My travel life: Australian opera singer Taryn Fiebig

ANY PASSPORT MISHAPS?

My New Zealander husband and I went to check in for a holiday to South Africa when we discovered a new rule had just come into place that Kiwis needed a visa – and he didn't have one. So I flew off while he drove from Sydney to the South African consulate in Canberra to get one and catch a flight the next day. Meanwhile, I arrived in Johannesburg alone in the dead of night, picked up the hire car with a GPS not working and turned left straight into the ghettoes ... We learnt an important lesson that day.

I CAN'T STOP GOING BACK TO

The UK, and Israel; it's hard to choose between them. The West End, the history, my heritage, home away from home, it feels right. But Israel is such an astonishing place.

MY LAST TRAVEL DESTINATION WAS

The UK and Europe with my family. We took the kids for the first time and we crammed it in – London, Paris, Vienna, Salzburg. We saw everything and polished it off by seeing our great mates performing; Nicole Car in Paris in La Boheme and Margaret Plummer at the Vienna State Opera in Hansel and Gretel. It doesn't get much better than that.

MY NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION IS

Greece in July, where I'm hoping to go to my dear friend's wedding, see my godson ride in the cycling competition, Maratona dles Dolomites, and then back to Vienna to sing in a recital with Margaret Plummer. I am also really looking forward to heading to the Kimberley with APT and Opera Australia for their new Opera in the Kimberley concerts this September. What a spectacular space to sing opera! I've always wanted to go; it's been on my bucket list for an age and now to be singing there as well, I know I'm in for lifelong memories and a sensory overload.

I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO

Seeing people fulfil their dreams, myself included.

WHAT I REALLY WANT FROM MY NEXT TRIP IS

A celebration. I found out last time I was in Vienna that I had ovarian cancer, I was operated on there and flew home early to Australia. I'm going back to Vienna to perform to friends, family and the amazing medical staff to show my gratitude.

I LOVE TO TRAVEL BECAUSE

It connects me to the rest of the world and its culture, beauty and people. I am always amazed at how different and essentially similar we all are.

MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY IS

If it can all go in hand luggage, then do that. Less is most definitely more.

THE ONE TRAVEL MISTAKE I ALWAYS MAKE IS

Never going for long enough.

THE ONE THING I REALLY DO GET RIGHT WHEN I TRAVEL IS

Preparing myself for the flight, being well-hydrated, having comfortable clothing, turning my clock to my destination time zone and being in that zone from the get-go.

IF I HAD TO SIT IN THE MIDDLE SEAT THE OTHER PASSENGERS I'D WANT ON EITHER SIDE OF ME WOULD BE

Actor Richard E. Grant because I love him and we worked together in My Fair Lady years ago. We've kept in contact and it's always so lovely to hear and see his news and success. On the other side, without question, would be Meryl Streep. I'm not sure I would be speaking straight up, just staring and studying her every fibre – not creepy at all.

THE ONE FAMOUS TRAVELLER I REALLY ADMIRE IS

Prince Harry. I know that's probably very anti-republic, but I truly admire him and his brother. Can you imagine having their life?! No, thank you. With Harry, you sense he's a genuine person who, fortunately for him, has a real interest in, and love of, all people.

THE ONE FAMOUS PERSON I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH IS

My Dad. He wasn't famous on a world stage but, as a mentor and an inspiration to me, he was top of the list. In particular of late, I really miss him.

AIRLINE FOOD IS

Improving! I have always, ever since that first trip as a kid, loved the individual compartments of food ...

AIRPORT SECURITY IS

Over the top now ... they must have a pile of scissors and eyebrow tweezers the size of Everest.

HOTELS ARE

My happy place with crisp white sheets that I adore.

I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO

Denmark and Sweden, because I imagine before my clan settled in the UK, we were on longboats out of Scandinavia.

I'VE NEVER WANTED TO GO TO

The Middle East. I'm not into supporting those countries that suppress women.

AISLE OR WINDOW?

Window. I love the view on arrival and the place to pop your pillow.

Taryn will be singing at Cathedral Gorge for two performances, marking a new partnership between Opera Australia and travel company APT, for guests on APT's 15-day Kimberley Complete tour departing September 5, 6 and 7, or its nine-day El Questro, Gorges and Purnululu itinerary, departing September 8. Phone 1300 196 420. See aptouring.com.au