Mark Keogh

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

Looking after my new-born little girl.

My favourite team is…

Portsmouth FC.

On my RTW trip I spent longer than expected in

Malaysia.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

I would have to say Indonesia. Firstly the people are so welcoming, always interested in having a chat. The chance to get off the beaten track and explore the rural parts is so easy, and a must! The opportunity for culture, fantastic beaches, wildlife and adventure all on your doorstep.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

Lonely Planet, sleeping bag, camera, sun cream and a sense of adventure.

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

Live from my rucksack!

What was your first great travel experience?

Travelling around Australia and New Zealand on the Oz and Kiwi experience.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

Malaysia, Indonesia and Costa Rica.

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

Cable beach, Broome, Australia.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

Bolivia.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

The Himalayas.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

Scorpion.

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

Mongolian chicken on the back streets in Borneo.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain.

I spent a year working and travelling around Australia and about 10 months in New Zealand. When I first arrived in Australia I was working 2 hours inland from Perth on a farm, hay carting. From there I moved up to Broome where I worked on the pearling fishing boats. I worked a couple of days in Darwin setting up and pulling down the stage for an Elton John concert, as well as various seasonal work in South Australia. In New Zealand I worked mainly within the vineyards of the Marlborough region, but did also try my hand at mussel opening in Whitianga, on the north island.

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

Bolivia.

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

Sleeping 3km from the crater of Mt Bromo in Java and it erupting!

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

San Francisco

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

Songkran in kanchanaburi, Thailand.