Margherita Taylor: My Life In Travel

'I adored being in Trinidad for the carnival - it lasted for days'

Visiting my grandparents in Denmark when I was four or five. It felt like a real adventure. Their house is on the coast, so we'd spend our summers fishing and playing on the sand. It was idyllic.

Best holiday?

Going around the world. I booked a ticket and planned a few stops, but other than that I went where the wind took me. It was incredible knowing that anything was possible.

Favourite place in the British Isles?

I love the Cotswolds. It only takes an hour and a half to get there from London. I can go for a weekend and feel like I'm in a different world.

What have you learnt from your travels?

Pack light; if you can't pick the bag up, don't take it. Also, being able to say a few words in any language is priceless. And when you haven't got any words, a smile really translates.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

I try to have a beach, cultural and adrenalin-packed holiday every year. I recently went to Rome to soak up the culture, and I've also been white-water rafting and skydiving. But sometimes I just yearn for the pool or a beach.

Where has seduced you?

I adored Trinidad; I was there for the carnival. I fell in love with the island because it was completely absorbed by the festival, which lasted for days.

Worst holiday?

I was in Bangkok and got on a bus on my own, which I believed was going into town. One by one the locals got off until there was only one other passenger, and the driver turned the lights out. I was petrified. However, the driver kindly took me to the Khao San Road, where I was meant to be.

Worst hotel?

The hotel in Bangkok. I was allocated a square box with a hole in the corner for the toilet and a mattress with no sheets.

Best hotel?

Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. Even when the resort was full, I felt like I had the entire beach to myself. It was one of those places where you think of something and, before you have even asked for it, it's there.

Best meal abroad?

A tiny restaurant in Copenhagen that was recommended to me. We had a 12-course meal and it was just spectacular.

First thing you do when you arrive somewhere new?

Drop the bags and look at the view.

Dream trip?

Having been to Trinidad, I'm now determined to go to Rio for the carnival to see the Sambadrome. I also want to witness Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Favourite city?

I loved Reykjavik. It was expensive but a truly amazing city.

Where next?

It's time for an adventure holiday, so I'll probably be sticking a pin in a map.

Margherita Taylor presents 'Jam 'n' Wine' on Radio 2 on 24 and 31 August at 9pm