Marie Brault

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

Spending time with my daughters, walking the dog or doing yoga.

My favourite band is:

Too many to say! I love all sorts of music.

I don’t often admit this but…

I’m scared of flying!

If I wasn’t working for Travel Nation I would be…

On an exotic beach doing yoga and paddleboarding with a hammock and reggae music in the background.

Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?

Whale watching in Sri Lanka and Madagascar – always a phenomenal experience!

What are your top 5 must-pack items?

A bikini, sunglasses, a mini speaker, a trashy novel, mosquito repellent and really good sunblock.

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

I live from my suitcase (I've upgraded from backpacks now).

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

Anywhere hot and near the beach. I also felt very at home in New Zealand – I could see myself living there.

What was your first great travel experience?

St Thomas Virgin Island, sailing and discovering different paradise islands.

What are your top 3 places in the world?

New Orleans, Baobab Avenue in Madagascar, the Gili Islands in Bali

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

The Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka is beautiful but also the Trans hotel in Seminyak, Bali which has the best breakfast buffet I have ever seen, a pool with sand in it and a personal jacuzzi on every balcony.

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

Mirissa beach in Sri Lanka, I wanted to stay there forever!

Do you have any ‘pet hates’ whilst travelling?

Rudeness

What is the weirdest thing you have eaten whilst abroad?

Something unidentifiable in Madagascar at a lovely local home. I couldn't tell if it was meat, fish or a root vegetable! I felt a bit bad not eating it, so I ate it!

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

Thai food in Bangkok. I also really enjoyed the Australian barbecues.

Have you ever worked abroad? If so explain.

In Spain and Ibiza… a long time ago.

Have you experienced culture-shock, if so where/where was the place you found to be most different from home?

My first time in India, I found it especially hard coming back. We take so much for granted. India is a real eye-opener.

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

Sharm el-sheikh. I left it to someone else to choose the resort we stayed in. What was I thinking?

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

Arriving onto a jumping-rat infested desert Island in Madagascar while chasing an eclipse.

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

Bangkok or New York

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

Eclipse party in Guadeloupe 1998.

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

Nothing!