Holiday horror: At Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow.Credit: Getty Images
Wherever you are, beware remote controls, advises David Reyne.
WHICH WAS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY?
Often the best holidays are so bad they're memorable, as was the case when I spent a fortnight in Moscow in 1998 filming for Getaway. The hotel was cavernous, but my room only had a lumpy single bed. The moment I arrived in my room the phone would ring and a man would ask, "You need Russian girl?" Every time.
David Reyne.
AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN?
Filming a couple of legs of a scenic tour of Canada we were put up in Fairmont Hotels, many of which were built in the late 1800s. These hotels are like grand and glorious castles. At the Banff Springs Hotel you half-expect to be served the leg of a suckling pig fresh from the spit while armoured warriors stoush for the hand of a fair maiden.
WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?
More underpants than I could possibly ever use. I've been in the Middle East on a couple of occasions when the previous night's goat dish has revisited, and although I've always managed to excuse myself in a timely manner, I'm forever wary of the moment I may not.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?
I once read that the most unhygienic feature of a hotel room was the television remote control. Apparently some people shed their clothes, tune into the TV and relieve any itch with the remote. I always travel with antiseptic wipes and give the thing a damn good freshen up when I arrive.
AND YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY?
Finding myself on my back, motorbike on top of me, a boot on my forehead grinding my head into a Bali drain and a knife at my throat. It was a long story of mistaken identity, but I wished I'd packed extra underpants.
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?
I'm yet to visit Vietnam, but the very fine Getaway cameramen and sound recordists have remarked on how it is truly the new paradise.
David Reyne is currently appearing on Getaway, where he is in Canada with Scenic Tours.
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