My holidays: Chelsea Winter

Chelsea Winter and her husband Mike in Italy. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?

I don't know if I could choose just one. Our honeymoon in Hawaii was pretty fantastic, and it was the first time I felt like I was old enough not to do everything on the cheap.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?

Reading a good book or frolicking in the surf - I'm a water baby.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?

Great Barrier Island - I've been going there for summers since I was a kid. It's the most beautiful place.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

It depends on the type of holiday, really. I'm hosting a Trafalgar culinary tour through Italy next year, which is about as good as it gets for a foodie. But I'm a huge sucker for hot, tropical holidays by the ocean, too.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?

One couldn't possibly count them all. Travelling is a learning curve. Oh actually, once I accidentally bought some apples back from Canada and New Zealand Customs was unimpressed to say the least.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ...

... my passport.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?

Don't stress. As long as you've got your passport and your wallet, everything else can be procured. Helps if the passport is current, mind you ...

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?

It was probably something my husband was served in Italy a few months ago - Carbonara resembling dry scrambled eggs. And the waitress was the crankiest I've encountered!

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?

A killer tan.

Favourite airport at which to land?

I love Schiphol in Amsterdam - it's clean, beautifully designed and efficient. Just like the Dutch, really.

What's the next trip you've got planned?

Italy. Bellissimo.

Chelsea Winter's new cookbook 'Everyday Delicious' is out now and Trafalgar has released a new 17-day 'A Taste of Italy with Chelsea Winter' holiday departing Auckland on 8 May, 2015.