Jayne Middlemiss: My Life In Travel

'I don't see the point of going up and down a mountain in the cold'

First holiday memory?

Butlins in Filey. We used to go a lot when we were kids. My mum would put me in for all sorts of competitions, which I never won until I was about eight when I won "picture of beauty and health". It was brilliant but I've been back since and it isn't the same.

Best holiday?

A holiday in the Maldives was pretty special. This year I went to Ilha Grande in Brazil on a "Body and Soul Adventures" holiday. I travelled by myself and it was one of the most amazing experiences. We went kayaking and trekking and did yoga.

Favourite place in the British Isles?

I love the UK, in particular Northumberland, where I'm from, for the beautiful castles and beaches. Last New Year's Day I drove up to Holy Island and a huge storm came whipping across the bay. It was incredibly dramatic and intense.

What have you learnt from your travels?

You learn something from every trip you do, wherever that may be. There's nothing more rewarding than travelling. I love going to places I've never been to before.

Ideal travelling companion?

I went on holiday by myself this year and it was brilliant. I met loads of people and I could really be myself. It depends on what I want from a holiday though because sometimes it's great to go away with friends.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

I love a beach, but in Brazil I fell in love with the activities. I'm not a big snow girl because I don't see the point of going up and down a mountain in the cold.

Greatest travel luxury?

Good moisturisers. When you get to my age you have to watch your skin.

Holiday reading?

In theory I like picking up a classic at the airport but I usually end up with Marian Keyes. I like novels where I can engage with the characters.

Where has seduced you?

I completely fell in love with Namibia. I loved the contrasting surroundings - one moment you'd be in the midst of towering sand dunes and then you'd see endless African plains. I saw loads of wildlife too.

Better to travel or arrive?

I like flying because nobody can get hold of you, so it's very relaxing. You can sit back and watch films and read books.

Worst travel experience?

I broke up with someone on holiday in Sicily. It happened after three days and we had to spend the rest of the holiday together.

Worst holiday?

I don't like going back to places I've already been, because you can't relive experiences. I always try to go somewhere new.

Worst hotel?

There have been so many that I can't pick one!

Best hotel?

The Banyan Tree in the Maldives was amazing and Four Seasons hotels are great because they have fantastic beds. I love hotels in LA, for their rock and roll-ness, like the Mondrian and the Chateau Marmont. I love New York hotels too; I want to stay at The Mercer next time.

Favourite walk/swim/ride/drive?

I love walking on Hampstead Heath. It's so beautiful and it's like being in the countryside rather than London.

Best meal abroad?

I had a really great meal in Sydney with a bloke that I'd met in a desert. We had an amazing platter of seafood, which we ate at a place looking out towards the bridge. The company wasn't great but the food and setting were spectacular.

First thing you do when you arrive somewhere new?

Mess my bedroom up. I'm really tidy at home so when I get to a hotel, I open my suitcase and throw my stuff everywhere.

Dream trip?

I'd love to go to Mexico and Cuba and travel around Brazil more. I'd also like to go to India too, but I'm hopefully going to be doing that soon.

Favourite city?

New York is the trashiest, loudest, and most vibrant city in the world.

Where next?

I'll be in Fiji for two months and then hopefully India.

Jayne Middlemiss presents 'Love Island: Aftersun', weeknights at 10.30pm on ITV2