On the road with …

To kick off our traveller stories, we have started very close to home and quizzed The Falstaff’s very own Head of Housekeeping. Having worked in hospitality since… well he’ll tell you below, James also seems to have a special interest in travel, with previous jobs including working for an airline and a ferry company! Making him the perfect candidate to be our first Canterbury Pilgrim.

What brings you to Canterbury?
I’ve always loved Canterbury. My Gran used to live nearby, in a little village called Womenswold. I started working in the same hotel as her when I was 15. I then worked in another hotel in Canterbury, in 2001. Now some 20 years later here I am, back working in this much-loved city!

Where did you go on your last journey?
London. To see Mrs Doubtfire the musical! Who doesn’t love a trip to London?!

What is your preferred mode of transport?
As I don’t drive, to be chauffeur driven everywhere would be lovely. Failing that, there’s always the train or the bus? I can’t afford a helicopter!!

Describe your favourite journey.
Getting on a plane to Gran Canaria. Or going over to see my friends who live in Dublin.

Home or away?
Why? Neighbours!! Oh? Sorry, different Home or Away!! Either. I’m not fussed! As long as I have a good time when I get there. It’s not about where you go, it’s what you do when you get there and the memories you make.

Tell us about your worst journey.
Missing my flight back from Gran Canaria – thinking I was on the same flight as friends, when in fact I wasn’t! I was tired and hungover and had to wait 7 hours in the airport for the next available flight. When I finally arrived at Gatwick, I had missed the last train home to Kent, so had to spend a further 6 hours at the train station, waiting for the first train in the morning.

If you could travel anywhere at any time… where and when?
I would love to go to Australia one day. The birthplace of my idol, the one and only princess of pop, Kylie!!! Get me on that plane tomorrow.

What essentials do you always travel with to ease your journey?
Headphones, iphone charger, a meal deal. Sometimes an alcoholic beverage, depending on what time and where I’m travelling? Easily pleased.

What is your favourite travel song?
Anything by Kylie!!! – predictable!!!

Where is the strangest place you have slept on your travels.
Not the strangest of places, but probably in a tepee. A group of us went on a canoeing trip to Gloucestershire – in January?! As well as aching from head to toe from the paddling, it was absolutely freezing!!

Who is/would be your ideal travel companion?
I usually travel with friends as I hate being on my own and am less likely to miss a flight or get lost!