My travel life: Diana Chan, chef, writer and TV presenter, winner of Masterchef 2017

absolutely terrible. They never let you smile and I look like a crazy murderer.

I CAN'T STOP GOING BACK TO

Europe - I find travelling in Europe such a breeze and there's so much history and culture and great food and wine.

MY LAST TRAVEL DESTINATION WAS

Turkey, in October 2019. I was on holidays but met a friend of a friend there and had an absolutely incredible time.

MY NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION IS

Who knows? I'm quite spontaneous and always trying to think of new places to visit. I travel extensively and work allows me to do so. I am scheduled to be back in Malaysia and Singapore again soon.

I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO

new experiences, fun times and great food and culture. Oh and also some much needed R&R.

WHAT I REALLY WANT FROM MY NEXT TRIP IS

to see things I've never seen before and do new things, but also to have time to myself to relax and reset for the New Year.

I LOVE TO TRAVEL BECAUSE

I love learning about new cultures and meeting new people, and I love that travel puts you out of your comfort zone and can be challenging at times. I also love learning what people eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner - it's a reflection of their family history. Then there's seeing new landscapes, whether beautiful untouched terrain or sandy white beaches, having new adventures and trying different activities. Travelling excites me and makes me become more open-minded.

MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY IS

to go out and explore and see the world. There is so much out there that we have yet to discover. Travel changes you and leave marks on you, and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

THE ONE TRAVEL MISTAKE I ALWAYS MAKE IS

packing too many clothes.

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

meeting new people and doing things I've never done before.

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

[the late American celebrity chef, author and travel writer] Anthony Bourdain as I would love his wealth of travel and food knowledge. On the other side, [American actor and rapper] Will Smith. I follow him on Insta and I think he would make me laugh

THE ONE FAMOUS TRAVELLER I REALLY ADMIRE IS

Rick Stein, who's a legend in the food space and his love for travel, often to very remote and far flung places, is amazing. He's not intimidated by any food and will taste everything whether it looks edible or not.

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

[chef, restaurateur and former Masterchef judge] Gary Mehigan as he's funny, adventurous, knows a heap and would be up for anything.

AIRLINE FOOD IS

not my cup of tea.

AIRPORT SECURITY IS

very important and we should all respect it, and do as we are told as it is for our own protection

HOTELS ARE

generally wonderful places. I love arriving at a new place, stepping into a cool foyer and relaxing … and not having to make my own bed for the stay.

I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO

Beirut in Lebanon, Jordan, Argentina, Cuba and Egypt.

I'VE NEVER WANTED TO GO TO

North Korea - I wouldn't say I'll never go but it's not high on my travel destination wish list.

AISLE OR WINDOW?

It depends. If I'm flying business class, I always go for seat K as it's a window seat and alone, but if I'm flying economy, always the aisle so I can get up and get out as much as I like.