Tell us something about yourself

I have been working in different areas of the travel industry for the past 21 years. I love music, reading, music, movies (mostly non-fiction), music, travelling, music, selected sports and last but not least, music. I’ve been involved in the local music scene since I was a teenager, mostly as a music journalist and through my weekly radio show Rockna on Radio 101.

How often do you travel?

Between two to three times a year, mostly visiting my wife’s family in Holland.

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

The first time I travelled was with my family when I was four. We went to Catania and I still have quite a few memories of it.

Best holiday ever and why?

So far, it would have to be South Africa. My wife and I went on a severely belated honeymoon, 11 years after getting married. It was everything we expected it to be and more. Exotic, scenic and exciting.

Which place would you never visit and why?

I believe every place has a different experience to offer, so there’s no place I would never visit, just places I’ll postpone going to depending on safety issues.

Best travel companion?

My wife. We always have a good laugh and great timetravelling together.

Holland is particularly special, because my wife’s family lives there, but also because the country is totally awesome

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

Moan and whine, but it’s never happened when my wife and I travel together.

What do you usually look for when you travel?

Nothing in particular. Sometimes I travel to see a concert, sometimes it’s a family visit and occasionally it’ll be something exotic. But you can rest assured that if there’s a cathedral around, I will want to go in.

The perfect holiday would be?

One with no hitches and glitches. It could be any-where, as long as the luggage gets there, there are no delays and whatever has been booked is provided.

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

Beijing, in China. I went with some colleagues from work. It was quite interesting, overall. We visited too many temples than I care to remember, but the Forbidden City and the Great Wall will forever remain etched in my mind.

Package tours or DIY?

I’ve never really travelled with a group, though I’ve been tempted to a few times. Most times I take care of everything myself, but it never hurts to seek advice.

What the best travel advice you can give?

Read up about the places you’re visiting and, better still, if you know anyone who’s been there already get that first-hand information too. Not everything can be found in books or online.

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

It hasn’t happ ened yet, thankfully.

Flying – hate it/love it/neutral?

I don’t mind flying at all. Once I step onto the plane I simply tell myself my life is now in someone else’s hands. Then I take out something to read and put on my headphones (and usually doze off for a bit too).

But I’ve met quite a few unforgettable characters during my travels, mostly in London

The one place you never get tired of visiting?

Not one, but two. England and Holland, for different reasons, of course. England is my first love, London especially, but I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few other places in the UK. Holland is particularly special, because my wife’s family lives there, but also because the country is totally awesome, especially as you go further away from Amsterdam and get acquainted with the real Holland.

Describe one memory that stuck with you from a place.

There are several, but I’ll go with the first time I visited Geesteren in Holland, the village where my wife’s family lives. I was surprised it was so small.  Now that I’ve been there so many times, I love its cosiness.It’s very much like a close-knit Maltese town or village, where most people know each other. There’s gorgeous greenery everywhere, lots of space to go for walks and it looks absolutely stunning after it has snowed.

You met the coolest people in... ?

I’m not sure if ‘coolest’ is the right word, but I’ve met quite a few unforgettable characters during my travels, mostly in London.

Your best budget tip to save money on holiday?

Find out about public transport and how it works. Avoid the tourist traps and eat in the restaurants that the locals do.

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

Holland, without a doubt. The place is just so clean, beautiful and organised in general. The people are friendly and the food is great too.

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

I’m a bit particular about certain food and I’m not too keen on hard liquour either, so I definitely won’t try any local food and drink without asking about it first.

Anything on your travel bucket list?

The West Coast in the US, an Alaskan Cruise, Canada, India, Australia, Mexico... The list goes on and, when it ends, I’ll simply start over. I’d also love to go on a longer vacation, possibly around Europe by train or car, stopping off at the smaller towns rather than just the big cities.

Travel is important to you because... ?

It is always exciting to see new places, meet new people, find out about different traditions. I see travel as an important chapter of the lessons we learn as we go through life.

What has travel taught you?

Lots of stuff, really, but especially not to read too much into the clichés that some places are lumped with.

Where would you retire and why?

I’ll probably stay in Malta. Overall, life’s really not as bad here as some make it out to be. A little more discipline, a few less bigots and we should be sorted. Also, I love the Maltese sun way too much.