The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Travelling life
How often do you travel?
I’m constantly shuttling between my home in Leeds, where I grew up, and San Francisco. I’m based there for boxing training with the American coach Virgil Hunter at his gym in Oakland, California. He’s training champions including Amir Khan. I’m looking to buy an apartment in San Francisco soon. Whenever I’m not competing, I go back to Leeds for a couple of weeks. I’m just starting to get used to the 11-hour flights, an eight-hour time difference and the jet lag.
Any advice on overcoming jet lag?
I adjust my behaviour to the time of my destination, so when I’m flying back to the US, I try to sleep on the plane when everybody in San Francisco would be sleeping and then wake up accordingly.
What do you need for the perfect holiday?
In the summer, I like to be on a nice beach having a piña colada cocktail and do water sports, such as jet skiing or banana boating. In the winter, I absolutely love snowboarding. Wherever I go, I need something with lots of activities to keep me busy, otherwise I get bored easily.
Your earliest memory of travelling abroad?
Some of my happiest memories growing up are of going to New York on holiday for six weeks every summer. We had family there and I really used to look forward to it. I saw all the major sights such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. My cousins and I would hang out at the local pizza parlour and I’d beg my dad to take me to the theme parks. Back home, we’d go on regular day trips to theme parks such as Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Every year I’d hope that I’d grown enough to go on some of the rides for older kids. I still love theme parks.
Most unusual places you’ve competed?
The first was Ningbo, China, in 2008 for the World Amateur Championships. That’s where I won my first world medal – a silver. It’s an industrial coastal town with one of the busiest ports in the world. I definitely had culture shock. It was teeming with people – I couldn’t get over how crowded it was.
Back in July 2013, for the European Union Amateur Championships, I fought in Keszthely, Hungary. It’s a small but beautiful lakeside resort town, steeped in history and surrounded by an area known for its wine and spas. It was really, really hot, but oddly rather than the fight being held in a typical sports hall or arena, it was in a giant wedding marquee. Very random.
Favourite holiday destination?
Miami. I first went there in 2010 for a training camp in
Favourite hotels?
The Shangri-La at the Shard and the Park Lane Hilton, both in London. At the Shangri-La, I love the 360-degree views over the capital which are especially magical and beautiful by night. At the Park Lane, I really love the staff and the bar on the top floor – they do the best cocktails.
Favourite restaurant?
There are too many to name, because I do so much eating out. But I especially love Mexican food, so I’m lucky that San Francisco has some fantastic examples such as La Taqueria, Colibri and Gracias Madre. I love Brazilian steakhouses, too. Fogo de Chão is an excellent choice.
Worst travel experience?
When I was 24, I was on a girls’ holiday in Portugal and got bitten by a spider, which made my leg balloon after it got infected. I still have a scar from it. These days I seem to be cursed by airport and flight delays, but I use the time to go over work, read through scripts
Favourite city for nightlife?
You can’t beat London. I’m not a big drinker, but after months of preparing for a competition, I love going out to let my hair down and celebrate afterwards.
Nicola Adams Boxer and Olympian
Favourite airline?
I love Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. They offer great direct flights from the UK to San Francisco.
Your one travel essential?
My tablet, which is loaded with books, movies and television shows.
What do you hate about travelling?
I’m quite impatient from the time I get to the airport to the flight, always looking at the clock.
Where next?
Australia appeals. I’m going to arrange a rumble in a jungle out there so I can visit. Believe (Viking, £14.99) by Nicola Adams is out now.