The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Travelling life
Johanna Konta Tennis player
How often do you travel?
During the tennis season, I am travelling every week to two weeks. If I can get a few days between tournaments, I usually head home to London to catch up with my life. It is important to build in some time off during the long season; both mind and body need to have a rest. I have a proper holiday at the beginning of November.
Favourite city for training?
I love training in London, as that is home, so obviously I love Wimbledon but I also love New York, and playing there in the US Open.
Earliest memory of travelling abroad?
When I was about seven, I remember going to Hungary to visit relatives on my own, and being chaperoned around the airports because I was an unaccompanied minor. I remember the seats seemed huge. My family are scattered all over the country. Budapest is an absolutely beautiful city and Lake Balaton is another stunning place. I love Hungarian food, because of the wonderful dishes my grandparents served.
Favourite places in Sydney?
Wherever my sister is. She is the reason I go there now, so we just spend family time together. Although I grew up in Sydney and lived there till I was 14, we didn’t really have family holidays there.
Do you prefer active or beach holidays?
A combination. It depends on what time of the season it is too. Sometimes it is nice to just rest, but I do enjoy adventuring and climbing.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
Food is a passion, so as long as the food is good, I would be happy anywhere. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just fresh, good-quality produce. Plus some chill-out time on a sunny beach.
Your most relaxing destination?
When I was a young girl, aged about seven, I went with my parents to Bali. I remember the food was very good.
Best holiday ever?
Rome. I have been a few times now. For my first visit, with my parents, we did quite a bit of sightseeing. We visited the Vatican and Colosseum, and found some great restaurants and gelaterias. I have a bit of a thing about gelato.
Favourite hotel?
The Marriott in New York: it has great views across Central Park.
Favourite city?
London. I love the variety of food on offer, the greenery, the museums, and the music scene. There is so much going on – and when the weather is good, it transforms everything.
Best beauty tip for travelling?
Stay hydrated. I drink a lot of water at regular intervals, so I am always the person who is going to the toilet regularly. It is also a good way of making sure you walk around and are not seated for too long.
What do you hate about holidays?
The tricky balance for me at the moment is that if I have been going away all year, then going away again for a holiday is not that exciting. Timing is important.
Where next?
Paris for the French Open. Then back to the UK for Wimbledon. My favourite period of history as a student was the Ancient Greek era, so I’d love to go to Athens. Music festivals are also on my wishlist but at present they clash with my tennis schedule. Perhaps when I retire I’ll take a year off and go around the world. Johanna Konta will be attending the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at the Roof Gardens, Kensington on June 29. For more information, see wtatennis.com.