My holiday: Sophie Henderson

'Travelling by camel is only good for the first day. You will regret it by day three.' Photo / Sophie Henderson

What was your greatest holiday?

I am one of maybe five people in New Zealand to have Bursary [qualification] Indonesian. So, I went there to chat with the locals. The highlight was climbing Mount Bromo and watching the sun rise. I was also invited to a mass cremation, which was very strange but wonderful. The Balinese throw a nice cremation party.

And the worst?

When I was a kid, I contracted some horrendous virus on the plane on my way to the Gold Coast. I spent four days of my holiday in the hotel room, delirious with fever. Then I took some Codral and tried to go on roller-coasters. It wasn't a good mix. I am a massive theme-park fan, so it was pretty sad.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?

I'm not a big planner when I travel, I figure out what to do when I get there. And I am quite happy doing nothing. Lying on a beach, wandering aimlessly, people-watching.

What's your dream destination?

I think New York City is probably my favourite place, even though I haven't been there. I bought a map and everything. I've been meaning to go there for the longest time. I'd love to binge on theatre and just hang out for a month and imagine I live there.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?

Travelling by bus in India. India has an amazing rail system, but we happened to be there during Diwali, so all the trains were booked. We had to go by private buses and the drivers got paid more if they arrived early, so there was some dangerous driving going on. We had sleeper seats, which were not seats, they were beds in the top of the bus where your luggage would usually go, and you couldn't sit up. It felt like being in a coffin I was so sure I was going to die. We actually hit a car once, and just kept driving.

Also, travelling by camel. It's good only for the first day. You will regret it by day three.

What will you always have in your hand luggage?

I really want some noise-cancelling headphones. And a Kindle which I never use 'cause I get way too excited about the amazing movie selection.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ...

... a pocket rain poncho, Germ-X and BYO antibiotics. I also learned recently that I'm not very good at travelling without someone else. When a work opportunity came up for my husband last month and we couldn't change the tickets, I decided to go on our romantic holiday to Samoa alone. I ended up working in between lying on the beach. It was very lonely but very productive.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?

A four-leaf clover from Ireland. It was laminated, it was probably fake, it totally made it through biosecurity though. Also, an engagement ring that I was given at the Taj Mahal.

Favourite airport at which to land?

Heathrow. London has stolen most of my friends.

What's the next trip you've got planned?

My film, Fantail, is screening at The Melbourne International Film Festival so I get to go.

Sophie Henderson stars in Silo Theatre's Belleville, on at The Herald Theatre until September 20.