Charlie Maybank

When I’m not at work or travelling I’m…

Eating! My favourite pastime is going out to dinner – preferably sushi

My favourite band is…

The Libertines or Arctic Monkeys – it’s too close to call!

If I wasn’t working for Travel Nation I would be…

On a sandy beach somewhere with a frozen daiquiri.

On my RTW trip I spent longer than expected in…

New Zealand. I ran out of money in Thailand and needed a job so I got to New Zealand originally planning on staying for 6 months. 2.5 years later I came home.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

Speakers, camera, mosquito spray, bikini, passport.

When staying in a hotel room for more than one night do you a) unpack your bags or b) live from your rucksack?

I plan on living out of a rucksack but within minutes, the contents are usually emptied onto the floor.

What was your first great travel experience?

I got dropped off at Sydney coach station by my dad at 18 years old, knowing no one, to embark on the typical “East Coast Australian adventure” – travelling on my own gave me the freedom to do whatever I wanted when I wanted – I met some incredible people and saw some amazing things that I’ll never forget.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Koh Tao - Thailand, Rarotonga – Cook Islands, Bol – Croatia.

What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it?

Banyan Tree – Bangkok. The views from the rooftop restaurant “Vertigo” are incredible. The club suite is totally worth the extra money as they have panoramic views over Bangkok.

Which is your favourite beach, where is it and why?

Ee Island (Ee Motu) on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands is untouched beauty! The water is so shallow and the sand is like flour.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

One Foot Island – Cook Islands.

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ whilst travelling?

Sharing a room with someone who snores!

Where/what would you really like to visit?

Bali, Cuba & Costa Rica are next on my list.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

Maggots on Khao San Road, Bangkok.

What’s the best/worst thing you’ve eaten on your travels?

Best – Truffle Gnocchi in Rome, Worst – Sea Urchin in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

Have you ever worked abroad?

I worked in Port Douglas in Australia teaching scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. I also worked in quite a few bars in Queenstown, New Zealand. I also owned a sandwich deli in Queenstown which I loved.

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

I would love to get lost in Tokyo. It looks mad and Japanese food is my favourite.

What’s the best party you have been to whilst travelling?

Full Moon on New Year’s Eve 2010 on Koh Phangan, Thailand along with 30,000 other people.

What do you miss most from home whilst you are away?

Festivals and a good old English Pub.