My holidays: Phil Spector

Phil Spector, from Auckland's Racket bar, is the 2015 Diageo Reserve World Class National Champion. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday?
Spending a few weeks in Japan, starting in Fukuoka and working up towards Tokyo. One of my favourite places in the world with amazing food and people. Definitely on the list of places to visit again.

And the worst?
I love any kind of travel but there was some time spent in Greece that wasn't the most enjoyable. However in saying that, the Acropolis of Athens was mind-blowingly beautiful.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing?
If I'm somewhere that is quite different to home I'll be trying to take in as much of the culture and sights as possible, as well as trying the food. Anywhere but a hotel room or hostel.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be?
Rakino Island with some good friends and some good food.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?
There are so many places I would love to list, but at the moment it has to be a trip around the United States, focusing on New York, Chicago and San Francisco. So many sights, good food and great bars to visit.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling?
Forgetting about a few counterfeit items while travelling from France to England. Got stopped at the baggage check. Safe to say the officers were not too happy with me.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given?
To slow down when travelling, and not to cram too many experiences in all at once. Some of the best experiences happen when you take time to explore.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling?
The most amazing carbonara while sitting outside at sunset in Venice. Almost cliche and like a cheesy movie but amazing none the less.

What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
Some beautiful Japanese tea cups given to me by a family I stayed with in Japan. Definitely meaningful which is why they are important.

What's the next trip you've got planned?
I'm heading to South Africa at the end of August to compete at Diageo's World Class cocktail competition which is going to be a life-changing experience, but also an opportunity to witness some of Cape Town's beauty and to experience new things.