Holidays in Scarborough during the late 70's and early 80's. A self-catering flat in the North Bay, rowing boats by day and brightly coloured lights at dusk at Peasholm Park. The little train at Scalby Mills. Swimming at the open-air baths. The chair-lift. Waffles from the waffle shop. Being taken to see Star Wars at The Futurist with my Dad in 1977. My mother setting fire to the chops and the fire brigade being called out and the flat smelling and tasting of smoke for the remainder of the holiday.
Favourite place in the British Isles?
The Highlands of Scotland. I love their drama and mystery and their sheer jaw-dropping beauty.
Best holiday?
My first holiday without my parents is one I remember fondly. Two weeks with a couple of friends in a tent on a campsite near St Tropez, in the South of France.
Cuba was also a country that fascinated me. It was hard-work at times, but the people, the sights, the music, the politics and all the curious contradictions in between is something that's stayed with me in the years since my visit.
But probably my best holiday was the three month trip I took in 2012.
What have you learnt from your travels?
People's need to communicate and connect with other people is universal. The world is not as big as we might think. There is beauty and wonder in the most unlikely places. And there appears to be an Irish pub in practically every country in the world!
Ideal travelling companion?
Someone practically minded, organised and easy-going, who wouldn’t be offended if I wanted to go off on my own for a few hours. Someone who finds wonder in the smallest of things and is content to just 'be'.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
Culture vulture, without a doubt. I love the sights, smells and tastes of a new place as well as the history, architecture, art galleries and museums. Much more interesting to me than lying on a beach or flinging myself off something big and scary.
Greatest travel luxury?
Apart from unlimited time and resources to be able to travel, my greatest luxury would be an iPad Mini. I travelled round SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand planning and booking everything with my iPhone. My eyesight isn’t what it was, so a bigger screen would come in handy.
Holiday reading?
I took Anna Karenina on my three month trip. It took me practically the entire trip to finish it. Otherwise, something with a bit of intrigue, a thriller or a mystery perhaps.
Where has seduced you?
Cambodia and Laos utterly utterly seduced me when I went there in 2012. Cambodia, despite its horrific history, has a dignity and grace that is reflected in the gentle smiles and kindly disposition of her people. And Laos is just a breathtaking country with beautiful people.
Better to travel or to arrive?
I enjoy both. I enjoy the anticipation of the journey and the planning leading up to it, but I also enjoy arriving and being able to finally explore your destination.
Best hotel?
Hotel Icon, Kowloon, Hong Kong. An oasis of style and calm at the end of a three month trip, with stunning views over Victoria Harbour.
Best meal abroad?
A traditional Vietnamese 'clay pot' meal I had in Nha Trang, Vietnam was beyond description, but the meal I had in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a simple vegetarian 'Khmer' potato curry, was outstanding.
Favourite city?
Dublin. My spiritual home. I also like New York.
Where next?
Iceland and South America.
Where next?
Iceland and South America.