Tell us something about yourself (what you do/ hobbies, etc.)

I love spending time with my family, travelling, outdoor activities, theatre and tennis

How often do you travel?

Relatively often. Andrea (my husband) and I try to organise a big one, once a year to some far off place for a bit of an adventure. We also try to ski once a year, then we do enjoy the odd Sicily trip and weekend breaks.

Do you remember your first time abroad and can you tell us about it?

I used to travel to the UK to visit my grandad when I was very little, I don’t remember much, mostly the fact that there were lots of trees and grass.

Best holiday ever and why?

That’s a tough one, possibly India. The people were wonderful and I couldn’t get enough of the veggie curries. From the awe inspiring Taj Mahal to the spice markets, luxury desert camps, thieving macaques, cows roaming the busy streets or the incredible views of the Lake Palace, India is full of colour and adventure.

We also loved Borneo though, it was our first far-off trip with our kids and watching them experience this amazing place was half the fun for us. It was an adventure-packed trip... we spent a few nights with locals in a house in the jungle in Lemanak, washed in the river and shared meals with the locals, saw Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys and many other species close up and trekked through jungle.

Which place would you never visit and why?

At this point in time, I’m not crazy about the idea of travelling to the Middle East – but I don’t think there is a place that I would categorically never visit.

Best travel companion?

My husband Andrea. We love the same things.

And what’s the worst your travel companion could do?

Keep me waiting.

What do you usually look for when you travel?

When it’s a long haul trip I look for adventure, outdoors, culture shock. If it’s a weekend break, I’d look for comfort and a central location.

The perfect holiday would be…

In the wilderness, spotting wild life, a bit of adventure like rock-climbing, canopy walking, a trek or white water rafting, followed by a tasty local meal in the home of a local family and ending up in a lovely, comfy hotel.

To experience first-hand what had helped darwin come up with his theory of evolution is pretty sensational

What’s the furthest you’ve been from home?

On the one side Turtle island in the Sulu Sea (also in line with Beijing which we visited this year); on the other, The Galapagos Islands, off Ecuador.

Package tours or DIY?

DIY. Absolutely.

What’s the best travel advice you can give?

Book your flight tickets first thing and well in advance. Aside from better rates, you’ve committed yourself to that holiday and can’t make excuses to back out!

What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

Your kids are too young to travel to such a far-off and exotic place.

Flying – hate it/love it/neutral?

Dislike it profusely. Since having kids and the older I get, the less I like flying. I guess one becomes more aware of their mortality as they get older and the repercussions of leaving your kids orphans gets your mind wandering in directions it shouldn’t.

The one place you never get tired of visiting?

I’m not a fan of visiting the same place regularly; I’d rather explore new places if I can. But a weekend break in London every so often is always fun.

Describe one memory that stuck with you from a place.

The Galapagos Islands was an awe inspiring experience. Probably one of the few places on Earth where animals rule and aren’t afraid of humans… birds land in your palm, you swim and play with baby sea lions (unless you see a ball, then best swim off!), sharks swim uninterestedly beneath you, albatrosses clumsily take off right in front of your nose and what’s not to love about Blue Footed Boobies! Of course, just being able to explore and appreciate the various islands and to experience first-hand what had helped Darwin come up with his theory of evolution, is pretty sensational.

You met the coolest people at…

Chang Mai, Thaliand… in the days when we were younger and more carefree we’d backpack without pre-planning and one time found ourselves celebrating New Year’s Eve on a river bank in the north of Thailand with a wonderful bunch of strangers from all around the world.

Your best budget tip to save money on holiday?

When using a travel agent for far-off places avoid going for the big commercial UK or US companies that charge a fortune. Research into the best (accredited) local tour operators.

If you actually had to live away from Malta, where would you pick?

Boringly enough probably the UK, because it feels like my second home, having lived there for some years.

What’s the one thing you would never do in a foreign country?

Swim with Piranhas…

Anything on your travel bucket list?

New Zealand, I want to run like Legolas over the glades.

Travel is important to you because... ?

It allows me quality time with people I love. I get to break away from work and worries. I feel free.

What has travel taught you?

Even though I’ve visited some amazing places, met wonderful people and tasted the most flavoursome foods, I always appreciate how lucky I am to live on our little rock. The fact that Malta is so small means that friends and family are always close by and that’s what counts more in life – to me anyway. There’s no place like home!