Get to Know Me
Why do I travel?
One word. Food
What inspires me to travel?
When I travel and meet so many different people I realise that anything is possible, no matter how fortunate some can be.
What does luxury mean to me?
Something, someone, somewhere that makes me or the place I feel special
My favourite book or documentary?
The first documentary that inspired me to travel was Michael Palin’s Himalaya. Images of him at Wagah border in Amritsar still make me giggle.
Most memorable travel experience and why?
This has to be my recent trip to the Maldives. The feeling of adventure when flying in a little twin-engine seaplane, to drop down to a tiny island in the middle of nowhere with my best travelling pal hubby was something I will never forget.
Most memorable wildlife experience?
Watching as leopard walked closer and closer to me for 10 minutes in the middle of Kanha national park, India
The trip I am still talking about?
I am lucky enough to be able to talk about all of them on a daily basis. We have the best job.
The most remote place I have been?
Papua New Guinea
The coldest, driest, windiest, highest?
Tadoba national park has to be the hottest place I have ever visited. It was in early April, the best time to see tigers but the hottest time for us humans. It reached over 45c.
The driest has to be the Empty Quarter desert in Oman, we drove for hours seeing only dunes and bright blue skies.
Anything achieved on a trip?
I am so proud to say that I have my PADI. A tricky thing for a person who can’t equalise.
Favourite hotel?
Taj Mumbai Palace Mumbai. For everything, its staff have gone through and for everything it has stood for over the years. People from all walks of life aspire to go inside and it is wonderful to hear how proud Mumbaikars are of the hotel.
My favourite city?
St Petersburg for my love art. Everything from the drainpipes to the palaces has been designed with exquisite detail.
Worst travel experience?
Getting stuck in an overturned jeep during a thunderstorm in Yala national park whilst a leopard watched on from the shelter of bush close by.
Most embarrassing?
I can’t say. It is too embarrassing.
The best piece of travel advice?
Don’t take too much advice. Pick someone you trust otherwise it can get too confusing.
One essential not to leave home without?
A sense of humour.
In what place am I happiest?
Anywhere that I can eat fresh local food with either local people or friends and family.
Where next?
Bhutan.