How often do you travel?
I try to travel at least once a year.
One of the food markets at Ko Phangan, Thailand.Your first time abroad?
My first trip abroad was with my father when I was six years old. I took part in the Zecchino d’Oro festival in Italy.
Best holiday ever?
Holidays should be fun. I think I have always enjoyed my holidays, so… the best holiday is… everytime.
Which place would you never visit?
War-torn countries and religious fundamentalist countries.
Best travel companion?
Myself, a few friends and my son Jamie.
And what’s the worst your travel companion could do?
Moan, make too many demands and not give me enough me time.
What do you usually look for when you travel?
I like to go on quiet islands where the weather is hot, the beaches and the scenery stunning, the food delicious, the locals friendly and the way of life, calm and relaxed. Thailand fits all this.
Travelling can teach you to be thankful and appreciative of what you have
The perfect holiday would be?
As above, of course.
What’s the furthest you’ve been from home?
The Philippines – such a beautiful place.
Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the largest religious monument in the world and another Unesco World Heritage site.Package tours or DIY?
Definitely DIY.
What the best travel advice you can give?
Go with the flow.
And the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
Go clubbing.
Flying – hate it/love it/neutral?
Tolerable.
The one place you never get tired of visiting?
Thailand.
One of Vinny’s favourite Thai delicacies, Pineapple Fried Rice.Describe one memory that stuck with you.
The terrible bus ride from Port Barton to Puerto Princessa (The Philippines), the stunning 14km beach in San Vincent (same country), the smiles of the village people in remote areas of Pai (Thailand), the amazing view from Eagle’s Nest (Germany) and Salzburg, which is so beautiful. Oh, and amazing Angkor Wat (Cambodia).
You met the coolest people in?
Valletta city.
Your best budget tip to save money on holiday?
Eat and shop where the locals do.
If you actually had to live away from Malta, where would you pick?
Thailand again.
What’s the one thing you would never do in a foreign country?
Upset or in any way offend the locals.
Anything on your travel bucket list?
Bali, Sri Lanka.
Vinny and his son Jamie at one of their favourite spots, The Eagle’s Nest in Germany. The place was originally built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.
Vinny’s best budget-saving tip: eat where the locals do.Travel is important to you because?
I can get away from crowded and hectic Malta. But seriously, travelling can teach you to be appreciative of what you have. It is also an educational process and an eye-opener.
What has travel taught you?
Travelling to Asia has taught me to be thankful for what I have, to be humble and to remember that there is a whole, wide world outside this rock.
Where would you retire and why?
Thailand for all the above reasons. Am working on it!