My holidays

Kathryn Thomas talks about her holiday memories...

What's your earliest holiday memory?Building sandcastles on Donaghmore beach, in Wexford, with my brother and sister and all my cousins. The sunny southeast always seemed sunny in those days.

What was your worst holiday?I went to the Isle of Man when I was about 10 with my nana, who won the trip in a radio competition. Although we had a lovely time when we were there, I puked the whole way over on the ferry. I still remember the smell of the fumes, and to this day that smell still makes me sick. The little guest house that we stayed in smelled of fries every hour of the day, which didn't help my dicky tummy. We cycled around the whole island for the three days we were there, with me constantly complaining that I was tired. Actually, now, thinking about it, it was probably her worst holiday.

What was your best holiday?Going to Australia on my own for three months when I was 19. It taught me to be confident travelling alone and that you're never alone for long. It's also a constant reminder, when I'm in the wine shop purchasing a great bottle, about the standard of cheap crap you put up with when you are backpacking. A four-litre box for $10, anyone?

If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?I would be a proficient sailor, buy a 40ft yacht and sail around the world for three years, starting in the islands of Micronesia.

If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?My dad, because he can sail and he enjoys red wine, like me.

What's your favourite place in Ireland?There are so many. West Kerry, Donegal , the west Waterford coast and the Barrow Way, where walking along the towpaths is spectacular, beginning and ending in St Mullin's, in Co Carlow.

Your recommended holiday reading?I like Paul Theroux, and Bill Bryson is great for a giggle.

Where will you go to next?Right now I'm off to Arnotts but hopefully this summer I will finally get to Las Vegas with my friend Jill. Now there is the inspiration for my next book.

Kathryn Thomas presents Winning Streak, on RTÉ1 on Saturdays, and No Frontiers, on RTÉ1 on Sundays