My Holidays: Niva Retimanu reads the news on ZB

Niva Retimanu before the Chicago Marathon.

Niva Retimanu reads the news on ZB. She won Best Newsreader — for the second time in a row — at the New Zealand Radio Awards

What was your greatest holiday? It's a toss-up between Chicago in the US and Montepulciano, Tuscany in Italy. I ran the Chicago marathon in 2015. It's the best way to see the city in all its glory. I love the architecture. Another highlight was the cycling food tour. I was chuffed with my cycling efforts. First time on a bike in 30 years, and without falling off, I made it through neighbourhoods including Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park. I also enjoyed visiting Montepulciano. It's a medieval town in southern Tuscany.

Surrounded by vineyards, it's a lovely place to relax and unwind. And I was in heaven with the local red wine and cheese.

And the worst? The four-hour drive from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. I was travelling with three friends in Italy last year. We decided to rent a car. I suffer from motion sickness and sat in the front passenger seat. My mates and I didn't realise the roads were very narrow, steep and windy. It was a hair-raising ride not just for the friend who drew the short straw and drove but for all four chicks in the car. Next time we'll hire a local driver.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely doing? Searching the cafes for a great cup of coffee.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be? The west coast of the South Island. I've never been there. But I've heard great things.

How about for a dream holiday internationally? I'd love to go on safari in Africa.
What's the dumbest thing you've ever done while travelling? A friend and I got lost exploring Venice in Italy — as you do! I yelled "I'm over it, let's find a police officer, a taxi or an Uber and get back to our AirBnB". Yeah right. Luckily we found our way back ... five hours later.

Aisle seat or window seat? Aisle.

I can't travel without… My motion sickness pills, eye mask and ear plugs.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given? Google the closest laundromat to your hotel/accommodation. Much cheaper than paying the hotel to do your laundry.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling? Beirut, Lebanon — I was with a group of marathon runners at Cafe Leila. We were still full from a late lunch but excited to taste authentic Lebanese food. As soon as we sat down, food started rolling out. It was like a conveyor belt of food. We had everything from spicy sausages to chicken livers.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip? My blue leather trench coat from Florence, Italy.

Favourite airport to land at? Queenstown — when I land I always buy a cheese roll from the airport cafe. They are to die for and remind me of my home town, Invercargill.

What's the next trip you've got planned? I'm off to Buenos Aires to run the marathon in September with Kerre McIvor. Then I'll chill out in Santiago and Rio.