Jacquetta Wheeler: My Life In Travel

Climbing trees and swinging on a tyre in the garden at our house in Tangier, Morocco and sliding down sand dunes at the beach. My great-grandfather built the house and we would go there every summer.

Best holiday?

When I was about 10, my parents took us on safari in Kenya. It was one of the best holidays I have ever been on; I remember it being so beautiful. We had Masai Mara tribespeople guarding our tents at night.

Favourite place in the British Isles?

Cornwall. I went two summers ago with my boyfriend Alexi for five days for the first time. I remember thinking that I had never realised that England could be so beautiful. We stayed at Camelot Castle, which overlooks the sea. It was stunning.

What have you learnt from your travels?

I've got quite a good understanding of different religions and cultures. If your parents can afford it, I think it's really important to grow up travelling.

Ideal travelling companion?

An anthropologist would be an interesting companion. Otherwise it would be Alexi - we go away together every August and at Christmas.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

I'm into beaches and animals - I love safaris. I really like the beaches in Mexico where there are monkeys in the trees. Having said that, I'm going to Russia in a couple of months' time.

Greatest travel luxury?

I travel for work much more than I do for pleasure, so I always take a big cashmere scarf and a squeezy cushion that I put under my back for plane journeys. I probably travel once every fortnight so those things are quite important.

Holiday reading?

I have just finished reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, which was brilliant. I don't often read on planes because I usually fall asleep.

Where in the world has seduced you?

Cuixmala in Mexico, where I have stayed twice in the last two years. Alexi and I rent a bungalow on an estate owned by the Goldsmiths. There are beautiful lagoons and they've even imported zebra that roam around. Over Christmas lots of really fun people rent bungalows there and they have a fantastic party for New Year's Eve. I also love Tulum on Mexico's Caribbean coast.

Better to travel or arrive?

I much prefer arriving, but it depends on the situation. If a client is paying for me to fly business class then it's not too bad, but if I'm off on holiday in economy then it's the arriving that counts.

Worst travel experience?

Flying from London to Miami for a job. It was a really late flight, and when I arrived at the airport I was taken to a room by US immigration and left there with no explanation. They were so aggressive. They finally let me go with no apology, and I faced a three-hour drive to the shoot.

Worst holiday?

On my way back from Tanzania the flight was delayed by 24 hours, which was annoying because I had to get back. My luggage also got lost on the way out.

Best hotel?

The Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles and Amansala in Tulum, Mexico.

Favourite walk/swim/ride/drive?

When I'm in Morocco I love swimming in the Atlantic and driving in the Atlas Mountains. I love walking in Cornwall.

Best meal abroad?

Chicken tagines in Morocco.

First thing you do when you arrive somewhere new?

Have a bath, unpack and make myself at home.

Dream trip?

I want to go to India because I have never been. I'd like to go there for three months and travel around and see all the amazing things I've heard about.

Favourite city?

I don't have a particular favourite. I think Paris is the most beautiful and I go regularly. I love New York, where I live - it's fun and energetic. But London is home, so I love coming back.

Where next?

To the Bahamas next week for my next job. It's quite rare to get a job in a really beautiful place. However, I'm leaving on a Tuesday afternoon, working all day Wednesday and leave again on Thursday morning.

Jacquetta Wheeler is a model with Take Two (www.taketwo-model.com). She also fundraises for Darna (www.darnamaroc. org), a Tangier-based charity that provides shelter and education for homeless children and women at risk