My holidays: Paul Hobbs

TVNZ journalist Paul Hobbs with locals in Afghanistan. Photo / Paul Hobbs

What was your greatest holiday?
Three weeks in Tunisia, even if part of it was during Ramadan and food supplies during the day were difficult. A combination of crazy public transport drivers, 50C days inland, Sahara desert and camels, stunning beaches, magnificent ancient ruins, friendly people - all just months before the Arab Spring.

And the worst?
I haven't had a really bad holiday, but if I was to pick anything, a trip to Vanuatu 15 years ago was somewhat underwhelming.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
Strolling and soaking up the local atmosphere, closely followed by eating.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?
Aw - could it be two? Central Otago and Gisborne.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?
Anywhere along the Italian or Croatian coastline. Never been to India, so keen to try that.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?
Follow the man in Tangiers, Morocco who said he could take us to see the snake charmers. My friend and I ended up being held at knifepoint on the roof of an open air apartment. The answer to your next question is... we distracted the guy momentarily and sprinted down the stairs after a harrowing 30 minutes.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without ...
My diabetic necessities - my insulin, my sugar-testing kit and jellybeans. I'm a Type-1 diabetic. I'm determined to never let it slow me down.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?
Always carry good currency like euros or US dollars in remote countries. You never know when you may have to grease someone's palm to get into or out of a difficult spot.

TVNZ journalist Paul Hobbs with New Zealand soldiers in Afghanistan. Photo / Paul Hobbs

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?
Again so many, but one late night in Milan after covering a story on Silvio Berlusconi, my TVNZ cameraman and an ABC reporter and I found a little family restaurant which stayed open to cook us a magnificent local beef and vegetable dish with the most delicious chips I have ever tasted to this day. Naturally capped off with some fine Italian wine.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
As well as photos and memories, probably rugs from Turkey and Morocco.

Favourite airport to land at?
Los Angeles. A much under-rated destination. Love the shops, the sports, the people - never short of things to stare at.

What's the next trip you've got planned?
Nothing remotely exotic, but a quick summer trip to the Gold Coast and Melbourne.

TVNZ reporter Paul Hobbs has travelled the world for his work and been the network's European correspondent. This month is Diabetes Action Month, for details, go to diabetes.org.nz