Travelling life

The Cinque Terre in Italy, above, and Peru, below, made a deep impression on Jennifer Saunders

How often do you travel?

We used to travel more when our three grown-up daughters were with us. The Caribbean was a favourite. Now my husband [comedian Ade Edmondson] and I prefer shorter-haul trips. Airports drive me crazy, so we like to hop in a car and drive down towards Italy. Next summer I’d love to drive to Stockholm and get a house on the coast.

Why driving holidays?

You’ve got more freedom and you can enjoy the journey. We’re flexible and enjoy not having a plan. It’s all very last-minute and we can stop wherever we like along the way. Our dog Olive has her pet passport and is a great traveller, so she often comes with us. I love listening to audio books on the way.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

I used to like sunbathing, but I’m past the age when I just want to sit on a beach. Ade and I love to be by the sea because he loves to sail. Now that we’ve got

grandkids, we get a house somewhere that the whole family can visit, and then have it to ourselves for the remaining time.

Your earliest memory of travelling?

Caravan or crofting holidays in Scotland. My mother is from Dalry in Ayrshire. I remember leaping into the freezing sea and running straight back out and being slathered in some foulsmelling gloop to keep the midges at bay.

Have you been back?

I’ve got a friend with a house on the beach at Ardnamurchan who I’d love to visit. There’s also some gorgeous Landmark Trust places in Argyll and Bute. I have my eye on a coastal one

which is a mini castle with a gatehouse and cottage.

Favourite holiday destination?

Unequivocally Italy. I first went in my late teens when I was an au pair in Milan. A friend was working in Orbetello, just above Rome, and I spent a heavenly time down there on this farm by the coast. I love the food and it doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday. We have a favourite secret bolt-hole on the edge of the mainland before departing for Capri.

Most adventurous trip?

Trekking through the Peruvian Andes with my children 10 years ago. We flew to Lima and started from Lake Titicaca. Then we took a train to Cuzco. We wove through the valley floor with the mountains around us – the views were breathtaking. We hiked up to Machu Picchu, passing alpacas and camping along the way. I’d love to return to do the Inca Trail.

Most relaxing trip?

Seychelles: the temperature is bearable without being

Favourite restaurant?

Captain Cook, a tiny bar and restaurant just above Sorrento. We found it by accident while sailing. They collected us by rowing boat. We had the finest spaghetti vongole with the best views of Capri. One of the reasons we like it is that there aren’t a lot of English people.

Jennifer Saunders Comedian

Worst travel experience?

When I was growing up, a driving-camping holiday in Spain – we all got sunburnt and overrun by ants. It was a complete disaster.

Best travel advice?

Think about what you are going to do at the airport if there are flight delays. And buy a pass for one of the lounges so you can escape the chaos.

Your travel essentials?

Always take your own tea bags so you can make a decent cuppa. And don’t panic about bringing all the little travel essentials with you – just buy them at the airport.

Where next?

I’m off to Copenhagen and then back to South America. Jennifer Saunders is an ambassador for CHICKS, a charity for disadvantaged children and young carers in the UK. For more information, see chicks.org.uk