Girl on the Go

Do you plan to visit India too?

Unfortunately,there were budget constraints and we didn’t put it in the Asia series because each country in Asia only got a one-hour episode and India deserves an entire series. It is absolutely the number one destination on my list. I’ve heard about Kerala and Goa. I’d love to go to Rajasthan and of course Mumbai. It’s a massive country that inspires such fascination so I’ll get there some day.

What is in Samantha Brown’s backpack?

Ear plugs. I travel with a large bag of them. I use them when I get to the airport for a lot of stress is caused by noise and flight announcements. Then there is peanut butter (survival food),a good book,melatonin (sleep aid),a nice scarf and a sweater,sunglasses,a computer and a Smartphone.

There are times when you’ve been criticised for travelling to upmarket and posh areas. Is that so?

That’s a very good point. For us the show is about entertainment and people wanting to see what they can’t afford. This isn’t a show about what to do,when and if you go to Rome. You’re going to Rome with me now and we’re going to explore this together,stay in the finest hotels and go to the greatest restaurants.

Would you be open to doing a show without the frills? A guide for the backpacker maybe?

Absolutely. Staying in a five-star hotel is wonderful but one of the downsides to luxury hotels and luxury life is that you remain somewhat separated from the culture in some areas. I personally prefer the small simple hotel on the side street in the city so that I can feel like I actually live in that city.

How do you deal with the food change and jet lags?

The trick for jetlag is that before I land in a different time zone,I abstain from all caffeine three days before flying. Once I land and start to feel the jetlag,that’s when I have my coffee,a really strong cup of tea that wakes me up immediately so that I am able to sleep on time and acclimatise quickly. I can eat anything,but I need to have an American breakfast — eggs,toast,and coffee.

What else occupies your time besides travelling?

I love to write and I also love to hike and bike. I have to do something active every single day and so that occupies a lot of time.

How do you keep track of places that you have visited? Do you pick souvenirs from all of your trips?

Pictures. I have to categorise and save them,as they are my main source of memories. Also,I always grab a trinket/ornament for my Christmas tree — like a pair of wooden shoes from Holland,and tiny porcelain tea cups from China.

What is the weirdest and most memorable meal?

Ant larvae — you mix them in dishes and they provide a crunch and a buttery taste. It was strange eating it in Thailand,in Chiang Mai. My most memorable meal was with an Italian family in Sorrento,Italy. This family opens their home to tourists and make them a grand Italian meal — homemade pasta with our feet being warmed on a copper dish under the table. It was heavenly.