Adam Smith

When I’m not at work or travelling, I’m…

Sailing or surfing the south coast of England, and playing the guitar.

I don’t often admit this but…

I’m a secret geek! From Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter and Star Wars, I can’t get enough.

On my round the world trip I spent longer than expected in...

The Kingdom of Tonga. The Yacht’s navigation system and one engine failed on us, so we spent over three weeks eating pineapple and getting lost around the reefs and inland mountains.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

The Tuamotus Atoll, French Polynesia. Having no expectation and being greeted by friendly people, great diving and pristine waters was a massive highlight of my trip. Spearfishing, visiting black pearl farms and swimming with giant manta rays were just some of the attractions of this unique chain of islands.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

Mosquito net, hammock, knife, iPod and waterproof camera.

When staying in a hotel room for more than one night do you a) unpack your bags or b) live from your rucksack?

I always live from my backpack. I have a tendency to lose things if I start spreading them about a room.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?

Maybe the South of France or Spain. There's nothing better than the combination of good surf, great skiing and excellent wine.

What was your first great travel experience?

Probably a last-minute hitchhike to Morocco. My housemate and I ran away for two weeks, taking only a couple of bags and a tent (with no poles!) with us. Stomping about the Atlas mountains, eating tagine and visiting the souks in Fez were just such a culture shock to me back then.

What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it?

Casa Surf, located near Playa Avellanas in Costa Rica. A tiny out-of-the-way place, run by a Canadian couple. Freshly baked bread from the on-site bakery and an incredible beach seconds away. The walk through the mangroves to the beach is a stunning experience, and the clear waters and surf is fantastic - http://casa-surf.com

Which is your favourite beach, where is it and why?

Playa Maderas in Nicaragua. A beautiful beach for catching Pacific-side sunsets and end of the day waves, overlooked by a fantastic rock formation and backed by rainforest. Here you can end the day with some mango while scarlet macaws fly overhead. Perfection!

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

Probably the Tuamotus Islands.

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ while travelling?

Meeting too many people from the UK. I love the mix of culture, backgrounds and countries of the people you meet when travelling, and love to find out about places I am unfamiliar with.

Where/what would you like to visit?

The Petra Temple in Jordan. So I can pretend to be Indiana Jones for a day.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain.

Yes, all the time! I love travelling and staying in a community for extended periods. It gives you an opportunity to really get to know the lives and culture of the locals. I have worked throughout Costa Rica in National parks and schools, and in Australia in a surf shop, amongst others.

Where is the most depressing place you’ve found yourself?

In the middle of the wet season in Central America. In a van. With holes in the roof.

What’s the funniest/strangest thing that’s happened to you abroad?

Waking up to a pair of sea lions on the deck of the boat in the Galapagos Islands. It was tricky getting them to move on without a fuss!

What do you miss most from home while you are away?

Cheese sandwiches, tea and biscuits!