Travelling life

KT Tunstall Singer-songwriter

Uummannaq in Greenland, above, a port of call for KT Tunstall; and the gauchos of Patagonia, below

How often do you travel?

Every week for work, so I’m good at packing. When I first went to New Zealand I was there for only a day, so I knew I had to go back. It was the only time natural scenery made me cry.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

Just me and a hot bloke. If I can be somewhere with sunshine and have bare feet and a book, I’m happy.

Earliest memory of travelling abroad?

I lived in Los Angeles for a year when I was four, so my earliest memories of travelling are of California. I remember a lemon tree in our garden, swimming pools and lots of sunshine.

Your best tip for a visit to LA?

The Huntington botanical gardens are stunning. You feel very removed from the stereotypical idea of what LA is. I’d also recommend Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House: it looks like a Mayan temple out of Indiana Jones.

Most remote place you’ve visited?

The Arctic: I went on an expedition with Cape Farewell [an artist-led climate change awareness group] and we sailed up the west coast of Greenland for 10 days, stopping at Uummannaq. We were so far removed from humanity that we almost didn’t feel welcome; nature seemed slightly hostile. The tops of the mountains looked like claws and there were skyscraper-sized icebergs.

Favourite ski destination?

I grew up skiing in Scotland, but America really blew my mind. Breckenridge [in Colorado] was astonishing. Skiing fast feels like complete freedom to me.

Favourite festival destination?

Glastonbury. I’m a hippy and I’ve always felt a strong sense of positivity, openness and love there.

Best holiday ever?

Travelling around South America in 2008. I’m a pagan at heart and I love the region’s strong connection to ancient civilisations. One of the best things I did was riding with the gauchos in Patagonia.

Favourite hotel?

Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives. It’s very fancy but there’s a natural humility to the place.

Favourite city?

Tokyo. It’s like a different planet, an amazing mixture of old and modern culture. I remember seeing a young guy in his 20s dressed in full hip-hop attire bowing to his friend – it was so cool.

Most memorable meal?

A beautiful south Indian dinner cooked for me on a houseboat in Kerala. As the

Favourite airline?

Virgin, because its departure lounge is unbeatable. I go early to enjoy the perks.

Best travel advice?

Wear slip-on shoes for airport security.

Best beauty tip?

Use Crème de la Mer balm when your skin gets dry on a plane.

Travel essential?

My journal. I always want to write and sketch a picture of where I am. Also, a good pair of headphones – so if I listen to Radiohead wherever I go, everything looks like a music video.

What do you hate about holidays?

Other people. Apart from that, I love travelling.

Where next?

I want to do more diving and see whale sharks and manta rays. I’d love to go to Easter Island, Hawaii, Iceland and Antarctica. KT Tunstall’s new album Kin is out now; she is on tour from October 24. See kttunstall.com