Irish-born actress Lisa Dwan has received rave reviews for her one-woman trilogy of Samuel Beckett plays, which recently finished touring around the globe. Here she relives her favourite travel memories

How do you make business travel pleasurable?
I wish I could travel light, but I never do. I don’t watch films. Usually on the way out I compose all the difficult emails I haven’t had time to write.

What are your three packing essentials?
A blanket, noise-cancelling earphones and an eye mask.

Where is top of your bucket list?
I’ve never been to St Barts in the French Caribbean. I hear it’s beautiful and I’ve been romanticising about a sun-filled holiday. I’ve never been to Botswana to see the wildlife. Also, I grew up doing ballet – I even danced with Rudolf Nureyev – and I enjoy reading Chekhov, so I feel creatively linked to St Petersburg and yet I’ve never been.

Have you ever had a holiday disaster?
I had an allergic reaction to an insect bite just before I boarded a plane in Chennai. It got so bad they had to turn back and I was in hospital for three days.

Who would be your dream travel companion?
DH Lawrence – I love his travel writing, the fantastic observations of people and culture. I also wouldn’t mind travelling through India with British historian and broadcaster Michael Wood – his love for the country would be infectious.

Where do you love going back to?
I’ve fallen back in love with Italy, and I’m going there soon to do a documentary about Dante for BBC Radio 4. I’ve been following in Beckett’s literary footsteps, which has taken me to Florence, following my muse’s muse – Beckett was obsessed with Dante.

What’s the most extreme thing you’ve done on your travels?
I learnt how to kite surf in the Maldives. I have often travelled alone through India, and wild elephants once chased us in a tiger reserve. I went night snorkelling under the mangroves in the islands off Columbia and put my foot on a stingray, but got away with it. I went diving with giant tuna in Australia with author Kathy Lette. I’m always up for adventure.

Lisa Dwan is performing in one-woman play No’s Knife at the Old Vic Theatre in London from 26 September. 

Interview by Etan Smallman

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This article has been tagged Opinion, Travel Tips