How often do you travel?
We have so many incredible places right on our doorstep. So even venturing out for a weekend getaway is a regular for me.
Describe the first holiday you remember.
I remember my stepfather being into kite-surfing so he took us camping in Langebaan during a school holiday. I lost my sister's shorts in the current, lost food to vervet monkeys, played hopscotch and ate everything - it was amazing.
And your first trip abroad?
It was to the Big Apple, one of the most magical places I have ever experienced. It's so difficult to explain, you really have to be there to even encapsulate the wonder that is New York City. There's different food, a different accent and an overall different feeling in the air around every corner. I really loved it and would without a doubt go back!What is the most difficult, remote or adventurous destination you've ever been to?
I lived in India for three months. I loved it but the number of stray dogs you encounter on a daily basis is heartbreaking.
What is the best way to travel once you are abroad?
Try to live less like a tourist and more like a local. Take the metro rather than a cab, live in a city apartment rather than a hotel on the outskirts, learn some basic words or sentences of the local language to get you through the day. Ultimately the aim is to submerge yourself in the culture as much as possible.What is your favourite city here or abroad?
I love Clarens in the Free State. It's quaint and peaceful, there are fun activities (I once went river rafting on New Year's Day), the food is good and you're guaranteed to find a little something you'll treasure forever.What is your best piece of travel advice?
No place you go will ever be what you expect, so try to arrive with few or no assumptions.
What elements make up your perfect holiday?
I love trying local cuisine. And I'm a sucker for a good tourist attraction, usually something that's culturally driven. I was recently disappointed that the Tian Tan Buddha statue in Hong Kong was undergoing maintenance (so I didn't get to see it). Things like that get me excited.
Name one place you really want to go, now or at least some day?
Iceland. I won't be happy until I've seen The Northern Lights.
• Allen's next film, 'Tali's Wedding', will be on Showmax in December...