ALWAYS LET THE WIFE DO THE BOOKINGS
Then if things go wrong, you know who to blame
How often do you travel?
About 50% of my time is spent travelling, about half the year. I’ve got more air miles than most captains.
Your earliest memory of travelling abroad?
I was five when we travelled from Zimbabwe to England by plane. It took four days. My dad kept complaining about how long it was taking. I remember being on a station in London, very confused by all the fog. I asked my father where the day-time had gone.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
My wife. My children. Earplugs.
Favourite holiday destination? Why?
I travel so much for work that I like having a holiday at home in Hermanus. It’s a sort of working holiday; I’m the first reserve for the whales — but I love it.
Best holiday ever? Why?
Vegas, baby. My wife and I renewed our vows with Elvis in the Graceland Wedding chapel (see footage of the ceremony at
Best fun ever! Not only did we discover that Elvis is not dead, but also that he has two identical brothers, who also live there.
Most relaxing destination? Why?
Mozambique. The waters are warm and the people are warmer. Stay away from the periperi prawns, though.
Favourite restaurant?
CK Sushi in Hermanus. They are probably the only people in Hermanus who don’t know who I am. They don’t try to engage me in conversation while I’m eating — because they can’t speak English. And the food is brilliant. We have a standing reservation for every Tuesday but usually end up there on the weekend as well.
Favourite city? Why?
Hong Kong. It’s the most vibrant place I’ve ever been. Being there also makes me feel like a giant. I’ll be going back next year to host the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival and can’t wait.
Most adventurous travel experience?
Filming a pilot for a fishing show in Mozambique. We had kayaks tethered to a bigger boat and when we got eight nautical miles out to sea, they asked me to jump onto the kayak and fish. To balance, I had to put my legs over the sides. I was praying the sharks were vegetarians.
Favourite hotel?
Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
Best piece of travel advice?
Make sure your wife does all the bookings, that way if something goes wrong, you can blame her. Also, only worry about your expenses when you get the credit card statement a month later.
Where next?
Picture: iStock
What’s your one travel essential?
Me. I can’t travel without myself. I’m dreaming of going to Alaska. Summers are long and the winters are longer. I’ve done hours of research on the discovery channel and I’m so excited about heading there. A friend told me he went to Alaska in winter and his neighbour’s dog barked one night for six months.
Hilton is doing a one-off show at Silverstar on December 15. Tickets for R150pp.