Phil Tufnell on his favourite British town and the one country he doesn't get on with

Phil Tufnell, the former England cricketer-turned-commentator, recalls celebrating his 50th birthday in Las Vegas, getting "Delhi belly" in India and spectacular holidays in the Caribbean.    

I am a very lucky man

...in that all the places I have toured during my professional days as a cricketer and later as a commentator have been fascinating. I’ve loved going to India, the Caribbean, New Zealand and Australia. Playing at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa, with the view of Table Mountain in the background was very special. I enjoy playing golf, too. Like many cricketers, it is part of our downtime. I will be on a plane usually once a month, either travelling for work or for pleasure.

Cheltenham is my favourite place in Britain

...I love going there in March for the Cheltenham Festival. It is so much fun, seeing friends, and the racing is wonderful. Plus the town itself is lovely, with its Regency architecture. 

I like lazy days doing very little

...just hanging out on beaches, by the pool or in a bar, when I go on holiday. My main aim is to relax. We’ll take in a few sights and trips too, of course, but chilling out is my main aim. 

My earliest memory of travelling abroad

...was going to Spain with my mum and dad. I think we went to Benidorm or somewhere similar. Back in the Seventies, a trip abroad was a big deal. We would get up early to drive to the airport, and being in a different country where everything was new and different was very exciting. 

NZ best country

I’ve done white water rafting in New Zealand

...when England were on out on tour there once. I enjoyed it and the scenery was magnificent. One of the most remote places I’ve ever played cricket in is Chandigarh, in northern India. 

I visited Assam 10 years ago

...as part of BBC’s Saving Planet Earth series to highlight the conservation work for the Indian rhinoceros. Being in the bush, seeing the rhino and all the other animals, was a wonderful opportunity. I’ve also been on safaris in South Africa when on tour. 

St Lucia was very relaxing

...we had a lovely stay where we did workouts, ate healthily and had relaxing massages every day. We still managed to lie on the beach and have a few beers too, though!

I went to Las Vegas for my 50th

...birthday celebrations, and although I enjoyed it while we were there, four days was enough. I’m not sure why, but I have felt in the past a little let down when on holiday in America. That is probably the only place I have not quite got on with. 

I love taking holidays in the Caribbean

…my wife and I really enjoyed staying at the Sandpiper Hotel in Barbados. The Cliff Restaurant on the same island is a spectacular place to dine. The views are amazing; there is fantastic service and fantastic food. My favourite hotel in the world would have to be the Conrad Algarve in Portugal – it is luxurious, has great food and is very peaceful too. 

Ibiza is my favourite spot for

...nightlife. My wife and I went for a couple of weeks a year or so ago and really enjoyed it. 

I got a touch of “Delhi belly” in India

...which laid me up for a couple of weeks. That was probably my worst travel experience. I’ve lost my stuff on a few occasions, too. 

I love to fly with British Airways

...and Virgin as the service is always very good. If I’m travelling long haul, I make a point of stretching regularly and exercising my feet to help circulation. I think that is important. I also use plenty of moisturiser as the air on the plane is so drying. I have to have my Bose earphones with me, too. 

Favourite travel accessories | Phil Tufnell

Get excited about your holiday

...is my best piece of travel advice. From the moment you shut your front door to embark on the trip, enjoy the whole experience – even sitting in the airport departure lounge. The only thing I dislike about holidays is if there is consistently bad weather – that can drag down the spirits somewhat. 

I’m tempted by South America

...as I’ve never been there. I really fancy taking some time exploring the culture and what the continent has to offer. 

Phil Tufnell recently visited the Barossa region near Adelaide as a guest of the South Australian Tourism Commission. For details on how to include the wineries of the Barossa in an Australian holiday, see audleytravel.com.

Interview by Roz Lewis