Famous flyer: Chef Neil Perry's top travel tips

MY BEST HOLIDAY was eating my way around Tokyo. There is such diversity there and whether it's a simple meal of noodles or a 3-Michelin-Star sushi restaurant, Japan has it covered with high-quality seasonal produce, great sake and exceptional service. It's always bustling and busy, which I love, as well as being culturally rich and exciting.

THE BEST HOTEL I'VE STAYED IN is the Crosby Street Hotel in New York's Soho. It's a really cool hotel and is in a great location, close to shops and some of New York City's best restaurants. It also has an awesome courtyard at the back for enjoying a quiet drink before heading out for dinner. The Upper House in Hong Kong is another favourite.

I ALWAYS TAKE my La Mer products. My wife, Sam, introduced me to La Mer many years ago and their moisturiser and serum are an essential part of my daily routine. They are always the first things I pack, together with my electric toothbrush, which is a must.

THE INGREDIENTS FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY INCLUDE great weather, good food and wine – an essential part of my holidays – and my wife and daughters. I find it quite difficult to sit and do nothing, so I like holidays that include an activity. Skiing and safaris are my absolute preference.

THE BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE is to always be organised and safety aware. Have a plan of where you want to stay, the restaurants you want to eat at and the attractions you want to visit, and make the necessary bookings before you leave home. Avoid areas where you might feel out of your comfort zone and always keep your personal belongings safe.

MY WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY was when we went to Bali for a week and the whole family got Bali belly. We couldn't leave our hotel room for days and needed a holiday when we got back. Not pleasant.

MY BIGGEST PACKING MISTAKE was forgetting the belt that goes with my favourite suit and also the charger for my electric toothbrush.

NEXT ON MY LIST I'm looking forward to visiting Buenos Aires to sample all the awesome food, including the renowned Argentinian beef. My friend and fellow chef Francis Mallman lives there. He is renowned for cooking with fire – over it, under it, in it and around it – and I want to spend some time with him, sampling his open-fire approach to cooking meat.

Neil Perry is one of Australia's most awarded chefs. He manages seven dining venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, including the new Eleven Bridge in Sydney at the famed Rockpool site. He is set to host "An Appetite for Paradise" – an exclusive five-course dinner at One&Only Hayman Island and One&Only Wolgan Valley in collaboration with MasterCard. To book see priceless.com.