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

A freelance business development consultant with a flair for local music, an experienced event organiser and an enthusiastic social-media user. World cuisine is my life interest and tasting new flavours, delicatessens and eateries is one of the biggest joys for me. And, of course, like most men I love football.

How often do you travel?

I aim to travel a minimum of four times a year; however, it all depends on destinations I am looking at.

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

I actually don’t, since it happened at a very young age and I was on holiday with my parents (from whom I probably got my travel bug).

However, I remember my second trip abroad – a two-week school exchange in the Brittany region of France, specifically in Lanester. This was during my teenage years and we joined other students from all over Europe and the Mediterranean. I remember being overwhelmed by the customs and languages of all those cultures and I believe this deeply marked my life and interests.

Best holiday ever and why?

Each one was special for me in a different way. However, I must admit, that one of my latest holidays I had to opportunity to travel with my father and brother to Milan and watch an AC Milan game.

For me, it wasn’t the first time but it was special because it happened with my family. Pity we didn’t win that time!

I love Malta, but our limitations are hard to accept. A simple train ride is already an experience

Which place would you never visit and why?

Throughout my career I had many opportunities for business-travel, which I always welcomed and made the most of. I visited some cities that I never expected to visit like Skopje, Cairo, Istanbul and Atlanta. Before I went there, I would probably not have actually used my savings on a holiday there, but invariably, after leaving, found that I wanted to return to these places. And, on some occasions, I managed. The moral of the story is ‘never say never’.

Best travel companion?

I have been lucky to travel with some great companions, not to mention enjoying some bizarre experiences, too. However, I do need to know who I am travelling with a bit well. I am not picky but I need to understand the other person’s interests, first.

Although I did have a very uncommon (for me) experience when I made up my mind to do the Camino de Santiago. I enrolled in an organised expedition with the Inspire Foundation and I literally knew no one. The group was made up of 13 individuals who pretty much knew nothing of each other. But what an experience that was. I met some of the most wonderful people and I learned a lot from that trip and the people I was with.

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

Not appreciate the surroundings, whether we are visiting an urban city or the country. You need to appreciate and understand local customs.

What do you usually look for when you travel?

Great flavours and landmark locations make my experience complete. I can still smell and taste some of the greatest culinary experiences I had. Just to mention a few examples, top of the list are some Christmas villages in Prague, Liberec and Vienna – so many food stalls to choose from, each offering unique tastes. I wanted to try everything.

So many memories of amazing activities… a pint of pub-house craft Ale in Edinburgh, Liverpool or London pub; a Ramen noodle soup in Asakubashi, in metropolitan Tokyo; sipping an aperitivo while sitting on the Rialto stairs in Venice, Italy. This sort of thing is my ideal travel experience.

The perfect holiday would be... ?

I have promised myself that if things go well I will be heading to the great China. Right now, that would be the perfect holiday for me.

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

Japan, and it was my first ever long-haul trip. I was very sceptical how I was going to handle the journey there but, overall, I am grateful for this experience. Japan is spectacular. There are the lights and chaos in Tokyo and Osaka, the serenity and temples of Kyoto and Nara... a perfect destination If you love culture and food.

Just a week after my return from Japan it turned out that I had a business conference to attend to in Atlanta, US. It would had been easier to go there directly from Japan than travelling again across the globe.

Package tours or DIY?

My travel experience starts with the planning. I research on my destination and, as I already said, I know my companion. Some years ago I went to the Oktoberfest in Germany and, since that would had been my second call, I took upon me the responsibility of organising the trip for a group of seven friends. I was quite nervous at first, but it turned out well and everyone enjoyed the tour. So DIY, unless I’m running the tour myself.

Great flavours and landmark locations make my experience complete

What the best travel advice you can give?

Don’t be a tourist, be a traveller.

Flying – hate it/love it/neutral?

I hate it so much, particularly when I am on my way back home. But I keep myself amused by planning my next destination.

The one place you never get tired of visiting... ?

Definitely Berlin, a multicultural city with a great history, landmarks and events. I have visited Berlin three times already and all the time I managed to see a side of the city that I didn’t know before.

Rome is another city that you can never get tired of. There is no need to mention the obvious landmarks here, but if you love food this city is perfect, like anywhere in Italy, really. The Trastevere area is the perfect location to embrace the authentic Rome lifestyle.

Describe one memory that stuck with you from a place.

I’m still fascinated by the Japanese culture. Everything runs smoothly and in time. They queue for everything and the railway system runs punctually to the second. Even a street crossing is a work of urban art.

Then there was also the first time I experienced snow, on a mountain at the Czech-Polish border.

You met the coolest people in... ?

Greece; the islanders top my chart with their lifestyle. Cypriots are not far off in terms of fun, either. Although, I met the coolest travellers in Dublin.

Your best budget tip to save money on holiday?

Subscribe to airline and hotels newsletters. You never know from where you can get the next deal and unexpected holiday.

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

Has to be Berlin. Although, after visiting Dublin, I am a bit confused.

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

It’s heart-breaking but I don’t trust street beggars. You never know when it’s a scam or reality.

Anything on your travel bucket list?

How much space do I have? I already mentioned China, but would like to visit Austin, Texas, the US for a country-rock music experience and some destination that are closer to Malta, such as Teneriffe, Sevilla, Moscow… Lately I was thinking about Stockholm, too.

Travel is important to you because... ?

It gives me a new perception of size. I love Malta, but our limitations are hard to accept. A simple train ride is already an experience.

What has travel taught you?

To be tolerant. You can learn from everyone and from any experience.

Where would you retire and why?

Definitely Valletta. It’s where I grew up and lately it’s being discovered by international travel websites and topping many charts too. How can I move away from this gem?