My Travel CV: Sam Kerr's 'shocking' review of Paris

Matildas skipper Sam Kerr has been to far too many countries to remember but says the French capital doesn't live up to the hype.

Matildas skipper Sam Kerr always loves coming home to WA. Picture: Supplied by Sam Kerr.

She’s here for the World Cup, but soaking up the sun is number one when this London-based Matildas skipper usually heads home to Australia. This is her Travel CV:

One place that didn’t live up to the hype was...

Paris. It’s very pretty, but it wasn’t for me. I’m sure I’ve shocked a few people with that answer. Everyone loves Paris for the shopping, the food and the sightseeing, but my experience was not so great as I was forced to stay there for quite a while when sorting out my visa.

The place that most surprised me was...

Miami, Florida. I knew Miami was going to be cool, but it was much more than I expected. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to get back there. Miami was full of surprises for me. I fell in love with the people and their culture. There was so much to see including the beautiful beaches.

The place I’ve visited the most would be...

Bali, because it’s so close to Western Australia and has amazing food, culture and people.I always stay in Seminyak, as it has some great cafes, eateries and restaurants.

I got my first passport when...

I was as young as I can remember – maybe three or four years of age.

My first holiday memory is...

Rottnest Island and it was with my family. I have very fond memories of that trip. I’m sure it’s why I always go there as an adult. Somewhere you can escape all the busy-ness of life. The white-sand beaches and turquoise waters are just the best and then, of course, the quokkas.

My first holiday memory is of Rottnest Island, with my family.

Of all the countries in the world, I’ve been to...

There are far too many to remember.

My favourite place to holiday in Australia is...

Western Australia, of course – my home state. I love going back home to Fremantle, it’s where I get the best coffee, see my friends and get to spend quality time with the family. I love to be back in Cottesloe sitting in a cafe drinking a latte or eating gelato, and soaking up the sun. I just love the beaches so much.

The place in Australia I’d like to visit is...

Ningaloo Reef in WA is a place I’d love to visit – the beaches, coral reef for swimming and getting up close with the marine life. I can’t wait to swim with the whale sharks.

I love going back home to Fremantle, it’s where I get the best coffee, see my friends and get to spend quality time with the family.

The thing I missed most about travel during the pandemic was...

Being stuck and isolated in London with no beaches. I really missed the ocean, the beach and swimming at home in Western Australia. Especially places like Rottnest Island and the coastline in and around Perth.

Things I lose while travelling are...

I always lose my luggage when I’m travelling for my national team camp commitments, rather than when on holidays. It’s so bizarre.

The advice I’d give to younger travellers is...

Go and visit places that other people recommend. Don’t just go to places that you’ve thought of yourself. It’s all about experiencing what you haven’t seen or done before.

One place that didn’t live up to the hype was Paris. It’s very pretty, but it wasn’t for me.

My holidays are mostly devoted to...

For me it’s about relaxing and unwinding because of my day-to-day job. Eating good food is also important.

The sickest I’ve been on holiday is...

I’ve been really lucky. I can’t ever remember being sick on any holiday.

The souvenir I always buy is...

I can’t go past a hoodie with the name of the city I have visited.

The worst thing about travelling is when it’s time to go home to the UK.

The worst thing about travelling is...

When it’s time to go home to the UK.

My go-to dish for room service is...

A chicken club sandwich and Coke.

The best hotel I’ve stayed at is...

Crown Towers in Perth, and I always dine at Nobu. Nobu in Perth is the best Nobu in the world.

Travel has taught me to be really open-minded. Picture: Supplied by Sam Kerr.

The travel tips I’d like to share are...

Always pack your most important things in your hand luggage... just in case.

Travel has taught me...

To be really open-minded – open to new cultures, new experiences, new destinations.

Originally published as My Travel CV: Sam Kerr's 'shocking' review of Paris