My holidays: Morgana O'Reilly

What was your greatest holiday?

In 2009, I travelled solo through Europe, South America and the States, covering 17 countries in eight months. I met my now husband and father of my child in my last port of call, New York City, where we spent a month falling in love. Needless to say, 2009 was a real ripper.

And the worst?

After a particularly hard job, we decided to visit Thailand for equal parts culture and horizontal beach times. The last week we were there we stayed at a resort in Bottle Beach on Ko Pha Ngan. It was beautiful, but we started to feel guilty about the fact the price of our cocktails was probably more than our waiters' weekly wage. Once we settled the bill and were about to leave, the staff turned sour and accused us of stealing a towel. We were made to wait while they looked for it. I assume they found it since we were then told sternly, "Okay, you can go now." We left feeling gross. Tanned, but gross.

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

Trying my best to imagine I live there and this is what my life is like now. And most importantly, choosing where to eat next. Eating, I have found, is one of the best ways to get a sense of a culture quickly and unobtrusively.

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

Take me back to New Chums Beach! I've only been there once, and I couldn't believe I hadn't been before. That place is like drugs.

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

My auntie told me if I ever find myself in a dangerous situation, to muster up all the anger and resentment I've ever had against the world and get ready to unleash it on anyone who dares touch me. Don't mess with the crazy lady.

What is your most memorable travel meal?

A couple of years ago, my husband and I ate a Rajasthani thali in an empty, nondescript lakeside hotel in the tiny town of Bundi in Rajasthan, India. It was one of the best meals we have ever eaten - ever. No one around, looking out over the lake, with a cold Coke and a tiny baby growing in my belly. Total perfection.

Favourite airport to land at?

Auckland airport! The soundscapes of powhiri and native birds, the classy design and imagery are world class and always make me feel super-proud this is my home. Then you get to make an entrance out into the most theatrical (and kind of confronting) arrivals lounge ever. It's a full audience of people waiting for their loved ones who have schlepped all the way to the bottom of the world - I think everyone coming out of Customs should get a round of applause for making it that far.