My holidays: Angela Bloomfield

Angela Bloomfield plays Rachel McKenna in Shortland Street. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?
I went to Europe - Italy, France, the UK - about 10 years ago, it was my second time so I felt confident about different places. This time we drove and were able to experience out-of-the-way parts and it was amazing. Highlights would be Rocamadour, a village in the Pyrenees in France where we spent a relaxing couple of days. And the castles of France and all their splendid gardens.

And the worst?
I don't think I've had a bad holiday. I've certainly had bad experiences during holidays.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
Walking, walking, walking - I'm a sightseer through and through. I just adore wandering around getting my bearings and discovering towns and cities from the street. Second to this: eating. I enjoy a restaurant meal, and there is none more perfect than dining in Piazza San Marco, in Venice, or a picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

What's your dream destination?
New York. This will be my next big trip. I have heard so much about it, and it will definitely happen in the next five years for me.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?
Thought I had my Tube bearings in London - so much so, I strode ahead of my Kiwi mate, who had been living there for some time. I jumped on to a train and sat down to watch the doors close and my mate was on the outside watching me. Without a map or any bearings - I stupidly hopped off at the next stop and hopped on to what I assumed was the train that would take me back to where I came from and ended up at an entirely new station. Suffice to say, when I was eventually reunited with my mate I kept my cockiness at bay for the rest of the day.

What will you always have in your hand luggage?
I am never without my SLR camera, lip balm and sunscreen.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ...
My camera! I love taking photos - not surprising really, with the career I have.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
Ooooh, that is hard. I try to bring back an object from any country I go to. We have two beautifully carved walking sticks from Fiji, and a couple of carnival masks from Venice. It's all the memories really.

Favourite airport at which to land?
I'm a big fan of the window seat, but now that I have kids it only seems fair to let them fight over it. One day, I would love to land in Vegas at night, another city to add to the list. But my favourite landing and take-off would have to be our very own Queenstown. It's so extreme and magical.

What's the next trip you've got planned?
We are at Omaha this summer, which is always a wonderful family time. My brother lives at Cabarita Beach in New South Wales, so we are heading there, kids and all, for family time.

Angela Bloomfield plays Rachel McKenna in Shortland Street. The show's 90-minute, cliffhanger episode screens next Monday on TV2 and it returns to air on January 18.