My Holidays: Actress Kalyani Nagarajan

Kalyani Nagarajan (right), with friend, Linda Louise, a classmate from her time at École Philippe Gaulier, in Paris. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?
It was more of a learning trip but when I went to Paris to study clown and comedy for three and a half months. It was a life-changing experience.

And the worst?
I haven't had any horrible travels ... yet. But the scary one was where I was canoeing down the Wanganui river and a big storm hit and the river had risen like 4m in a few hours and huge logs were speeding past us. We got told once we went to the campsite that no one could travel the next day. We had run out of food and were in a bit of a panic. But luckily the last site had a bar in the middle of nowhere so everything was fine.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
Eating. Drinking. Or doing something in the water.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?
I've never been to Wanaka and would love to spend some time there.

How about for a dream holiday internationally? A food tour around India.

Aisle seat or window seat? Window.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ... a wad of cash and my speakers.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?
Don't worry about silly stuff just enjoy being and living. And also: carry your wallet and passport under your clothes. No, that's a story. I got mugged (almost) in Amsterdam. This man had swiped my passport and wallet out of my handbag. I just felt a slight graze on my hand, and went into beast mode — I just grabbed him by the collar and yelled. He dropped it and ran. Boss!

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?
Confit duck and potatoes in Paris.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip? Myself, safe.

Favourite airport at which to land?
Changi, in Singapore.

What's the next trip you've got planned?
Well, we are going to America and Canada with Mrs Krishnan's. Woo! But for myself, I plan to buy a one-way ticket to Mexico or Thailand and then let the world take me. It's about time I just let the daily hustle go and live a little and experience what this incredible world has to offer. Who knows when I'll be back.

Kalyani Nagarajan stars in Mrs Krishnan's Party, at Q Theatre from August 22-September 2 as part of a six-centre NZ tour.