Born to be outward bound

Published Jun 26, 2012

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TV presenter Romy Titus recently made it into the much talked about Cool & Black directory. In 2008 she won Best News Anchor Award. Titus has worked in TV and radio and currently features on SuperSport PSL News as well as Touchline. When she is not on air or behind a mic, she runs her own public benefit organisation, Babies Behind Bars, looking after children who live with their mothers in prison.

She loves to travel and is currently packing for a trip to Paris.

How widely have you travelled?

Far and wide. I’ve been to Mauritius, Paris, Namibia and of course our own beautiful South Africa, as well as various destinations in the US, including Miami, New York, Washington DC, North Carolina, Greensboro and Atlanta.

Where was your favourite holiday or time spent abroad?

Ten days in Miami was pure bliss. That holiday I’ll never ever forget. Sand, surf and sea. A perfect getaway with the perfect companion.

Your worst experience on a holiday?

I’ve never had any bad experiences, in all honesty. No lost baggage or anything like that except on my flight back to SA from Paris in 2006 when I wanted to eject an old grumpy SAA steward from the plane. I had no idea how he lasted so long in the industry working with people, when he had no people skills! He barked at passengers for nine hours flat – I kid you not.

Your funniest experience?

Being proposed to and laughing it off like it was a silly joke… The guy was serious!

What do you avoid during a holiday?

The typical touristy places, they’re always full and there’s always a queue. I rather seek the other side of interesting – it’s always a whole lot more surprising than the obvious attractions.

Best meal abroad?

A classy little place called Ruth’s Cris opposite the CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I stared at the CNN light as I ate my meal, dreaming of the day I’d walk through those doors as an employee… And great conversation as well. It was memorable. Great conversation, nice view and awesome steak.

Your favourite place for sundowners abroad?

Nikki Beach in Miami – best Mojitos in the world.

What have you learnt from your travels?

That there is a big wide world waiting to be explored. The world really is our oyster, in every sense.

Ideal travelling companion?

My friend Abey. She is smart, interesting, funny, cool, calm and easygoing and always laughing. All the things you would want in a travel buddy.

Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?

Culture vulture. I’m interested in the people, the food and their way of life. I want to touch, feel, taste and live the experience.

Greatest travel luxury?

Well, I splurged in Paris on my first pair of Manolo Blahniks and then did the same in New York. I own two beautiful pairs, which came at beautiful prices. Yes, it left me broke for the remainder of the trip, but all well worth it.

Holiday reading?

I love browsing at the book store before take-off. I always believe that books find me – rather than the other way around. No Woman No Cry by Rita Marley was the best holiday read ever and remains one of my favourite books.

Favourite drive?

A drive around the Cape Peninsula. Stopping in my favourite little place, Simon’s Town. The views are spectacular and it always makes me appreciate where I come from. We live in a beautiful country and that drive is a reminder of my roots, my heritage.

Dream trip?

Something lures me to Morocco and Turkey. It’s on my bucket list. Let’s hope Abey is keen.

As a seasoned traveller and flyer can you share some tips?

Be street smart, but then again I think as South Africans we already are. Be open to explore. Leave all inhibitions at home.

Do something daring and out of character, no one knows you. Spoil yourself. Eat something different. Learn the lingo or just a few words to get along.

Take photographs so that the memories live on forever. And when you get home, start planning the next trip.

Where next?

As we chat I’m packing. I’m off to Paris again for two weeks.

I’ve had no luck in love and think another trip to see my best friend Tina in the “city of love”, should do the trick. Wish me luck. - Weekend Argus

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