What travel has taught me: Catriona Rowntree, TV presenter

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This was published 5 years ago

What travel has taught me: Catriona Rowntree, TV presenter

By Julietta Jameson
Updated
Respectful traveller: Catriona Rowntree.

Respectful traveller: Catriona Rowntree.

HUMILITY

There's nothing quite like being put in your place by the glory of a breaching whale, the finely-tuned design of a crocodile, a perfectly-adapted-to-its-environment camel, a towering pyramid, the astonishing beauty of the Tarkine. I could go on (yep, you know it's in me), but I love how Mother Nature and indeed the work of us humans so often humbles me. When you're travelling, you're more than likely to be in a slightly more receptive state to appreciate the glory.

REMORSE

I'm talking buyer's remorse (or rather, non-buyer's) and I know at least one person reading this now feels my pain. You see something you love, hesitate and move on, only to regret missing out. The pang can linger for years: the buying opportunity is lost. Trust me, if you see it and you love it, just buy it. When it comes to shopping when travelling, I'm pretty sure you won't be back next Tuesday.

RESPECT

I would say I'm a respectful traveller. I feel I move across the world as an ambassador for my country. I quite often feel this when I view a fellow countryman behaving like a complete goose. But having an attitude of respect has served me well, for many years now. From learning about others' religions, to table manners, not jumping queues, choosing kindness, the way I dress, how I speak about others. Respect – don't leave home without it.

ANTICIPATION

Oh boy, I get excited when I book a holiday. Studies show that's when holiday makers are at their happiest – when they book their trip. The anticipation of what's to come is just so thrilling. I'm already excited for when my Getaway Series Producer, Bec, will call and ask "Are you free on these dates?" knowing that a wonderful adventure awaits.

CURIOSITY

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My mum says I'm a very curious person, always have been, and while this quality often leads me to having the taste of foot in my mouth, it's wonderful for us travellers. "How'd they build that? He did what! They found it where? How did life lead you here?" You can never ask too many questions. We are here to learn and I promise it'll only enhance your pub trivia skills.

WONDER

Standing on a bustling Hanoi street corner, wondering "How do they fit an entire family on that motorbike?" Mesmerised by the artistry of the Hermes shop window display on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, the bravery of the cliff divers, La Quebrada, in Acapulco. So often I find myself staring in complete wonder while travelling. A word of warning: it's sometimes in this dazed state that I lose something, so do keep your wits about you, but pray that you never lose your sense of wonder.

NON-JUDGMENT

I remember meeting a group of locals on my first trip to Tasmania. We were filming in the most beautiful rainforest, when one lady said she'd never been to the mainland. "Why would I? Look how beautiful my backyard is." I had to agree and I learned early to not judge other people's choices. Whether it's their religion, their food, dress or accent. There's no point in travelling if you're only going to compare, or whinge, or judge. How does that help a situation? We travel to stretch our brains and hopefully to enhance our lives, otherwise we may as well just stay in bed.

Catriona Rowntree has been travelling the world for the past 23 years as the host of Nine's Getaway. Her new book, The Best of World Cruising (Hardie Grant, $35), is out March 1. See hardiegrant.com

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