Getaway presenter Catriona Rowntree’s pet travel peeves

She’s globetrotted for decades to bring the best of the world to Aussie TV screens. Now Catriona Rowntree spills on the things travellers do that she can’t stand.

After being grounded for the last two-and-a-half years through the pandemic, beloved travel presenter Catriona Rowntree shares what it’s like to – finally – be doing what she loves again, as well as the pet peeves other travellers have.

Hi Catriona ... where are you in the world right now?

Greetings from the top of the world. I’m sailing across the Arctic fjords of Norway, Greenland and into the land of ‘fire and ice’, Iceland.

The location sums up my mood – to be on my first overseas assignment in three years, I feel on top of the world! Just thrilled to be back in the game.

Catriona is on top of the world – literally, she’s in the Arctic. Picture: Instagram/Catriona Rowntree

What are the biggest differences you have noticed travelling since the pandemic hit?

Domestically, a complete lack of manners, as though some people have lost the art of being mindful of others. Feet on chairs, rude remarks and dressed for bed whilst at the airport. You’re not at home people!

Internationally, I’ve never seen people be so grateful to be served whilst onboard a flight: “Oh, yes please I’d love some more coffee, thank you so much.”

We are so grateful to be on an international flight, the hostie just doing their job is thanked effusively.

We’ve all lost our manners on domestic flights, Catriona says. Picture: iStock

Do you have any pandemic travel tips for people?

The first thing you have to pack is a big dollop of patience. The whole world is dealing with staff shortages, crazy queues, technical breakdowns, the list goes on.

Just be calm, arrive early and keep your valuables on you.

Duty Free shopping is pretty boring right now. I used to love finding rare treats, but there’s a lack of stock everywhere and food at the airports is no longer thrilling – once again, supply!

Airport queues are stretching for miles. You just need to be patient. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

My general travel tips remain the same.

Take a photo of where you parked your car, your luggage and passport before you leave.

Pack extra undies, your valuables, a toothbrush, emery board and deodorant in your onboard luggage and if you’re really cautious, an extra outfit.

The world seems to be at one with Covid. Wear your mask if you like – I do – there’s no judgment either way, however certainly in Europe it’s a matter of ‘personal responsibility’.

No one has checked my international Covid documents. I have them at the ready but people just seemed to have moved on.

However, pack extra masks and sanitiser (and use it).

Have there been any destinations that you have found underwhelming?

I once worked with a reporter who would get all worked up about a location and then end up complaining it left them underwhelmed.

I NEVER want to be like that. I’ll find someone inspiring no matter where I go and am grateful every day to be travelling.

Yesterday I met a man called Viking – he said it’s a very common name in Iceland – in a fishing village, who bashed out some dried cod fish for me to sample. Nuts!

Oh, the dried fish was chewy. However, I never want to lose that sense of wonder. The moment I do, I’ll stop travelling and NO that’s not an invitation to take my job. I hope that moment never arrives.

Catriona finds inspiration wherever she goes. Picture: Supplied

What’s been your best food find on an Aussie road trip?

OMG the food on Bruny Island is next level! Try the chowder at the pub (there’s only one), the cheese that’s made on the island, wash it down with a local wine. Just trust me on one thing, arrive hungry!

There’s just one pub on Bruny Island pub but Catriona’s more than happy with its offering. Picture: Supplied

What’s been your biggest travel regret?

Well, I always say: ‘If you see it and you love it, just buy it.’

You generally won’t be back next Tuesday. I have a hat collection from around the world and, damn it, I really regret not buying that Beefeater hat from Portobello Rd, although heaven knows how I’d have fit that into the overhead luggage.

Catriona loves her hats. Picture: Supplied

Do you have a standard uniform for long haul flights?

My travel uniform is pretty much always the same –wool, as it’s breathable, and in layers.

Wear dark colours as you always end up spilling something.

What is the one travel item can’t you live without?

Your phone is your best friend – look up the weather of where you’re going and dress accordingly. Also find out what the local time is at your destination and plan your sleep on the flight according to that.

Download Google Translate to have a few local words under your hat and check out the hashtag of where you’re going to figure out what the appropriate clothing is.

What is your pet peeve (when it comes to bad/inconsiderate travel behaviour?)

After seeing so much bad behaviour abroad, I take seriously being an ambassador for Australia. You don’t want to be that drunk, loud, cringeworthy traveller – it’s just not cool. Be respectful, be polite and cover your rude bits … it ain’t that hard.

Don’t be ‘that traveller’. Picture: iStock

What is your go-to destination when you want to relax?

I don’t really relax that well, but a Cook Islands beach is pretty heavenly, a nap anywhere during the day is a luxury and happy children is a blessing that aids my sense of wellbeing. Just try to keep your travels simple and you can unwind anywhere.

Catriona’s not wrong about the Cook Islands – this is the beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon. Picture” Supplied

Do you have a jet lag cure?

OK, the day you leave, go for a walk, have no caffeine onboard, ease up on the salt and sugar and try to sleep according to the location you’re going to.

When you land, it’s all about getting some vitamin D. Just walk it out in the sun, but don’t over-exert yourself and definitely don’t nap in the afternoon.

Finally, wear white on your first day, it always reflects nicely on the skin.

What items will we always find in your suitcase?

Trust me on the vitamins. I always take magnesium.

I love a little Clarins Beauty Flash upon arrival – flight attendants will agree with me here. Also check that you have got your adaptors and chargers.

Don’t forget an adaptor. Picture: iStock

Catriona swears by this stuff. Picture: Clarins

Don’t forget your preferred medication and keep it in your hand luggage.

If you can find a little traveller sewing kit, those tiny scissors are like gold when you’re away. Don’t take away anything you’d be upset to lose and keep a pen and emery board handy … you always need them at some point.

How do you manage travel stress?

I’ve learned over the years, after many a missed flight and ‘whoops I forgot my passport’ moments … everything always works out. There’s always another flight, the sun will rise tomorrow, all will be well. Life is too short to stress out.

If travel stresses you out, in-flight yoga might be worth a try. Picture: iStock

What are your best packing tips?

Don’t take anything that needs to be ironed.

Put shower caps around your shoes so they don’t leave marks on your clothes, invest in a bright-coloured, hard suitcase and never ever pack red wine in your suitcase.

Sure it looks a bit silly but it’s an ingenious packing solution. Picture: iStock

What is the most underrated place in Australia?

Our Aussie country towns always deliver a smile. Seek them out, spend your money locally and smile. You can’t go wrong.

Catriona Rowntree is a presenter on Getaway, which airs Saturdays at 5.30pm on Nine