My holidays: Renee Lyons

Actress Renee Lyons doesn't tend to buy much when travelling because there's no room in her overpacked suitcase. Photo / Supplied

The actress shares her travel memories and tips.

What was your greatest holiday?

A few years ago I spent four days in Rome on my own. It was heavenly. The art, sculpture, history and architecture blew my mind. I made a complete glutton of myself and I got a little bit tipsy in the afternoon drinking delicious wine on the piazza.

And the worst?

A trip to Nelson with an ex-boyfriend, when the "ex" part was just on the verge of being a thing. Hideous.

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

Most likely wandering around. I'm not such a fan of planning on holiday, I like to roam about, see what I stumble across and follow opportunities that present themselves.

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

Probably to my parents' place in Wairarapa. I'm never more relaxed and content than when I'm there.

How about for a dream holiday internationally?

Italy - to the parts I haven't seen.

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

In Goreme (Turkey) I was charmed by the guy selling chicken kebabs in the direct sunlight. I paid for that for about a week.

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

Overpacking, unfortunately.

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

Don't eat salads in Third World countries, no matter what the establishment is like. I didn't listen to that, but I should have.

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

Many years ago I went to a restaurant called Archipelago in London. We ate things such as crocodile, frog and kangaroo and they were all delicious and looked like works of art.

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

Memories. I don't tend to buy much when I'm travelling because there's no room in my overpacked suitcase. I did buy some leather ottomans in Morocco once. Turned out they hadn't been tanned properly, so when I got back to Hong Kong my apartment smelt like dead cow until I finally gave in and got rid of them.

Favourite airport to land at?

Auckland. Nothing beats coming home after a trip away.

What's the next trip you have planned?

Fiji in September. Cannot wait for some sunshine.

Renee Lyons stars in 'Mating in Captivity', August 16-27, Basement Theatre.