Where was your last overseas trip?
The Seychelles, to the Indian Ocean islands of Mahe and Praslin.

Why did you choose to travel there?
Seychelles is a high-end tourist destination with many hotels. There's interesting fauna and flora, 110 Islands to explore, great cuisine, friendly people and probably one of the most stable weather patterns.

It's sunny all year round and you are protected from natural disasters as the area has no cyclones, earthquakes, avalanches or landslides. A small area was affected by the tsunami in 2004, but no one was injured and little damage incurred.

Where did you stay along the way, and why?
If you are on a budget of $150 a day then the choice is either a B&B, pension-type place or two hotels in this category: Berjaya Beau Vallon or Coral Strand Beau Vallon.

Beau Vallon is certainly the best beach I have ever seen and I have seen many. The water is turquoise, crystal clear, soft sand like flour, no sea urchins or coral cutting your feet.

Both hotels are family-types well suited for tourists; nice pool, average rooms, good breakfast and a choice of restaurants for either buffet/light lunch and dinner. At the other end of the scale Seychelles offers places like the Banyan Tree at €1000/night. In the middle range you can find accommodation from €250 – €500 at places like Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove and Barbarons as well as the Hilton Northolme.

These were all on Mahe. On Praslin definitely the best spots are Lémuria from the Constance Group, Paradise Sun from Southern Sun and Coco de Mer Black Parrot Suites which is privately owned.

Your favourite meal during your time away?
The fish is good and so is the fruit. Try and have creole food in the small restaurants. The hotels are costly and unless part of your board arrangement can cost as much as €45 for two Coke Lights and toasted cheese sandwiches! Totally exorbitant!

Good fish like snapper and sole, prawns, fish curry - all some of my creole favourites. I also had a fillet of fish prepared with a passion fruit and butter sauce which was very tasty. The restaurant Le Canton at Berjaya Beau Vallon is excellent; I had the sizzling beef followed by litchis and home made hazelnut ice cream.

Did you find any 'hidden secrets' during your travels...
One tip is go the botanical gardens in Mahe and the World Heritage Site on Praslin; the forest of the giant Coco de Mer, which has a stunning resemblance to the private parts of a woman!

Fishing is a must and the diving is probably the best in the world. When going to Praslin — which is 21 miles from Mahe — don't fly, but take the high-speed Coco Cat ferry. In that hour you can see flying-fish and many other islands en route. Go top deck at €84 return; you wont regret it!

Your best travel tip for others planning a visit there?
Check your budget first; verify what you have paid for. Avoid day use of taxis they are €100 a day; rather hire a small car. Dive only with licensed operators and re-confirm your flight connections.

Meet any interesting locals?
Yes, people are very friendly, very casual. A lovely French twang to the English. Things are slow-moving though as they are islanders- there's no hurry!

What's the best way to get around?
Generally a hire car is best. The local transport is cheap, but crowded, hot and sweaty.

Where's next on your travel 'to-do list'?
Nigeria