My holidays: Ufitia Sagapolutele

Ufitia Sagapolutele: "Once you have taken a few shots, get out from behind the lens."

Ufitia Sagapolutele performs her work Ave as part of the Wahine Toa show at the Pacific Dance Festival, June 15-24 at the Mangere Arts Centre.

What was your greatest holiday? It would definitely be travelling to Brisbane to visit my family. I would happily choose spending time with family rather than partying somewhere else.

And the worst? When I went to Melbourne for a dance competition and someone stole my money. It ruined the rest of the trip. Here is some advice: Always keep your cards safe on you and have extra cash stashed somewhere that no one can get to.

If we bump into you on holiday, what are you most likely to be doing? I would most likely have food in one hand, laughing at anything and everything and rapping to Kendrick Lamar.

If we could teleport you to one place in NZ for a week-long holiday, where would it be? Queenstown. I have never been there before and would love to visit one day.

How about for a dream holiday internationally? Japan. I have always dreamt of going to Japan since I was young and it is definitely on my bucket list. I love the culture, food and fashion and one of my favourite dancers lives there. I also watched this Japanese reality show called Terrace House, where a couple of strangers live in a house and get to know each other. It is a great show. It made me want to go even more. Japan ticks all the boxes for a perfect holiday.

What's the dumbest thing you've ever done when travelling? Purchased an item for $2 for my nephew and told my family what a bargain I got, then walked into another store across the mall and found that exact item for $1. I never get it right when it comes to bargains.

Aisle seat or window seat? Definitely aisle seat. Nothing worse than having to go to the bathroom all the time and having to squeeze past two other people.

What's the best travel tip you've ever been given? Take lots of photos. But not to the point where you aren't enjoying the moment. Remember, once you have taken a few shots, get out from behind the lens and enjoy the view.

What was the most memorable meal you've had while travelling? I love home-cooked meals and my brother, Mareko, who lives in Australia, is a great chef. He cooked this creamy mushroom and spinach fettucine with grilled steak. It was the best. I am craving that now.

What's the best thing you've bought back from a trip? It would be the silver medal. I won it at the World Hip-Hop Championships in Las Vegas to share with my family and friends who helped me during the amazing journey.

What's the next trip you've got planned? Nothing set in stone, but I'm hoping to go to Samoa this year to help with my research and learn about my culture and heritage. Also, Kendrick Lamar has just released information on his latest tour so I would love to go to Las Vegas for that.

Ufitia Sagapolutele performs her work Ave as part of the Wahine Toa show at the Pacific Dance Festival, June 15-24 at the Mangere Arts Centre.