Q&A: JOSH MCKIE

NAME JOSH MCKIE

OCCUPATION OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

CITY MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

What’s the most spontaneous trip you’ve ever taken?

I once flew to Cancun, Mexico for a weekend! It was a whirlwind work trip. In terms of leisure travel, I once went to the airport and purchased the next reasonably priced ticket to somewhere in Australia. Mackay is lovely in winter!

What’s your best travel tip?

Try to read a book about the country or city you're visiting, it draws you into the culture, history and vibe so much more. On my last trip to Russia, I read A Gentleman in Moscow and visited the Hotel Metropol the day I finished the book, such a surreal experience walking through the lobby of a place I'd imagined in my head.

Touring Suzdal, Russia

What – and where – was your most memorable meal?

I enjoy food, but I wouldn't say I travel for this reason, so my culinary adventures aren't too exciting. I fondly remember having my first chilli mud crab in Singapore as well as a Yorkshire pudding the size of my head, coated in the most glorious gravy, in the Lakes District of the UK.

Do you speak any other languages?

Unfortunately, I didn't see the value in learning another language as a child, so I only speak English (there's time to change that though!). I am adaptable, however, for example, I quickly learned how to order the perfect coffee in the Czech Republic, and as an eight year old I was charged with arranging dinner (under supervision) for my family in Rome, the term "cinque pizza!" is a memorable family saying.

What would you be doing, career-wise, if you weren’t working in travel?

Working long hours in a less exciting job to be able to afford the trips I want to do in my spare time!

Where are you off to this year?

This year I have some catching up to do! I need to visit family and friends in Sydney, Gold Coast and Dunedin, and I am also the best man for my school friend's wedding in Pisek, Czech Republic, later in the year. Outside of the trips I need to do to reunite with my nearest and dearest, I would like to tick Iceland off my bucket list as soon as possible.

MAIN IMAGE: Red Square, Moscow