1. What essential travel items do you take. . In your hand luggage en route? You would think my passport, but I have been known to forget it. . In your suitcase for when you get there? Sunglasses and the normal clothing attire if I am going somewhere hot. 2. What's the first thing you do when you arrive at a new destination? Open a bottle of Champagne. 3. What are your favourite destinations for: . A luxury one- night/ weekend stay? There is nothing finer than a warm Berber welcome at Kasbah Tamadot, tucked in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Far enough away but close enough for a quick getaway. . A week's charter? Necker Belle, of course. . An extended holiday? South Africa has a special place in my heart and Ulusaba, our Private Game Reserve, is a magical retreat with the best game sightings of anywhere in Africa. 4. What inspires you to travel? The people I meet along the way. Life is so rich when touched by so many people. 5. What's your one piece of foolproof advice when it comes to travelling? Travel with Virgin! Personally, if it's a long flight and I know I have to work at the other end, I try to get as much sleep as possible. I'm not as young as I used to be! 6. Dream destination yet to visit / travel ambition yet to experience? Space 7. On holiday, do you relax or try to jam in as much as possible? When I am not attempting some crazy world record, you can definitely find me relaxing and partying when on holiday. 8. Travel light or pack the kitchen sink? The lighter, the better. 9. Take home only photos - or shop ' til you drop for mementoes? Only photos. n Travel tales from Sir Richard Branson Before you go... 88I sea& iI WINTER 2010 thelastword