Tell us something about yourself.

I am 48 years old, a qualified nurse currently managing an old people’s residential facility. I have been married to Belinda for the past 25 years and we have two daughters, Jamie and Lisa. My hobbies range from music to music (if you know what I mean). I used to be part of alternative band Friday PM in the 1990s and to date I still DJ at various events, besides hosting weekly radio show Reverb showcasing indie and alternative sessions on DAB+ Radio every Sunday at 3pm, with repeats on Mondays and Wednesdays.

How often do you travel?

I travel twice to three times a year.

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

It was with my parents in 1979 when we visited family in Bristol, the UK, for a whole month. It was my first time boarding a plane (a British Airways Trident Three) and I still recall asking my dad, when sitting on the plane at five in the morning, whether this was for real or a dream. The weather throughout our stay was fantastic, so much so that I even got to swim in Waymouth. I treasure this experience since I got to meet family members from my mother’s side for the first time.

Best holiday ever and why?

The best holiday, although it started as work-related was my trip to Durban, South Africa, in 2009. My two-and-a-half week’s stay there flew by, but Durban remains the place I would be happy to travel back to once again. What struck me most is the contrast between those who have the most and those who have barely anything, but who somehow still manage to show a smile on their face. Oh, and the dancing in the streets, which certainly left an impression. I found South Africa to be a land of contrasts, such as the difference between the huge buildings and the open spaces.

Which place would you never visit and why?

I never like to say never, but at present I would certainly not visit a war zone area.

Best travel companion?

Best human companion would be my wife, best gadget would be my iPod.

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

It’s always awkward when two people who are travelling together have different ideas about what constitutes a good time. But, happily, this does not happen often to me.

What do you usually look for when you travel?

Mostly, my travelling is music-related. Therefore, I tend to look for good gigs by bands I follow. But I do like to add a touch of culture, as well.

The perfect holiday would be?

Somewhere cool, temperature-wise, a departure from our normal Mediterranean climate. Somewhere that literally helps me switch off from my normal routine.

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

South Africa.

Package tours or DIY?

DIY – for the simple reason that I like doing my own thing.

What the best travel advice you can give?

To know your whereabouts and to stick to the rules and regulations of the country one visits.

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

I can’t think of anything in particular.

Flying – hate it/love it/neutral?

I love it. My love for being in a plane is beyond imagination. I always look forward both to the take-off, when the speed increases enough for the aircraft to lift off, and to the landing, when the landing gears are down and those same speeds suddenly come to a halt.

The one place you never get tired of visiting?

Barcelona.

Describe one memory that stuck with you from a place.

Prague – the amount of people and the way they beg for money. This left an impression for the simple fact that they kneel down for hours on end, without moving, just like statues.

You met the coolest people at?

The Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, with people from all over the world and little Malta.

Your best budget tip to save money on holiday?

Plan ahead. Sometimes, it helps to look for accommodation and restaurants in residential, rather than tourist, areas because you can get so much more for your money.

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

Definitely Barcelona, for the people, the way of living and the beauty of the place.

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

Look for trouble, which could lead to getting arrested.

Anything on your travel bucket list?

The US, especially New York City.

Travel is important to you because... ?

It lets me switch off from my daily routine and gives me the opportunity to explore and try out new things.

What has travel taught you?

That each and every country has their own differences, but with good music and good wine everybody can get on.

Where would you retire and why?

My intentions are to retire on the rock, mostly for family reasons. But if I had to choose the next best place, this would be Barcelona once again.