My holidays: Jess Sayer

Actress Jess Sayer loves Northland's Karikari Peninsula. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?

I grew up in Brunei and consider that to be the greatest holiday of my life. My parents were teachers at Jerudong International School for five years. We were always taking off to some remote corner of Asia to spend the school holidays. It was an incredible experience that taught me a lot.

And the worst?

Holidays are always great. They are so few and far between; I refuse for them not to be.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
Exploring, swimming, reading a book or writing a play.

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

It'd have to be one of the beaches up north. You just can't beat them. Somewhere like Maitai Bay. That would be fantastic. I love the beach. Last time I was up that way, my friend and I went to check out Karikari Peninsula. We realised we were the only two people on the whole beach and spent the day there - not another human being in sight. It was incredible.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

Egypt. Definitely Egypt. For as long as I can remember I've been dying to go there.

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

Punched a jellyfish. We were snorkelling in Thailand at "The Beach" and my brother swam into a particularly nasty jellyfish. He got assassinated. Dad went to try and help him and got stung all over his back for his efforts. So me, being the genius I am, thought I'd smack it away so I wouldn't get stung ... Yeah. Really, really dumb.

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

Take the road less travelled. You meet the best people and see the country how it's supposed to be seen.

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

Gosh. There's so many. I can't quite remember where it was - possibly in Bali or the Philippines - but we were staying in these villas and every morning women would walk past, carrying baskets of fresh tropical fruit on their heads. And you could just pick and choose what fruit you wanted as it sauntered past you. Phenomenal experience. For some reason, fruit just tastes better when it's delivered to your door on someone's head.

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

Memories. Cheesy as that is. Because you get to keep them forever.

What's the next trip you've planned?

Once Famous Flora closes, my partner and I are off to Nelson for four whole days. We never get much of a holiday so we are really looking forward to getting away. She knows Nelson really well, whereas I've only been once, for a school sports trip, and was confined to a lodge, so, I'm looking forward to the guided tour. I've been promised op-shopping, arty goodness and fun. So, I'm happy.

Jess Sayer appears in 'Famous Flora' at the White House on Queen St from November 13-29 at 6.30pm (no shows Sundays). Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased through iticket.co.nz.