How often do you travel?

Quite a few time a year, I would say between four and five times. Lately I’ve been taking shorter trips of four to five day, usually city breaks as city exploration is more my kind of relaxation. I do a lot of last minute bookings, the choice usually being between cities in Italy, or Paris in France.

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

Apart from holidaying with my parents, this was probably London, on my own, when I was about 16. My very first holiday alone at the only city I was somewhat familiar with at the time, having been there already with my family. I mostly spent it hanging out with friends at clubs and bars and shopping, the obvious stuff.

Best holiday ever and why?

New York, over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This was a bit of a surprise, because I’m not actually someone who is very into Christmas, but the atmosphere was incredible. Thankfully, there was no snow. This was also a longer trip than I’m used to making usually; I didn’t do a lot of touristy things, but I enjoyed taking everything in. I remember particularly loving the Meatpacking District and seeing the amazingly decorated shop windows at Bergorf Goodmann, on Fifth Avenue.

Which place would you never visit and why?

I avoid places where there is strife, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t visit in calmer times. There is no place where I wouldn’t visit because of its inherent characteristics. There are places that I find less interesting than others; I’m not one for resorts, for instance. I was also biased against Sicily, until I went over for a wedding and loved it, so now I want to go again. I do try to avoid travelling during high season, though. You can’t fully appreciate a place when it’s too crowded.

What do you usually look for when you travel?

Architecture, food, museums, people-watching, soaking the different cultures and seeing how other people dress, behave and so forth.

Best travel companion?

My partner; we have a lot of interests in common, of course.

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

Make too many plans. But usually I’m the one doing the planning, so this does not really happen.

I like to be flexible and my planning consists mostly in marking stuff on Google Maps

I typically come up with a rough plan of what to do, points to hit and so forth…but it’s definitely not a schedule. I like to be flexible and my planning consists mostly in marking stuff on Google Maps and trying to make sure I hit some of them.

The perfect holiday would be?

It depends on the time of year. It we’re talking January and February, I would say picking somewhere to stimulate the mind and to remove from the gloom of winter. Somewhere to take things slow and enjoy good food. In sunnier weather, Paris – shopping at St Germain de Prés, with the usual stop at Buly 1803, the iconic perfumery, and Cire Trudon. The perfect holiday would include a stop at the Roses Costes Dani Roses on Rue Saint-Honoré and sipping coffee while watching the Parisians go by.

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

Los Angeles. It was partially a working holiday, taking photos for a music video. Enjoyed it, but I still prefer New York.

Package tours or DIY?

DIY. I did go on a package holiday once, but happily it was too long ago to remember.

What the best travel advice you can give?

Pack light and don’t waste time, especially if you’re on a short trip. Don’t over plan things, give yourself time to absorb the culture and what’s around you. It’s important to get the feel of a place.

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

I don’t usually seek advice when it comes to travel. Maybe some bad restaurant recommendation, that’s as far as bad advice would go.

Flying – hate it/love it/neutral?

I don’t particularly enjoy it, especially long-haul. There’s a limit to the amount of magazines I’m prepared to read, or the number of in-flight films that will keep me amused.

The one place you never get tired of visiting?

Paris. Even just for the Pierre Hermé macaroons. I just love sitting outside in cafes, even if it’s freezing. And also for the antiques market Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen that’s just outside of the city.

Describe one memory that stuck with you from a place.

A recent hotel I stayed at in Rome, G-Rough. The décor was stunning, with mid-century Italian furniture. I want to retire there.

You met the coolest people in?

I like the French and the Italians in different ways. When it comes to men, it’s Florentines, and Italians in general, for their sense of style.When it comes to women, I prefer the French, with their understated elegance and their way of making black anything but boring.

I try to avoid travelling during high season, though. You can’t fully appreciate a place when it’s too crowded

Your best budget tip to save money on holiday?

Book flights well ahead of time, if you can. That’s my main thing. Avoid peak season and tourist traps. And, if you know people who live there, ask them for non-touristy places to visit.

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

For sure, it’d have to be a city. New York, for it’s cosmopolitan feel and diversity.

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

Anything I wouldn’t do in Malta.

I don’t make a major distinction between my behaviour in Malta and that on holiday. It’s just a different country, and I take a very non-touristy approach.

Anything on your travel bucket list?

India or Japan, but time is always a problem. I usually pick places that are closer to Malta, for planning and work purposes.

Travel is important to you because?

We are a small country. Sometimes you just need to get out of the island and open yourself to different cultures. And I need to see art, architecture and so forth to get inspired. I do get island fever, sometimes. Even if I go away just for one exhibition and then come back a couple of days later, it makes a difference.

What has travel taught you?

When travelling, you come across the unexpected – whether it’s beauty where you didn’t think you’d find it, or even the harsher side of life, like poverty. There’s also the obvious, like appreciating diversity of cultures, of course.

Where would you retire and why?

Florence, because it’s small than Paris but has all the charms. The food is exquisite and it’s also relatively flat, so it’s easier to get around. With little effort, you can live a good life surrounded by beauty.