A strong desire to pack your suitcase and get the first flight to anywhere around the world can be tempting and everyone's travel list can be full of some great countries they wish to travel too. Our Travel feature, "Around the World", gives us a glimpse into the places and countries our editors here at Kettle travelled too. This week, we have a look at the places our Football editor Tom Earnshaw has been too.
What countries have you been to so far?
I’ve been to France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Wales. Very European it seems! The picture below is from when I went to Roquebrun last summer. It's only a tiny village in the south of France but just look at that view we had from the villa.
What is your preferred choice of transport? (Train, aeroplane, ferry, car…)
I enjoy the thrill of take-off during a flight but landing petrifies me a little, so I’d say car. I’ve had some good times driving abroad, most recently being last summer driving through the countryside of southern France. So picturesque!
Would you prefer a winter or a summer vacation?
I’ve only ever travelled in the summer so I’m not sure! I associate winter with Christmas, home, and family, so I’d still say summer.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
The United States, so let’s hope a 90-day travel ban doesn’t get imposed on the UK (looking at you, Mr Trump)!
Your top 5 countries are?
I’ve only travelled to four so I’m not sure I can answer this! I would put Wales and Italy at the top though. Wales because I spent many summers there as a child (half my family are Welsh) and Italy because my holiday in Rome was the first holiday me and my other half went on.
Who is would be or is your ideal travel companion and why?
My girlfriend, Bec. She’s dead chilled and very good at organising.
What is your favourite or worst moment whilst on holiday?
On our first proper day in Rome, my girlfriend and I were just walking around taking everything in, and I said something like “I think the Pantheon is around here somewhere”. Next thing I know we turn a corner and it was right in front of me. It was such a cool moment! My worst is probably when I was about 10-years-old and my dad’s car broke down on our way from Yorkshire to the Welsh coast. We spent about 4 hours at a service station waiting for the AA. I think it was on Boxing Day too!
Another unique moment was outside the Trevi Fountain in Rome. I was in the city when the terrorist attacks at Brussels airport took place. As a sign of solidarity, the Belgian flag was projected onto the fountain. The place fell silent in respect; it was really quite moving.
The Trevi Fountain tonight. Europe standing united against barbarism. pic.twitter.com/HMXLlq7X6y
— Tom Earnshaw (@TREarnshaw) March 22, 2016
What is your favourite country to visit and why?
Italy – I really want to go to Venice. The people were so friendly and the food is great. I think I had gelato at least once every day that I was visiting Rome. And the beer and coffee are both so good! The picture below was taken from the edge of the Villa Borghese Gardens.
What is the worst country to visit and why?
I’ve been fortunate enough to never have a bad holiday, so I couldn’t comment!
When do you think is the right time to go on holiday?
If you’re going somewhere touristy, I’d go in spring. When we went to Rome in March 2016 it was busy – it always is – but not overcrowded.
How long do you go tend to go on holiday for?
A week or two.
What activities do you like to do whilst on holiday? (Sunbathe, hiking, surfing..)
I like being out and about discovering new places. But if I can’t do that, I definitely need a pool or the sea to be able to swim. Can’t stand sunbathing but maybe that’s down to having to wear factor 50 suncream!
What countries are you planning to visit in the future?
Hopefully I’ll be going inter-railing in the summer. Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin are the plan!
What's places have you been to or are on your travel list? Let us know in the comments below!
