Mike Tindall: My Life In Travel

'Warm weather helps to loosen up the muscles so I like anywhere hot'

First holiday memory?

Going to Walt Disney World in Florida with my family. I was very young, maybe eight or nine years old, and I remember having the time of my life!

Best holiday?

Four days in Las Vegas. It blew my mind and is a great place to get away from reality for a few days.

Favourite place in the British Isles?

Bridgend. Although I was born in Yorkshire I have spent most of my rugby-playing career down in the South-west (playing for Gloucester and Bath), and Bridgend is just one of the many fantastic places in the region.

What have you learnt from your travels?

Don't forget your toothbrush. It always gives peace of mind to know you have everything you want with you when you're travelling, so it's best to pack thoroughly.

Ideal travelling companion?

Iain Balshaw and Andy Beattie, two of my teamates at Bath and great friends. As rugby players we have to travel around a great deal, both on tours and to and from away matches. For that reason, it's important to know you are compatible with people and I know I always get on with those guys.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

Adrenalin junkie - there are lots of adrenalin highs playing rugby so I guess it's natural that I look for the same things when I'm on holiday.

Greatest travel luxury?

Getting upgraded to first class - this has happened to me once in the past and was a real treat. The greatest luxuries are always those that catch you by surprise.

Holiday reading?

I am not much of a reader. It is not something I find relaxing when I am away so I tend to be off doing other things.

Better to travel or arrive?

It's always better to arrive. Despite what some people would have you believe, the experience is always more satisfying than the anticipation.

Worst travel experiences?

A trip to Fuerteventura. The hotel was terrible - there were cockroaches crawling around everywhere and we weren't able to do anything outdoors because the weather was so terrible. I suppose I should have known what I was getting myself into because Fuerteventura translates as "strong wind".

Where has seduced you?

Sun, sand, sea and amazing weather - I don't need to say any more than that!

Best hotel?

The Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg. It's a fantastic five-star hotel that is high up on a hill-top

and overlooks part of the city. It has luxury rooms, a great gym and the food is incredible. It was a terrific experience.

Favourite walk/swim/ride/d rive?

Pink Sands beach in the Bahamas. It's in a truly incredible setting and it's impossible not to feel relaxed when you're there.

Best meal abroad?

Doyle's restaurant in Sydney, which does fabulous seafood - I haven't eaten anything elsewhere that matches it.

Favourite city?

Sydney or Brisbane. I love Australia because I have very happy memories of playing for England there during the 2003 World Cup. We won the final against Australia in Sydney so it was really special - the atmosphere was incredible.

Where next?

Anywhere hot. Rugby has a long, physically demanding season and when you stop and have a break your body tends to ache. Hot weather helps to loosen up your muscles.

A limited number of debentures and executive boxes at Twickenham's new South Stand are now on sale ( www.rfu.com/debentures)