My Holidays: Actress Anna Jullienne

Anna Jullienne and her husband, James Kermode, eat where the locals eat . Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday to date? Mexico for my 30th. We started in Mexico City, staying close to the university, and despite hearing how dangerous it was, we found it to be a vibrant, cool place with great food, friendly people and fantastic markets. We then travelled to Tulum with its white sand and turquoise waters. The food was amazing, we ate fresh fish tacos and prawn ceviche while sipping ice-cold cerveza on the beach — my idea of a great time. We even saw a baby turtle make his first journey to the sea. I mean, come on! Two thumbs up.

And the worst? I struggle to think of a trip that I didn't enjoy. One that definitely doesn't make my top 10 is a week in Mallorca with Mum in my early 20s. Our trip was poorly timed in their off-season and half the town was closed. I wasn't overly impressed with the food either — a deal-breaker for me. It catered predominantly for tourists and lacked Spanish flair.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing? Probably eating and, with a bit of luck, lounging on the beach.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be? A beach on the Coromandel. In summertime please.

How about for a dream holiday internationally? The Greek islands are on my to-do list. Also, I haven't been to Italy since my teens; I would really like to spend a decent chunk of time there as a family.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling? Popping mandarins and apples in my suitcase when travelling to Fiji wasn't my finest hour. It was my first trip as a mother of two and baby brain struck big time. I'll never forget the look on my husband's face when they lifted the bag of fruit out of my suitcase in Nadi.

Fortunately, however, they love Shortland Street in Fiji and there was no fine to pay. Lucky save.

Aisle seat or window seat? Aisle — my bladder wins over views.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ... Wet wipes? Mothers rarely go anywhere without wet wipes.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given? Eat where the locals eat.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling? I spent my 25th birthday in Marrakech and James surprised me with an amazing dinner. The restaurant was a beautiful riad, well away from the tourist area, there was live music and a feast of epic proportions. A bit like a degustation, I guess, plate after plate of the most exquisite Moroccan food.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip? An engagement ring. I came back from a six-month trip around Europe in my mid- 20s with a particularly sparkly finger.

Favourite airport at which to land?
I just like landing safely. Any airport will do.

What's the next trip you've got planned? Japan! With no children! Wahooooooooooo!

Anna Jullienne appears in the Auckland Theatre Company's Giltrap Audi season of Rendered by Stuart Hoar at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, September 18-October 3.