By Paul Ewart
The Spanish steps in Rome, Italy.
WHICH WAS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY?
I went to Rome a few years back with my partner, Mark, and we stayed in this cool little apartment near the Spanish Steps. I remember some of the best shops I've ever seen - the shoes, oh the shoes!
AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN?
Melinda Schneider.
I'd have to say The Mondrian in LA. Beautiful rooms, great movie star spotting and great staff, who treat you like royalty. The Skybar has the best vibe of any hotel bar I've been to, it has a stunning rooftop pool surrounded by massive beds with curtains that billow in the breeze. It's the best place for a cocktail any time of the day or night.
WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?
Excitement. There's nothing like that jittery, slightly stressed feeling when you step on that plane. You know, like when you are racking your brain about whether you have forgotten something, or forgotten to turn the stove off! It's too late, you just sit back and let all your worries roll away and enjoy the ride.
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY?
Great company, an easygoing nature and heaps of shopping money, oh, and a spare suitcase.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?
I always believe it's better to go with the flow on holiday. Some people organise their time to the last second and rush around exhausting themselves, but I think there's a lot to be said for sitting in a cafe, people watching and just soaking up the energy of the place.
AND YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY?
Ah, now that would have been back in my early 20s, with Mr Wrong. They always say you don't really know somebody until you live with them or go away on a holiday with them. So true.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PACKING MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE?
This is one I make over and over again: I pack too much and end up having to lug a hulking suitcase all over the place, I just can't help it. I do the same with food; my eyes are bigger than my belly.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
Africa. There's a place called Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where the giraffes poke their heads through your bedroom window and you can feed them in the morning. I'd love that.
Melinda is performing at on Thursday August 27 at The Gympie Music Muster. For tickets see muster.com.au
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