What are your top three must-pack holiday items?

An amazing history book. I just read about Isabella de' Medici, and am working my way slowly through different periods in history. I don't like fiction; I like fact. My new thing that I love to take is incense. I think because I burn it at home, it's a familiarity thing. And lastly, a big thick cotton scarf - very handy both for day wear and on the plane.

First class or economy?

I don't ever fly first class because I think Club is perfect, but I travelled World Traveller Plus when I went to Bermuda last week with my mum and my son Oscar, who's 2. I'm not a flying snob.

Worst holiday?

When I was about 17 I went on holiday with a group of friends. It was my first holiday without my parents, to La Manga, in Spain, and I ended up being in bed for five days with a hangover. I'm a terrible drinker as I'm a huge lightweight. I thought I was dying.

Holiday romances?

I think I have, on one of those girlie holidays to Spain. But it wasn't very memorable.

Who would you prefer to travel with - friend or lover?

Probably my boyfriend Paul. We've been on some great trips and hopefully have more to come.

Best holiday?

One of my best holidays was going to Tobago with my boyfriend. We surprised my mum because it was her 50th birthday, and the only person missing was my brother because he was working. It was Mum, Dad, my sister Laura and my boyfriend, and it was just the best holiday ever.

What makes a good holiday?

A bit of everything. Time on your own, time with family, and fun. It is about who you're with, but you've got to be in the right place.

Sun worshipper?

I love beach holidays and I love the sun, but I'm very careful.

Water baby?

I love being by the sea. The Caribbean is brilliant because the temperatures are so warm and there are no scary big waves.

So you're a beach lounger rather than a culture vulture?

I like a bit of culture, history, going to new places and driving round , but I won't go overboard because holidays are rare and I just enjoy doing nothing and reading.

Bit of a workaholic?

I don't think I'm very good at letting myself have the luxury of a holiday. When you're freelance it's not very easy to take time off. I should pin myself down to one though.

Most romantic place?

Paul and I went to the Greek islands and it was so beautiful and we found some little waterfalls. It was our first holiday together.

Top tip for stepping off the plane in style?

When I step off the plane I'm not very stylish, but I'm very tidy and organised. Keep it simple and then you can't look scruffy, can you? I usually fly in skinny jeans and a top, and layering is good. Hitting that wall of heat when you get off the plane can be hideous.

Ever been on a private jet?

I've been on a helicopter a few times in Monte Carlo, which was amazing. But I haven't been on a private jet.

What's the first holiday that you can remember?

My dad's a golfer and every year he would play in a golf tournament in Crans-sur-Sierre in September. We'd go into the mountains, by Mont Blanc, and the town itself is just stunning; proper Swiss, beautiful, amazing food, stayed in an amazing hotel. It was very mountainous, very hilly, even the village, so we used to walk up for dinner. It was just gorgeous and cosy and lovely.

Ever had any big holiday disasters?

I've missed loads of flights. I missed one not so long ago actually, because I went to the wrong terminal. Very un-me. But my fault, I just forgot that Terminal 5 even existed. I'm generally very, very organised.

Do you have any pre-flight rituals?

I was nervous flying to Bermuda with my son. The Bermuda Triangle thing did worry me a bit, even though I know it's complete fiction. But I'm not the best flyer. I'm constantly watching the stewardesses, because if they're OK, then I'm OK.

Does your BlackBerry share your beach towel with you?

No, I hate it. I don't really like mobile phones and I don't like that people can get you all the time. It defeats the object of a holiday.

Top travel tip?

Don't overpack, and try to keep it simple.

Wear a pair, wash a pair?

Take Travel Wash, be prepared, and don't take too much stuff. Don't take 500 pairs of shoes, take one pair that will go with lots of things. I hate unpacking, so that's why I don't pack much.

Kirsty appears on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway on ITV1 every Saturday. Interview: Harriet Addison

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