My travel life: Tara Moss, author

I CAN'T STOP GOING BACK TO

Tofino, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island's wild west coast. It was a place of windswept summer magic when I was growing up, and Tofino holds a special place in my heart. I can't help but return for the temperate rainforests, the whales and sea lions...even the driving rain on vast wet beaches.

MY LAST TRAVEL DESTINATION WAS

New York, for three days of whirlwind publishing meetings and book research for my Pandora series.

MY NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION IS

Toronto for publishing meetings and Australia.

I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO

seeing dear old friends.

WHAT I REALLY WANT FROM MY NEXT TRIP IS

to meet readers old and new..

I LOVE TO TRAVEL BECAUSE

the world is large and endlessly fascinating. Life is too short to live the same day twice.

MY TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY IS

travel often, rather than large. It doesn't have to be a long or luxurious trip to be worthwhile.

THE ONE TRAVEL MISTAKE I ALWAYS MAKE IS

if I ever try to pack on the day I'm travelling, I will tend to forget something. It's normally something small, but it can be as inconvenient as a toothbrush or a crucial brimmed hat. If I pack the day before, my brain tells me in the night what I've failed to add to my case. Not great for sleep, but it works.

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

shopping vintage and reading. I'm always reading and checking out bookshops, op shops and vintage stores for frocks and forgotten beauties. I've had the most amazing finds, everywhere, from Tokyo to Berlin.

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

Stranger Things actor David Harbour, preferably dressed as Chief Hopper but really however he is comfortable (and he would say, "Mornings are for coffee and contemplation" as breakfast is served) and Vixen designer and pin-up Micheline Pitt, so we could talk pin-up and horror classics. Well, that's the dream anyway.

THE ONE FAMOUS TRAVELLER I REALLY ADMIRE IS

Gertrude Bell, the fascinating British writer and archaeologist who was recruited as a spy by the British in World War I, or perhaps Angelina Jolie, who not only does humanitarian work for the UN but can fly the plane.

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

Gwendoline Christie, who played Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones and Captain Phasma in Star Wars, because she's a goddess, and 6'3", so we'd both need the extra leg room.

AIRLINE FOOD IS

a necessary evil.

AIRPORT SECURITY IS

very different, depending on the country. I'll never get used to emptying my water bottle and then finding there are no water fountains to refill it. If there is anything you need to do when flying a lot, it's to stay hydrated!

HOTELS ARE

not my ideal. Heaven is travelling in a vintage caravan or staying in alternative accommodation – Airbnbs, bed and breakfasts or other unique places. There are many very fine historic hotels I enjoy, but a corporate franchise hotel is my idea of a wasted opportunity.

I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO

The Valley of Kings in Egypt to see the tombs of the great pharaohs.

I'VE NEVER WANTED TO GO TO …

I honestly can't think of a single place I've never want to go. I'd even travel into the underworld if I could get a round-trip ticket.

AISLE OR WINDOW?

I have very long legs and I take the aisle seat to stretch them regularly. Leg room is non-negotiable, and I make airline and seat decisions based on how comfortable I will be, and whether I will fit.