What are your three must-pack items?

Deep-vein thrombosis socks. They are very unflattering but brilliant for water retention - there's a tip for the ladies! Family photographs, to make hotel rooms feel like home, such is the fleeting life I lead, and lastly, a camera.

Behind or in front of the lens?

I know I'm supposed to be in front of the lens, but for me the importance of documenting where I go is increasing, because how long can I get away with doing this in my life?

Is it a life of luxury in hotels?

I do stay in a lot of hotels - Claridge's is one of my all-time favourites. When I lived in New York returning to London was such a treat because I used to just clothe up and different clients would have to pay the bill.

First class or economy?

Depends who's paying! Wouldn't say no to either.

Any tips for arriving in style?

Take a perfumed oil with you, so that when the plane doors open and you step off, ground control are engulfed by it. Also brush your hair and clean your teeth.

Are models the only ones to have a decent passport photo?

Mine is just as dodgy as anyone else's.

Any pre-flight rituals?

I'm not practising Catholic but I do the sign of the cross before take-off. It's funny trying to be discreet about it.

Ever been in trouble abroad?

I got deported from America. I hadn't had my documents stamped, so they sent me home and then I flew out again two days later. Madness.

First holiday memory?

It was going to see Granny in Ireland. It was the absolute joy of going on the ferry, eating crap food, waking up and being wrapped in lots of blankets and coats. When we arrived we would be lined up so that she could look at us.

Top trip?

I had an amazing camping holiday a couple of years ago in France, when some friends and I cycled from north to south, complete with good weather, good wine-tasting, and good camping sites.

Ever hit the club scene of Ibiza?

When I was a teenager I went to Magaluf with about 20 people and, for some reason, all alcohol consumption was done through a straw from a large bucket.

Sun or snow?

I know skiing is meant to be amazing and I waited years to do it. My body is my living, so I got a really lovely ex-Marine instructor. But as we were skiing down, he lost his balance, slipped and fell on top of me. I had a really sore head.

Travel ambition?

I'm 30 and I'd love to take six months and head off. I'd love to do South America before grown-up things come into play, like husbands and children.

Have any secret hideaways?

I had an amazing trip in Ireland when I stayed in a cottage in County Kerry, in the middle of nowhere on Glanmore lake. It's a traditional stone cottage, and it's so barren and wild that you need a 4x4 just to get there.

Not a sun worshipper, then?

I love the sun, although I do require factor 50. I am the girl in the sunglasses, under a parasol, in the shade.

What's your final piece of travel wisdom?

Remember what your suitcase looks like, and check that it's yours before you take someone else's home. I've done it more than once, and it's incredibly disconcerting when someone else's pants come flying out at you.

Erin O'Connor is an ambassador for Evian mineral water

Interview by Harriet Addison

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