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

Mostly running.

My favourite music is…

House music.

What do you do outside of work?

Run, go to the gym, volunteer at parkrun, race, eat, drink wine, read, cook and hang out with hubby and friends.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina - it was simply amazing! Amazing to look at and to walk on (with a guide and crampons).

What are your top 5 must-pack items? 

Running shoes, Kindle, sunglasses, sunscreen and my phone.

When staying in a hotel room for more than one night do you a) or b) live from your bag/suitcase?

I generally just live out of my case, although it does tend to explode around the room.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why? 

Australia (always nice and warm), Toronto again (home), Chicago (nice city).

What was your first great travel experience?

I went to Paris with my sister when I was 18.  It was my first experience of mainland Europe or any real travel outside of England (where I visited) and Canada (where I lived).

What are your favourite 3 places in the world? 

Australia (Cairns was my favourite), Iceland and Argentina.

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ while travelling?

I hate flying - landing and take-off in particular.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

The Galapagos Islands, an African safari and I want to go back to Chile and Peru

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten while abroad? 

Alligator.

Have you experienced culture-shock, if so where/where was the place you found to be most different from home?

Vietnam. It was just completely different from anything I was used to. It was noisy, busy, smelly, hot, had completely different food, grim public toilets, crazy public transport and so much crazy traffic!

Where is the most depressing place you’ve found yourself? 

In the ghetto/slums of Miami. Downtown Detroit would be a close second.

What’s the funniest/strangest thing that’s happened to you abroad? 

I ran into someone I knew from Toronto riding around on a bicycle in Sydney once.

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

WMC – this is a house music “festival” in Miami that happens every year.  I’ve been 4 times and you spend the week at your choice of day/night parties on boats/in various clubs.  If I had to choose one party then maybe the Sasha & Digweed boat cruise was the absolute best.

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

The cats and my own bed.