My Holidays: Richie Hardcore supports Dry July

Richie Hardcore in San Francisco. Photo / Supplied

What was your greatest holiday? That's hard to call, but I think it would be the first time I went to South America — it was incredible! I started in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and had the best time in San Telmo and the surrounding neighbourhoods. It was great exploring there before heading through Bolivia and then to Chile, where I went to university for a month. All up I was there for two-and-a-half months and learnt a lot about myself and the people and countries I got to explore. Every country and city had its own flavour. It's an amazing place I want to see more of.

And the worst? I went through a really bad break-up while I was abroad once — it wasn't anything to do with the place, but it's hard being a total mess and not having any close friends around.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing? Looking for a gym!

I like to go to places and stay for a while and build up little routines. I find all my favourite spots to eat, independent cinemas, a good gym, and get to know people and practise languages. It gives me a deeper knowledge and experience of a place. I still keep in touch with friends from all around the world I've met doing this.

If we could teleport you to one place in New Zealand for a week-long holiday, where would it be? I know this sounds lame, but I'd be down to leave my phone at home and just have a nice place to stay on Waiheke Island with zero obligations for a week.

How about for a dream holiday internationally? I've always wanted to go to Lebanon, it's where my mother's side of the family comes from. I've heard so many epic stories about how beautiful it is from my family, so I'm dying to go and explore Lebanon and the Middle East.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling? I'm generally pretty sensible, but I've hitched some rides which, in hindsight, was a bit stupid.

Aisle seat or window seat? Aisle, definitely. Being trapped by the window and having to squeeze out and put either your crotch or your booty in people's faces ... that's so awkward.

Complete this sentence: I can't travel without... running shoes and a good set of headphones.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given? Always try to speak the language, even if you suck. In my experience, people really appreciate the effort.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling? I had these tacos in a crappy hostel in Tulum, Mexico in 2013. The worst E. coli infection came from them and I had to walk myself to hospital a few days later, where I was rehydrated and pumped full of antibiotics. It was not how I planned on getting shredded! What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip? Some scars from fighting Muay Thai in Thailand.

Favourite airport to land at? Suvarnabhumi, in Bangkok. I've been going there pretty much every year since 2006 and it's got a lot of nostalgia embedded in it.

What's the next trip you have planned? I'm thinking of El Salvador after seeing all my friends in California at the end of the year.

Richie Hardcore is a supporter of Dry July.