Name: Kate
Favourite Destinations: I love experiences and places that put things into perspective and make you realise that the world is an amazing place. Iguassu Falls, watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat and looking up at the stars from the Inca Trail were all incredible, humbling experiences. As for countries I love the beaches, favelas and Samba vibes of Brazil, and I’ve never had a bad holiday in Italy. The food, language, history, weather and unique and romantic cities – it’s got it all.
First Holiday Destination: A family holiday to Majorca as a kid – my mum and dad saved all year for it and on the first day I had an accident in the pool and needed stitches. I couldn’t go near the beach for the rest of the holiday…
Next on the Bucket List: It’s tough to call but it would be a toss-up between some sort of experience, or paradise. The Maldives, Caribbean, a Kenyan Safari, Cinque Terra, India, Northern Lights, Cuba, Bolivian Salt Plains, Patagonia and a trek up Kilimanjaro are all on the list. I’ve always wanted to stay in one of those glass igloos in Finnish Lapland too.
Favourite destination in the UK: Liverpool is a great city but it’s got to be London – there’s always a buzz and something new to see and do, from museums and shows to rooftop bars and world-class restaurants. And it’s on the doorstep!
Best travel tip: It’s a well-known joke that I’m an advocate of the money wallet (AKA under clothes bum bag)! I’ve taken mine round the world with me and it’s kept my money and passport safe on some potentially tricky journeys and areas. Let’s just say that I was pleased when I saw Rihanna one wearing one earlier this year…
Funniest travel story: Whilst in Laos I thought it would be a great idea to have a go on a trapeze over the river. Having not done anything like that in a few years and not knowing my own body weight, I let go mid-flight and my gracefully planned swing turned into a flying squirrel and I landed with the biggest belly flop going in front of my fellow travellers and loads of people on the banks. I emerged from the water with a blue stomach – they all thought it was hilarious.
Specialist tours/events: Wimbledon, Italy, Royal Ascot and Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey).
Favourite show in the West End: One of the classics – Blood Brothers was good and I really enjoyed Phantom and Les Mis. West Side Story is my all-time fave, I’m waiting for it to come back.
Favourite event: I was lucky enough to be at Wimbledon Men’s Final Day and the atmosphere was electric – we obviously didn’t have tickets to the final itself but it a really great crowd of people, very civilised and still offered great tennis on a hot summer’s day.