My Travel CV:Steve Backshall been to 116 countries, here’s what he's learnt

The British naturalist has had adventures all over the world. He says travel has taught him to be humble.

The British naturalist, best known for his TV series Deadly 60, has toured every corner of the world in search of the weird and wonderful. This is his Travel CV:

My first holiday memory is…

Being dragged around developing-world towns in the dead of night carrying our bags, while looking for somewhere to stay, like some 1970s version of Mary and Joseph. Mum and Dad were super-adventurous travellers, but didn’t have the cash for fancy hotels, so we made it up as we went along.

I think I’ve been to 116 countries now…

A good proportion of those were with my family when we were kids. Mum and Dad both worked for British Airways and took us all over the world.

My favourite place in Australia is…

That’s a tough one, but probably Tasmania. Diving with dancing fur seals, through caves at Eaglehawk Neck, looking for weedy seadragons in towering, swaying kelp beds. It’s paradise.

The place I’d love to visit in Australia is…

Lord Howe Island. It’s officially part of NSW, but effectively a volcanic remnant dumped in the Ditch (Tasman Sea). It’s got a fair few critters that aren’t found anywhere else, including the Lord Howe fantail, robust silvereye, and a gigantic stick insect found on the staggering slopes of Ball’s Pyramid.

The place I’d love to visit in Australia is Lord Howe Island.

The place I’ve visited most often is…

Indonesia. My first job was writing a travel guide to the nation and I spent two years travelling the length and breadth of the archipelago. I go back as often as possible.

My holidays are mostly devoted to…

Nowadays they’re all about giving my kids the adventures I’ve enjoyed throughout my life. We have twins aged four and they’re already decent free divers, kayakers and climbers. This summer my oldest boy, who is six, surfed his first waves (very proud dad).

My most memorable travel experience was…

My first expedition in my late teens, when I tried to walk solo across New Guinea. It was a catastrophic failure, but I had three months on my own in the jungle, and learned an awful lot about myself.

My holidays are mostly devoted to giving my kids the adventures I’ve enjoyed throughout my life. Picture: Supplied.

The place that most surprised me was…

Paris. I was there supporting my wife, Helen (Glover), who was rowing at her fourth Olympic Games. I hadn’t been there for a long time and it was so much more beautiful and friendly than I remember. You could stand on any street corner, point your camera and take a photo, and anyone seeing the picture would know you were in Paris.

The advice I’d give to young travellers is…

Learn as much of the language and culture as you can. Even please and thank you makes a vast difference, but a few sentences in the local lingo will transform your experience.

The worst thing that’s happened to me while travelling…

I got caught in riots in Dili, East Timor, in 1997 during elections. The Indonesian military suppressed the riot with first water cannons, then gunfire. I shuddered behind the front desk of a hotel as the front windows were shot out, and saw at least two people killed. It was a stunning and troubled place that I haven’t been back to in two decades, and would love to see now; I’m sure it’s changed beyond recognition.

The place I’ve visited most often is Indonesia.

I manage jet lag by...

Setting my rhythms to local time asap then screaming at anyone who ever mentions what time it “really” is back home.

The souvenir I always buy…

Some tourist tat at the airport to make it seem I’ve got something thoughtful for the kids. My house is now full of ropy carvings and generic stuffed toys.

The weirdest things I’ve eaten while travelling was…

Sago and witchetty grubs, both of which tasted like half-cooked scrambled eggs.

Travel has taught me to be humble, open-minded, respectful and willing to adapt. Picture: Supplied.

Travel has taught me…

To be humble, open-minded, respectful and willing to adapt. You can’t turn up as a guest in someone else’s country expecting them to adhere to your values and mindset. To be a good traveller you need to be prepared to roll with the punches and savour our differences.

How many flights have you missed?

About six. One where I fell asleep at the boarding gate and they just left without me was especially embarrassing.

Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?

The last three years have been bad for luggage lost, I’ve filmed half my shows in someone else’s wetsuit and clothes.

My six-year-old, Logan, and I went on safari to Kenya together last year. I’ll never forget it. Picture: Supplied.

Who is your favourite travel  companion?

My six-year-old, Logan. We went on safari to Kenya together last year. I’ll never forget it.

Flight, cruise, car or train?

Train is a lovely romantic way to travel, but I’m far more often crammed in a bunk on some boat chugging off over stormy seas, which I generally love, too.

Check-in or carry-on?

Carry-on if ever possible.

Steve Backshall will bring his live show, Ocean, to Australia for a national tour in January. Tickets are on sale now. premier.ticketek.com.au

Originally published as My Travel CV:Steve Backshall been to 116 countries, here’s what he's learnt