The globetrotting British photographer and Gold Executive Club Member reveals the highlights from a life in travel, from his fascination with the English seaside to his first encounter with New York. Just don’t call it a holiday…

Where is still on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Tehran, especially as British Airways has resumed direct flights to the Iranian capital. It has a lively cultural scene, and I’m told the food is delicious. I don’t believe in holidays, I just do trips. I’m always working – it’s the most enjoyable thing I can do.

Which country would you most like to go back to?
Chile and Argentina. I can never do enough work there. Italy (above) is also another favourite. I went to Milan Fashion Week this year, and I’m hoping to produce a behind-the-scenes book of the shows and parties.

Which destination has inspired you most?
Japan – everywhere is so photogenic, and your experience is heightened because it’s strange and different from our ordinary lives. I usually fly to Tokyo, but I’d love to explore Okinawa and the north.

Most memorable trip?
A first visit to New York (above) is always exciting. As a photographer it’s a phenomenally important city, but strangely, I tend not to photograph it. Every time you pick up your camera, you’re looking at a cliché or a photo that’s been taken before.

What’s your earliest holiday memory?
My parents took me camping in France as a teenager. Surprisingly, I didn’t get on a plane until I was about 23, which is staggering because by the time my daughter was that age, she’d probably been on about 50 flights.

Where do you like to shoot in London?
Markets are great places to shoot people because there’s so much happening – I love Ridley Road Market in Dalston. London’s livery halls, most of which are hidden away, are amazing too. They all have public events but keep a low profile.

What’s your favourite part of the UK?
I’m fascinated by the English seaside. I have an apartment in Tenby (above) in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which I think is the UK’s most underrated seaside town – I probably shouldn’t even be mentioning it. It’s stunningly beautiful and hasn’t been gentrified like a lot of seaside resorts.

What’s the best thing about being an Executive Club Member?
Having access to the lounges. Of course, I collect Avios and often get upgrades. And I use the companion vouchers from my British Airways American Express card for flights for my partner.


A hand-picked selection of Martin Parr’s work will be on display at Somerset House from 21 April-7 May 2017 as a part of the Sony World Photography Awards

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This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips