My Life In Travel: Laura Trott

'The Yorkshire moors: out in the open, with no traffic, it's a world of your own'

First holiday memory?

Tenerife. I remember it because my nan wasn't very well, so we flew out to surprise her. I think she'd been bitten by something, so she was dead grumpy and thinking about going home. We arrived at her villa in Los Cristianos and did the big "Surprise!", which cheered her up.

Best holiday?

Florida. We went for my sister's 12th birthday and Mickey Mouse sang her "Happy Birthday" at breakfast. It also happened to be Christmas 1999, so we celebrated the Millennium out there, too. They put on a massive party at the Epcot Center, with fireworks and live music.

Favourite place in the British Isles?

I love cycling near my house in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. I do a loop that goes past the Paradise Wildlife Park, so I get to see leopards and lions.

Ideal travelling companion?

My sister. I've been on pretty much every holiday with her. I don't get to see her that often because she lives in Holland, so it's nice to catch up and do sisterly things when we're away.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

Beach bum. I like waking up every morning and realising that I have nothing to do. I'm going to Dubai soon and, aside from going to the Wild Wadi Water Park, I've got nothing planned. I'm just going to lie on the beach and relax by the pool all day long.

Greatest travel luxury?

Flying business class. It was definitely a luxury when I flew to Melbourne earlier this year for the World Championships. It's such a long flight, but it meant I could lie down, sleep and eat nice food without having to worry.

Worst travel experience?

A hotel in Mildenhall, Suffolk. We were supposed to be camping, but I hate it, so my dad booked us into this hotel. It was the most disgusting place I've ever stayed at. I actually had to go and buy some towels, so that we could lay them out on the floor, rather than have to walk on the carpet. It stank of cigarette smoke, too.

Best hotel?

The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales. I went there to relax before the Olympics. It's got everything you could possibly want in a hotel – the biggest reception ever, six restaurants, a sauna, indoor pool and a spa, so you can go and get your nails done. The room was huge and they had a buzzer which you could ring and someone would come straight away with biscuits and Welsh cakes.

Favourite ride?

The Yorkshire moors. It's a lovely scenic route. You're out in the open and you can see for miles and miles. There's no traffic and the only thing you come across is a tractor or people walking. It just feels safe – like you're in a world of your own.

Best meal abroad?

Tolo's, an Italian restaurant in Port de Pollenca, Mallorca. The guy who owns it is a keen cyclist – so people like Bradley Wiggins go there. It's a really nice, classy place. You get all of your Italian breads to start. I had prawn cocktail the last time, followed by a massive pizza. In the summer, you eat al fresco in a courtyard that faces the sea.

Dream trip?

Dubai. I can't wait to go. I'm staying at Le Royal Méridien, which is right on the shore. I like the fact that it's got a bit of everything: the beaches and the hotels, with the city life for the evening. I want to go up the Burj Khalifa too.

Favourite city?

London. During the Olympics, it had the most amazing atmosphere. Nobody was sad; everyone was talking to each other and being friendly – it was like one big happy family. I also really like the Belgian town of Oudenaarde. I've visited when I've been out to see my sister. It's a really old-fashioned place, with cobbled streets, traditional bars that serve Belgian beer and great cafés where you can sit and people watch.

Where next?

Scotland in November. I'm going to race in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, which was built for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. It's going to be the first big race on the track.

Olympic track cyclist Laura Trott won double gold at London 2012 in the team pursuit and the omnium. She fronts the new "Make Mine Milk" campaign (makeminemilk.co.uk).