My holidays: Pelham Andrews

Australian bass opera singer Pelham Andrews on the Amalfi Coast. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?

I still consider the three-and-a-half years that my wife and I lived in Berlin as an extended European holiday. It's been far and away our defining experience away from home.

And the worst?

Gastro on several continents.

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

Wandering amongst trees and scrub enjoying nature.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?

Milford Sound - looks awesome.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

Hmm, in a dream scenerio - I'd love to visit the ancient sites at Crete and Thebes, then explore the Amur and Yangtze river basins in China, before finishing up at Wilson Island for a lazy recharge.

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

Missed a regional flight in Sweden despite sitting right next to the boarding gate with fellow travellers. No-one else passed through the gate, and being so accustomed to queueing to get on a flight, I stupidly assumed it wasn't boarding yet.

Aisle seat or window seat?

Definitely aisle - I like to get up and stretch.

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

A pencil. I'm always scribbling things down. Lead-holders are great - they don't need sharpening, and apart from being erasable, pencils also write better upside down than pens (you never know)!

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?

Phone your accommodation before you arrive.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?

Mediterranean Garfish with the bright green coloured bones, at the little southern Italian town of Marina del Cantone. They were nice long fish curled into loops and skewered onto their own sharp beaks, then barbecued with the local lemons and herbs. So choice.

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

Wild chocolate truffles.

Favourite airport to land at?

Adelaide International - It's a great place to come home to. Everytime I arrive there, the air smells so sweet.

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

Auckland - to sing with the exciting Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Australian bass Pelham Andrews is appearing with the APO in Manon Lescaut on July 14.