Been there is all about the people, so each week we will be introducing you to some of our more prolific tipsters

This week, meet Jonathan Yee - aka jonyee. As a British born Chinese, Jonathan Yee loves the vibrant city life, endless shopping and fantastic food of Hong Kong, but it is Vancouver that has captures his imagination the most

Read Jonathan's travel tips here or read more about our other tippers.





A lot of your tips come from the far east - Hong Kong, Shanghai - are these places you have worked or lived in? What brought you over there?

I absolutely love Asia. Hong Kong is my favourite stopping point whenever in the region. As a British born Chinese, I feel that I have a special affinity and heritage with Hong Kong, and perhaps it's this (along with great food) that draws me to Hong Kong once a year. Hong Kong appeals to me on many levels, there's the vibrant city life, endless shopping (although the sterling's weakness has reduced its appeal slightly) and good food, from the simplest street stalls, to top of the range restaurants. I've got friends and family there too so it's a great place to meet. I hope that some of the tips I've provided have helped other users of Been there to get around Hong Kong and the surrounding areas.

The last time I visited, I was fortunate enough to be guided slightly off the tourist track to discover some more of 'real Hong Kong'. We went bike riding in the New Territories and it was a first for me (and I suspect it may be a first for most residents too!). Definitely another memorable time in Hong Kong. For those interested, go to Tai Po on the MTR (www.mtr.com.hk) take the main exit and turn left and you will see the bike hire shops. Bike lanes are present through the area but I'd recommend that you avoid them at the hottest times of the day (something I didn't do and paid for!)

Where is your current hometown?

I'm currently living in London. Big city life suits me well. I love the energy and the convenience of it all. Perhaps that's why I feel so much at home in densely populated places like Hong Kong. It's got its advantages and disadvantages. It used to be the case that the high London prices meant that everywhere else in the world seemed cheap by comparison. It also takes me a few days once on holiday to slow down my pace to the place I'm visiting - let's just say, it took me a little while to get used to the laid back Barbados life style!
One of my favourite places to take visitors to London is Borough market (http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk). They've got fresh produce stores and plenty of places service delicious food.

What inspires you to travel?

I was born in the Chinese year of the monkey. Monkeys are notorious for being curious and I think that holds true for me. My greatest inspiration for travel is to be able to explore new things, experience different cultures and escape from the normal daily routine. Travelling helps me appreciate the everyday things that I take for granted. I'm always very happy when travelling.

Do you come from a family of well travelled people or were you the first to branch out on your own?

When I was between the age of eight and 10 I was so fortunate as my dad got seconded to Taiwan and the family went along with him. This opened my eyes to the wider world, moving from a small village school in the UK to a huge international school in Taiwan was a great leap. Not least because it made me realise that there was so much to see in the world. I was very fortunate to travel a lot during those years, going around the world a couple of times. That's when I caught the travel bug. I sat there and thought to myself, I wish I could travel more. It actually motivated me as I was growing up as I wanted to study harder so that I could achieve more so that I could see the world. Here's hoping the hard work pays off!

Can you describe your travelling style in three words?

Hmm ... three words ... I'd have to go for 'luxury, comfort and ease'.

For me, the travel experience starts from the moment you reach the airport until you land back home. I like to spoil myself a little when I travel, so I make sure I research my desired destination properly beforehand, picking out the best hotel for location, price and features. I'm fortunate enough to be able to collect quite a few Frequent Flyer miles during the year either via my day to day shopping with my credit card or by flying. This usually means that I get to upgrade when flying long-haul which adds to the enjoyment and comfort.

I like to make sure I know where I'm going and how to get there. Once that's planned, I can enjoy the rest of the trip knowing that everything is organised and I don't have to worry about it. I then arm myself with a guide book and start to explore. I've experienced some great hotels during my travels. A few that stick out in my mind are the Suites at King, Toronto; Langham Place, Hong Kong; Wynn Las Vegas and Tango XiYi in Taipei.

What is your essential travel item?

I can't live without my technology, as it's technology that helps me going while on the move. Whether it's my phone, laptop or Ipod, I like the comfort of being able to be connected to anything or anyone at whenever I want. For example, my latest project is developing a website http://www.voucherkingdom.com - with the right technology, I can work on it anywhere I want, otherwise I would have to think twice about going away. Having the right gear also means that I can check out the most up to date things that are happening in the city I'm visiting.

Which place have you visited which has captured your imagination the most?

Good question. I think one of the most eye-opening destinations is Vancouver. There I was, walking around downtown Vancouver and was amazed that I could look up and see both the city, a mountain and even a beach all at the same time. Vancouver to me is the perfect habitat for humans. It's no surprise that it's consistently voted one of the best places on earth to live. Canadians are always so friendly, which really helps when travelling and you want to get some great local tips. I think the most impressive point of my trip was when I got to the top of the nearby mountain and managed to have a quick couple of hours skiing before heading back to the city for a fine dinner.

Do you prefer city breaks or more natural trips?

I'm very much a city person. I am someone who likes to be kept busy (I think I get that from my mum), so visiting cities means that I can have all the convenience of the city and a range of experiences.

What experience has stuck with you the most through all your travelling?

If at all possible, I try and take a bike ride whenever I visit a place. This all started when I went to Vancouver and rode around the most amazing park I've ever seen. Imagine a postcard and you'll only be half there. The scenery was majestic, the weather warm and everyone was happy. It may sound to good to be true but believe me it's true. Since Vancouver I've taken to bike riding in Hong Kong, Montreal and Geneva. Let's see where I can ride next.

Ipod or book?

I'm from the dot com generation so definitely an Ipod. Now that I can surf the web on it as well, I can stay connected with friends and family where ever I am in the world. Having said that, one travel essential for me is a good and up to date travel guide. I typically go for either Lonely Planet guides or Time Out as I think they have the best restaurant recommendations.

Do you have a plan of where you want to go to next?

I just love getting away and tend to plan and book my holidays well in advance that is unless I see a real bargain in which case I've been known to jump on a plane for quick weekend breaks to New York or Canada. My next trip will be to the Ice Hotel in Sweden. It's going to be bitterly cold but certainly an adventure of a lifetime. Beyond that, I've got Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney and Thailand in the diary for Easter and a friends wedding in Vancouver in the summer. I've not been to Dubai or Sydney before so look out for tips on here once I return!

Can you describe a weekend day in your hometown?

I tend to have a very intensive working week which means my weekends are usually relaxing and free. When I'm not travelling, I start my weekend routine with going to my personal trainer at the local gym. He keeps me alive and well since I sit behind a desk for the rest of the week. Then I may go out to visit friends or come back home to catch up with all the stuff that has piled up at home during the week (mainly the laundry!) I probably spend a little too much time daydreaming or planning trips too!

Are you a confident flyer?

I'm a bit (ok, perhaps slightly more) of a geek when it comes to flying. It probably comes from wanting to be a pilot when I was young. I absolutely love to fly. In fact, the longer the flight, the better. Time always seems to zoom by on flights. I've had some bumpy flights in my time when there's been poor weather, but I remain confident that flying is one of the safest forms of travel.

How old are you?

I'm 28 so hope that I've got many more years of travelling in me.

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