This was published 4 years ago
My travel life: Rebecca Maddern, journalist, TV presenter, Australian Open host
By Sue Williams
Rebecca Maddern, host of the Australian Open.Credit: Effi Cohen
Rebecca Maddern is an award-winning presenter, journalist, former co-host of The Footy Show and co-host of Australian Ninja Warrior. She is now also part of the hosting line-up for tennis's 2020 Australian Open, broadcast on Nine.
NUMBER OF COUNTRIES VISITED
20
MY WORST PASSPORT MISHAP WAS
dropping it in the ocean getting off a boat in The Maldives. It was very bad weather and the passport was almost destroyed. I have no idea how they accepted it at customs, but luckily they did.
I GOT MY FIRST PASSPORT WHEN I WAS
five in 1982. I think it was to go to Bali.
MY PASSPORT PHOTO IS
terrible, the one before that wasn't too bad.
I CAN'T STOP GOING BACK TO
Los Angeles. I love it. Some people hate LA, but you really have to know it well. You need to get a car and drive to get the best out of it.
MY LAST TRAVEL DESTINATION WAS
Fiji for a family holiday for a week. We tried a brand new Six Senses resort which was wonderful and very family-friendly for my then 11-month-old daughter, Ruby.
MY NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION IS
local: the Great Ocean Road. I've holidayed there since I was born and I love it.
I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO
a pair of shorts, no make-up and a sausage in bread. Sometimes the simplest holidays are the best.
WHAT I REALLY WANT FROM MY NEXT TRIP IS
a relaxing break with the family, without the phone constantly ringing and the incessant flood of emails.
I LOVE TO TRAVEL BECAUSE
it opens your eyes to this fascinating world we live in. I love listening to different languages and watching people communicate. I also really enjoy eating different cuisines.
MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY IS
to try not to get airport angst. I see so many people having massive fights in the airport as everyone gets very stressed. Get there early and try to relax.
THE ONE TRAVEL MISTAKE I ALWAYS MAKE IS
Over packing. Every single time.
THE ONE THING I REALLY DO GET RIGHT WHEN I TRAVEL IS
bookings. I never use a travel agent. I love researching different hotels and booking my own flights. I've never really mucked up an overseas holiday – yet – despite there sometimes being many different connections.
IF I HAD TO SIT IN THE MIDDLE SEAT THE PEOPLE I'D WANT ON EITHER SIDE OF ME WOULD BE
British supermodel Naomi Campbell because apparently she disinfects her entire seat, so I'd ask her to do mine as well. And Barack Obama. He seems like a good conversationalist.
THE ONE FAMOUS TRAVELLER I REALLY ADMIRE IS
Virgin boss Richard Branson. He started up an airline. What's not to love about him?!
THE ONE FAMOUS PERSON I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH IS
Elvis Presley in his plane, Lisa Marie. Wouldn't that have been fun?
AIRLINE FOOD IS
good if you're sitting up the pointy end. If you're not, then you just have to pick out what's ok.
AIRPORT SECURITY IS
necessary. I get really annoyed at the explosive swipe test for some reason but better safe than sorry.
HOTELS ARE
really fun. Get a great location, be nice to the staff and usually they'll go above and beyond to help you.
I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO
Greece. It looks magical and I desperately want to see that magnificent blue ocean with my own eyes.
I'VE NEVER WANTED TO GO TO
North Korea. They probably wouldn't let me in anyway.
AISLE OR WINDOW?
Window. Who wants a stranger jumping over the top of them?
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