Today’s community spotlight features Kyriakos Markakis, an App in the Air fan who’s been with us for four years! Read on to find out what he loves about traveling, his favorite airports, destinations and more.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Chania, Greece but now based in the Netherlands. I’m a software engineer and travel regularly to attend work conferences and whenever I’ve needed to deliver projects to clients. But it goes without saying that I also very much enjoy leisure travel . I love visiting different places, exploring different cultures and meeting new people.
Tell us about your favorite destination or travel memory?
I’ve mostly visited European countries, but I’d say my favorite destination is Lyon in France. From my perspective it’s (very much) worth a visit — I’ve gone three times so far! It’s a wonderful city with really great food, so much history and amazing museums. There’s an incredible festival of lights in early December (called Fête des Lumières), that I love and made it a point to see again every year since. Pre-covid I was traveling at least once or twice a month. My top places were: Lisbon, Vienna, Lyon, Barcelona, Madrid, London, Dublin, Luxembourg and Stockholm to name a few. I think traveling allows you to see the world from a different perspective.
Do you have a favorite airport?
This depends . For example, the airport in Lyon has an amazing restaurant called Atelier des 2 Rives — literally the best food I’ve experienced in an airport. The first time I went I enjoyed a three course meal and now it’s my go to place whenever I head to Lyon. In terms of shopping, Barcelona airport is quite good with a wide variety of options. Paris Charles de Gaulle, is a big airport with plenty options but it really depends on what terminal you’re in. Another airport I like is Heathrow. I’ve only been to two terminals there but they have some great shopping and dining options.
Finally, Athens Airport is on my list, but that’s because it’s like a second home to me. While it is a smaller airport, everytime I enjoy the service, the people and frankly I just know where everything is.
When it’s safe to do so, where are you looking to travel?
Well I definitely want to go back to England. In these Corona times I’ve been watching some TV series that were based in Finland. The landscape and scenery just looks so beautiful and I’ve decided that “Yes I’d like to be there!” Another place on my bucket list is Iceland. I hope I’m lucky enough to catch the Aurora Borealis: that itself would be worth the visit.
Now let’s play a little game of this or that:
- Window or Aisle: Oh of course window! For me a trip by plane is an opportunity to experience the world from a different eye. You can’t explore this in an aisle seat.
- Resort/Hotel or Airbnb: Hotel. When I’m on vacation I don’t want to think about cooking or cleaning, so for me the choice is always a hotel.
- Boeing or Airbus: Definitely Airbus
- Street food or fine dining: Fine dining!
Any final comments?
I’ve had to cancel three trips (London, Chania, Dublin) so since the beginning of the year, I’ve stayed put in the Netherlands. I definitely miss travelling! I also just want to say that I really enjoy App in the Air. The service that you provide is invaluable and that’s why I’ve been using it for more than four years!
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