Graham Baker

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

Singing in my local community choir, a nice way to relax.

My favourite team is…

Reading FC.

I don’t often admit this but…

I can instantly recognise airport city codes on car registration plates.

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

Fiji. I had expected to stay only a few days as a stopover between flights, but as soon as I arrived I knew I wanted to explore the main island, and relax for a long time afterwards.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

Japan. I knew they were well organised, but you can literally time those bullet trains to the second. Extraordinary.

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

Thin trousers (they dry out quickly), a light waterproof jacket, small over-the-shoulder bag for daytime exploring, cheap sunglasses and travel insurance booklet.

What was your first great travel experience?

My round the world trip, alone, aged 21. It was an unforgettable year visiting USA, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and China.

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

For me it has to be Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. I loved the sheer tacky opulence of it all, and we were quickly upgraded on arrival to a Bellagio fountains view room, which was a real highlight.

Which passport stamp are you proudest of?

Bhutan, it’s a difficult country to get permission to enter.

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ whilst travelling?

Other travellers desperate to know the wi-fi password everywhere they go, rather than engaging with the people and world around them.

Where/what would you really like to visit?

Machu Picchu.

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

Deep-fried tarantulas in Cambodia. Very nutty texture and indeed flavour!

What’s the best/worst thing you’ve eaten on your travels?

The best thing has to be the fresh sushi in Japan, every mouthful was so delicious.

The worst thing? Well once I made the mistake of ordering a very western seemingly harmless chicken sandwich in Nepal. A very bad idea.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain.

I worked for two months in Sydney cold-calling for a life insurance company (terrible), and worked at Sydney Exhibition Centre as an “odd-job” man (not so bad), before I took a course in massage in Byron Bay, and then became a massage therapist whilst travelling at the same time (much better!).

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

In Argentina, I tried to order a bottle of wine with two glasses with my very bad Spanish, but I had accidentally asked the barman for two kisses instead! He dutifully obliged but we were both very embarrassed.

If you had just 24 hours in a big city which one would it be?

San Francisco, great atmosphere, the biggest Chinatown outside of China and great nightlife!

What’s the best party you have been to whilst travelling?

The Rio Carnival, just totally unbelievable.

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

Yorkshire Tea! I once paid £8 for a box in Sydney as I was so desperate for it.