Queensland's tropical spots, such as Mission Beach, lure Marina Prior. Credit: Tourism Queensland Photographer Andrew Rankin
Marina Prior, actor and singer, is one of the stars of Thoroughly Modern Millie, opening on Saturdayat the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne.
NUMBER OF COUNTRIES VISITED
I have probably visited about 15-20 countries
Marina Prior.Credit: © Steven Grace Photography
ANY PASSPORT MISHAPS?
I was born in Papua New Guinea, so when I needed a new passport several years ago, I had quite a bit of trouble proving that I was indeed an Australian citizen. I was travelling to Fiji for my wedding, and it really came down to the last minute as to whether I was going to be there or not. Everybody else was going, so it was nearly a big party minus the bride.
I GOT MY FIRST PASSPORT WHEN I WAS a baby, a New Guinean one.
MY PASSPORT PHOTO IS very unattractive, and quite a bruise to my ego.
I CAN'T STOP GOING BACK TO Northern Queensland. I guess because I am a Melbourne girl, and the tropical weather is divine, and it's close enough to grab a quick few days away.
MY LAST TRAVEL DESTINATION WAS Wagga Wagga and Albury. I am in the middle of a 50-date concert tour with [Australian opera tenor and composer] David Hobson, so we are travelling all over the country in both city centres and regional towns. It's such a fantastic way to see the country.
MY NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION IS New York. I will be heading there directly after Thoroughly Modern Millie finishes.
I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO continuing to travel around Australia, bringing what we do to people who don't necessarily make it to concerts and theatre in the capital cities. They are incredibly warm and appreciative audiences.
WHAT I REALLY WANT FROM MY NEXT TRIP IS to get time to be a tourist in my own country, and go visit any interesting museums or exhibitions. I also want to find the best food around.
I LOVE TO TRAVEL BECAUSE I am fascinated by new people and places. I am very interested in history as well, so I love finding out about how places have evolved over the years.
MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY IS to treat each day as an adventure, and to go where curiosity takes you.
THE ONE TRAVEL MISTAKE I ALWAYS MAKE IS overpacking. Every. Single. Time.
THE ONE THING I REALLY DO GET RIGHT WHEN I TRAVEL IS I talk to people wherever I am. Everyone has a story.
IF I HAD TO SIT IN THE MIDDLE SEAT THE OTHER PASSENGERS I'D WANT ON EITHER SIDE OF ME WOULD BE [British writer, comedian and actor] Stephen Fry, because I feel that he knows just about everything about everything, so therefore he could word me up on the history and cultural oddities of wherever we were headed, and he is endlessly fascinating and entertaining. The other would be [British actor] Dame Judi Dench, because I admire her enormously, and she appears to be a damn good broad who is great fun.
THE ONE FAMOUS TRAVELLER I REALLY ADMIRE IS [British actor and TV travel presenter] Joanna Lumley. Her travel documentaries are always so interesting, and her grace, glamour and humour are so lovely.
THE ONE FAMOUS PERSON I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH IS Stephen Fry. After travelling next to him on one flight, I'm sure we would bond so much that we'd be inseparable (don't tell my husband) and want to travel the world together.
AIRLINE FOOD IS surprisingly better than I expect it to be.
AIRPORT SECURITY IS a necessary inconvenience that I am happy to endure to be safe.
HOTELS ARE wildly differing, depending on your budget. The great ones are a delight, and the bad ones keep you humble.
I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO to India, as the culture and life there are so far away from what my life is here in Australia. It seems both beautiful and confronting.
I'VE NEVER WANTED TO GO to anywhere. I can't think of anywhere that I categorically don't want to go to. I'm too much of a sticky beak.
AISLE OR WINDOW? Aisle. Always. I don't like climbing over strangers on a long flight.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.