Travelling life

Melanie C Former Spice Girl

Sunrise over Siena in Italy, where Mel C enjoyed a family holiday. Below: Mullins Bay in Barbados

How often do you travel?

I’ve been racking up a lot of air miles recently, travelling to Denmark, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, doing festivals and concerts for my new album [ Version of Me] and even spending 48 hours in Mexico. I once took six flights in six days.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

I like being near a beach with good weather and a laid-back atmosphere.

Your earliest memory of travelling abroad?

My dad was a holiday rep in France and Spain, so I used to spend the whole summer with him and always came back with a cracking tan.

Most adventurous travel experience?

White-water rafting down the Zambezi river in 2013 for Comic Relief. I was with Jack Dee and we got caught by a current and capsized. We were sucked into the water and battered by some mangrove roots. I’m a pretty strong swimmer but I was really shaken.

Most remote place you’ve been?

My boyfriend and I added a few days in Kashmir on to a work trip to India, staying in a beautiful houseboat at the foot of the Himalayas.

Most relaxing destination?

The Maldives. Its turquoise waters and white sands are just breathtaking and the atolls are so small you feel you are lost in nature.

Most memorable trip with the Spice Girls?

America. As a kid who grew up watching US TV and films, being in New York made me feel like I was in the movies. I’m a big fan of a healthy lifestyle, so I especially love Los Angeles.

Most memorable travel experience?

Meeting Nelson Mandela in 1997. There was something so warm and reassuring about him. He put everyone at ease and the funniest thing of all was his quote that meeting us was one of the best days of his life. I suspect that was just a little bit tongue-in-cheek.

Best holiday ever?

For a couple of years in the late Nineties, we hired a big house near Mullins Bay in Barbados, up on a hill surrounded by sugar-cane fields. There’s a quiet little beach with a lovely restaurant and bar. My family and some friends spent Christmas and New Year there several times.

Favourite holiday destination?

Italy – for the food, the freedom for the kids to run around and that relaxed European lifestyle. My family and I went to Siena last summer and I loved relaxing in the town square with the kids hanging out, while the adults enjoyed an Aperol Spritz cocktail. That, for me, is just bliss.

Worst travel experience?

When a flight was cancelled from Parma to Britain where I had to present a television show the next day. I got to London on a budget flight at about 4am and did the show on no sleep, totally stressed.

Favourite airline?

I like Emirates, but for a quick, cheap way to travel around Europe, I don’t mind low-cost airlines.

Best travel advice?

Don’t wear belts, high heels or any metal so you can sail through airport security.

Best health tip?

Don’t have alcohol on a long-haul flight. Drink plenty of water.

Where next?

I’m heading to Cannes. I’ve never been to Argentina or Chile, so they are on my travel list for next year. Melanie C is performing at the Henley Festival on July 9 (tickets from £45; henley-festival.co.uk).