My Kind of Holiday: Vikram Hazra

Vikram Hazra, a musician talks about his travels.

Where did you spend your last holiday?

Angkor Wat in Cambodia, during Christmas.

What was the best thing you did while there?

Eat! Besides the historical significance and beauty of the place, we really enjoyed the local Khmer food and were thrilled to find a wide variety of vegetarian options.

Your favourite city abroad and why?

Tokyo. Somehow, from my first visit, I have felt amazingly at home there. I guess I lived there in a previous life.

What must a first-time visitor see there?

Soak in an onsen (hot spring) and eat lots of Japanese food.

What should they not bother with?

Pachinko parlours! (Pachinko parlours are these huge arcades with slot machines - quite an addiction in Japan).

What was your best holiday, ever?

A week travelling down the Amalfi coast in Italy, followed by a week in the lesser known destinations of Switzerland - paradise!

And your worst to date? What happened?

I have never had a bad holiday, touch wood.

Which is the worst hotel you have stayed in?

I tend to do my research really well before setting off anywhere, and so far I have stayed in the most wonderful places, from tiny bed-and-breakfasts to game lodges to sprawling beach resorts. I have never stormed out of a hotel unsatisfied. I also believe that one gets what one pays for.

What is the best thing you have been given on holiday . or pinched from a hotel?

I don't steal, though there's more than one restaurant whose chef I would gladly pinch.

Who would be your fantasy holiday companion and why?

I happen to have found and married her, and couldn't dream of a holiday without Tina. I find the restaurant, she orders the food; I find the stores, she bargains with the shopkeepers; I book the tickets, she gets the upgrades - it's a perfect team.

One place you want to see before you die?

Alaska.

Have you had any embarrassing moments as a traveller?

I was at an airport when this bunch of women screamed and started rushing towards me. I graciously smiled and braced myself to pose for pictures and sign autographs . then I realised they were headed towards a famous cricketer, who happened to be standing just behind me.

What do you avoid on holiday?

Indian food, backpacking and any form of dieting.