GREETINGS, TRAVELLER, WELL MET
The singer has been around, but wants to see Greenland
I ALWAYS LOVE VISITING NEW YORK.
It’s an amazing city. I’ve had a bi-continental existence for a while, travelling between the US, where all of my family is still based, and Britain, as my husband is English. We have a place in Cornwall, as my daughter is in school here in Britain.
YOU MUST EXPERIENCE THE SIGHT AND SMELL OF SAGE
driving along the Rio Grande from Santa Fe in New Mexico. I love the southwest of America, especially around Arizona and New Mexico.
MY FIRST TRIP ABROAD WAS TO ENGLAND.
I arrived in London from the States for the first time back in December 1990 when I was starting to introduce my music to the British audience and began doing gigs here. I can still remember how empty my flight was back then, which was around the time of the Gulf War.
LONDON IS MY FAVOURITE CITY IN THE WORLD.
It has everything you could ever want, especially now compared to when I first arrived, including a diverse food scene. Notting Hill, where I used to live, has changed dramatically since the film of the same name. The area has become gentrified, and the people I used to know back then moved to the East End while I moved north, to Swiss Cottage.
MILFORD SOUND IS A STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL PLACE.
As I discovered when my husband and I went to the South Island of New Zealand before we married and found ourselves getting lost in it. What a place to get lost in.
I DON’T LIKE TO FEEL RUSHED.
I need lots of time to relax on a holiday. Running around trying to cram in as many activities as possible is not a relaxing break for me.
I FEEL MOST RELAXED IN THE NAPA VALLEY OF CALIFORNIA.
It’s the best place in the world if you enjoy good food and wine. You can have a glass of bubbly with your sweetheart.
FLORIDA CAN GET A BAD REPUTATION.
It’s often seen as either a place only for older people looking to retire or a crazy party scene like in South Beach, Miami. I’ve had a house in Stuart for several years, and places like Jensen Beach are great for young families or couples.
HAWAII HAS A SPIRITUAL FEEL
to me and many other people. The Big Island is believed to be the home of Pele, the goddess of the volcanoes, and I’ve always had a soft spot for the island.
I COULD WALK AROUND AMSTERDAM FOR HOURS
as it is one of my favourite cities to tour in. I love exploring the streets and canals. I also love Berlin for its architecture.
CORK, IRELAND, IS THE BEST CITY FOR MUSIC LOVERS.
It has the most amazing traditional Irish music.
THE HOTEL DE RUSSIE IN ROME IS TIMELESS.
It’s a gorgeous hotel with beautiful tiling in the bathrooms. I love its outdoor dining area and the food is incredible.
THE APPLE PAN DOES THE BEST BURGERS EVER
and is a popular spot in Los Angeles. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in the world.
I DON’T ENJOY AIRPORTS
as my worst travel experiences have usually been in them. Flight delays are so frustrating as you can never get that time back. So get to the airport as early as possible. Planes wait for no one.
I ALWAYS WEAR A HYDRATING FACE MASK ON A PLANE
to keep my face moisturised during long-haul flights — it really makes a difference. But only wear it once the lights have been switched off, as you look like a bandit.
DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY WHEN PEOPLE ARE CRANKY,
especially in confined spaces like a plane. The worst thing about travelling is having to be near people you might not choose to be around otherwise. But some people have anxiety about travelling and the only way around it is to be polite.
I WANT TO SEE GREENLAND BEFORE IT CHANGES FOREVER
as a result of global warming changes to the landscape. I love Scandinavia and want to explore more of the Arctic.