My life in travel: Rebecca Ferguson

Singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson is on tour until 13 April. Her latest single, 'All That I've Got', is out now (rebeccaofficial.com).

First holiday memory?

I had my first holiday quite late in life, when I was 17. I went to Tenerife with a friend. I remember getting up on a little stage in a club and having a little dance, starting to feel confident, when these MTV-type women came up and started twerking. I remember standing there thinking "get off my stage!".

Favourite place in the British Isles?

Other than my hometown of Liverpool, I'd say Cornwall or Surrey. I've only passed through Cornwall because I had a gig there, but I just remember thinking how beautiful it all looked. I'd say Surrey, because I lived there, near Woldingham, for more than a year and thought it was stunning.

Best holiday?

Los Angeles. I was there for work, but I brought my kids and family out for 10 days, and we had a really chilled, nice time. The children got to do the Hollywood tour, we went to the beaches and out for nice meals. I just remember everyone being really happy.

What have you learnt from your travels?

That I like meeting different people and that a lot of cultures are very warm and hospitable. I was in Shanghai recently and I loved seeing the totally different culture. They are very polite, like the English, but over there it's another level of politeness. In Australia, everyone was always smiling, too. At first I thought they were joking, because they were all so happy. But then I realised, they genuinely are that happy.

Ideal travelling companion?

Someone quiet. My brother Sam is good, we get on well. He travels with me for work a lot as my personal assistant, so we've been to loads of places – China, Germany, Jamaica and New York – and we always have a laugh. He has just finished his studies, so he said he'd come travel with me for the year. I think he's having fun.

Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

Beach bum. It's so lazy but I don't believe in rushing around everywhere, trying to see everything. I just like to chill out on holiday. The beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was lovely because the water was so clear.

Holiday reading?

I'm reading The Husband's Secret at the moment by Liane Moriarty, but I normally read magazines while I'm away. I'm also a big sucker for period novels, because I love how polite everyone used to be. I love to think that men were actually like that once – that they had to ask for your dad's permission to go out, not just invite you to Nando's or something. It's nice that they actually made an effort once.

Where has seduced you?

Elounda Beach in Crete. It's really gorgeous, the water is clear and I just liked how life seemed like it was so much easier there. I don't know if it's the sun and the good food, but everyone smiles. It was a relaxing time.

Worst travel experience?

When you've got to take three flights. Or when I got really ill last year in Australia and I had to fly when I was unwell.

Best hotel?

The Dorchester in London. You feel like a princess when you stay there. They treat everyone who walks through the door the same. There have been times when I've turned up looking like a bit of a dog's dinner but everyone's still nice and polite. I don't know who trains the staff, but they're lovely.

Favourite swim?

The Maldives. I haven't been yet, but I'm dying to go. I've seen pictures of it and I don't know what could be wrong with it.

Best meal abroad?

A restaurant in Elounda called The Ferryman Taverna. I've never tasted food like it. It's just a small place owned by a husband and wife, but the food is unbelievable and the terrace is right on the bay. I was meant to eat at different restaurants during my holiday, but I kept finding myself back there. I also came back very fat!

In New York, I loved the Megu Japanese restaurant in Tribeca. There's nothing like it.

Where next?

Back to Germany, Amsterdam, Austria, Switzerland and Asia for work.