One half of Lim + Lu, an award-winning inter-disciplinary architectural design practice based in Hong Kong, Elaine Lu shares her travel tips and tricks


Last trip?

I went to Shanghai as a speaker for Design Shanghai. We also exhibited various Lim + Lu furniture and products at Design Republic for the Festival of Design, organized by Neri & Hu. Shanghai has a great design scene and we always love to visit.

Next trip?

Baltic Sea cruise from Copenhagen to St. Petersburg with family. We have an annual family summer trip- it’s always an amazing time to turn off for a few weeks and bond as a family. We’ve traveled from the usual destinations like Paris, Milan, Venice to safaris in Tanzania.

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Above Essaouira, Morocco (Photo: Courtesy of Elaine Lu)

What do you love the most about travelling?

Learning new cultures through people, food, and most importantly, art. Sometimes it’s purely about the breathtaking scenery.

Most memorable travel experience?

When my husband and I went to Iceland for our honeymoon. We rented a car and drove around Iceland. As we drove, we witnessed sights from all seasons. We ran behind waterfalls, saw dancing auroras, and hiked on ice. It was some the most unbelievable sights I’ve ever seen.

And the worst?

Eight years ago travelling from Rome to Hong Kong. A series of unfortunate events happened due to the misinformed airport staff. I was forced to buy a random and unnecessary flight out of Hong Kong and the check-in took so long that I couldn’t do three months worth of VAT tax return.

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Above Le Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech (Photo: Courtesy of Elaine Lu)

Three things you always travel with?

My phone, my neck pillow, and comfortable shoes.

What do you normally read on the plane?

When I’m not sleeping, I’m usually working on the plane (I’m writing this on the plane right now).

Favourite travel companion?

My husband and business partner. We always have a great time in each other’s company.

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Above Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate (Photo: Courtesy of Elaine Lu)

Aisle or window seat?

Window always. I feel more secure by the window.

Favourite travel app?

I use a website called Travefy to help with planning trips. It’s especially helpful for group travel.

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Above Monument Valley, Arizona (Photo: Courtesy of Elaine Lu)

Your best travel tip?

Don’t just stay in the hotel—go explore and immerse yourself. Don’t depend on your research for the best places to visit and eat- locals often give the best recommendations.

Any tips on overcoming jet lag?

I have difficulty sleeping on the plane, so taking nighttime flights always help. Try not to take naps during the day, just pull through and sleep at night. It always helps me adjust quickly.

What are the latest travel trends?

Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride over Istanbul, ice climbing in Iceland or cliff diving in the South of France, travellers are seeking unique experiences now more than ever.


As an architect, Elaine Lu is someone who appreciates products that balance style and function. For women like her who are always on the go, the following three products from Tumi are as fashion-forward as they are practical.

The Voyageur Aberdeen Crossbody is perfect for exploring a new city, while the Voyageur Hagen Backpack is ideal for more epic adventures like hiking. For seamlessly traveling from one destination to the next, it’s hard to go past the iconic Latitude Extended Trip Packing Case.

See Elaine's top picks from Tumi below:

The ’How I Travel’ series is presented by Tumi, a global leader of high-end suitcases and travel bags. Believing that life is a journey, their wide range of suitcases, totes, bags, and travel accessories are ready to accompany you every step of the way.

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