.
CF: When you fly, is there a tip you can share to make the experience a great one?
DN: Nothing special. Dress as comfy as possible. People really don’t care about how sharp you’re looking on a plane these days.
CF: Do you have one sentence that you always learn before you travel to a new destination?
DN: Is this spicy?
CF: If you could sit next to anyone in the world during a long-haul flight, who would you pick and why? And is there anyone else you would avoid?
DN: Someone quiet. I would like to avoid anyone dying to find someone to talk to. I’ve never enjoyed talking on flights. You have to yell at one another in order to communicate. It’s tiring and conversations eventually wear off anyway. Then you get this awkward silence of not knowing whether you should continue speaking or not. I prefer to focus on getting some sleep during a flight.
(Minangkabau image: ivanatman)
