Jodie Kidd: My Life In Travel

'I have raced a lot in the Maserati series. Italy captivates me every time'

First holiday memory?

Playing with my brother Jack and our dogs on the beach that backs on to our house, Holders, in Barbados. I lived there until I was nine.

Best holiday?

I've travelled the world, but Barbados is still my favourite holiday destination. I love the locals, the beaches ... everything! I go at least once a year. However, my honeymoon at the Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives comes a very close second.

Favourite place in the British Isles?

I like playing golf in Wales, it's such a beautiful place with fabulous courses and breathtaking scenery, and is just so green. I also like how peaceful it can be. I try and go as often as I can because it's a great break from city life.

What have you learnt from your travels?

I used to get to the airport check-in desk with minutes to spare but I've learnt the hard way after a few near misses that there are many benefits of an early check-in. I also love shopping there.

Ideal travelling companion?

My husband, Aidan. I often organise for him to come and join me at some point if I'm away on a trip.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

I like to think that I can slip into all three, although as a presenter on Fashion Avenue, I am steadily becoming a culture vulture, discovering fascinating and wonderful cities and meeting new people.

Greatest travel luxury?

Sleep, and my iPod. Also, having a manicure at the Chanel bar at the airport before I fly - there's nothing better than pampering yourself before you travel.

Holiday reading?

I like to catch up on all of the fashion magazines, so I make sure that I buy Vogue, Elle, W, and Harper's Bazaar before I board my flight. I'm also reading the novel Labyrinth by Kate Mosse at the moment.

Where has seduced you?

Italy. I have raced a lot in the Maserati Trofeo series in Bologna. The place captivates me every time from the food and the people to the landscape. I especially love Tuscany for the beautiful scenery and rustic food.

Better to travel or arrive?

Arrive.

Worst travel experience?

Any time I have to be away from Aidan, I hate it. If I had it my way he would travel with me all the time. Other than that, it would probably be an 18-hour stop-over in Sao Paulo on a trip from Cape Town to Buenos Aires.

Worst holiday?

I once arrived in Barbados and rushed straight on to the beach. I hadn't had a chance to buy any suntan lotion so I spent the rest of the holiday with sunstroke.

Worst hotel?

A chain hotel that I stayed at during a shoot in the Bahamas. You had to wear necklaces that allowed you into certain areas, which was fairly awful. Then the islands were hit by a hurricane.

Best hotel?

The Hôtel du Cap in Cannes. I love the opulence and the movie-star glamour, which is obviously why it's booked to the hilt during the Cannes Film Festival. I try to stay there at least once a year.

Favourite walk/swim/ride/drive?

I love walking along the cliffs from Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach in Sydney, swimming off Crane Beach in Barbados, galloping at the Arabella Country Club in South Africa and driving down to Bathsheba Beach in Barbados.

Best meal abroad?

There have been far too many to mention, but I loved the seafood that we had in the Maldives.

First thing you do when you arrive somewhere new?

Thank God that I have arrived safely, call Aidan if he is not with me and then go shopping. I do like to discover new places, but discovering new shops is very exciting too. If I'm somewhere remote I like to catch up on my reading and play games on my PSP.

Dream trip?

I'd love to do the Inca Trail in Peru.

Favourite city?

London. I love the shops, the food, the nightlife and also because my sister Jemma and her husband Arthur live there so I stay with them when I'm in town.

Where next?

I forget. Ask my agent! Hopefully I'll be going to go to Japan with Aidan to find out about the history of the samurai.

Jodie Kidd is supporting BAA's Summer Shopping campaign ( www.baa.com/shopping)