A popular MC who captures the audience's attention with her dazzling smile and audacious personality, Liezel van der Westhuizen is one of South Africa's popular TV presenters and radio hosts, but it's not just her love for media that she likes to share with the world, it's also her love to travel.
What is your favourite thing about travelling?
I love the excitement of travelling, planning the trip months before, the packing and then the actual trip. I love meeting locals, love going on adventures and love finding secret spots that only the locals eat at.
Do you prefer to travel with friends or with your partner?
I love travelling solo but I have an amazing group of travel friends who make trips so memorable. My partner Mike is an adventurer like me, so I know that our travel trips always include some outdoor adventure from scuba diving to kayaking.
TV Presenter Liezel van der Westhuizen Picture: Supplied
What are your top tips for sleeping on a plane?
For me, I wear comfortable clothes and always try to get a window seat so I lean against and rest my head on the side of the plane. I also set my watch the moment I board the plan, to the new time zone, to start acclimating to the new time zone.
How do you calculate the money you can spend daily during your trip?
I keep a tight budget and plan before the time I plan how much to spend on restaurants and shopping. I am very strict with my spending. In the past, I found I overspent on unnecessary items.
How can you learn about a culture and meet locals without speaking their language?
I recently learned a few basic words in Cantonese for my trip to Hong Kong back in May. I also read local travel bloggers and see what local events/restaurant/activities they recommend.
How do you do to stay healthy when you travel?
I always stay hydrated and carry my own travel water bottle which I refill every morning at the hotel, cutting down my use of plastic bottles. I try not to overdo it on the first day in a new city.
What are the options for working out whilst abroad?
I love finding out what fitness activities are happening in the city where I am travelling to and sign up for a few classes. It’s a great way to meet locals. On my trips to Hong Kong, I host a morning 5km run with the conference delegates so this keeps me fit. On other days I have signed up for Kung Fu and Thai Chi workshops.
Where is the best place you’ve travelled to and why?
Madagascar is one of my favourite travel destinations. It’s a quick flight from JHB, and an affordable travel destination, with great scuba diving and beautiful beaches.
Who do you think makes the best travel bags?
TUMI - These travel bags are stylish, durable and lightweight. I am impressed with the strong construction & good quality zipper.
Liezel van der Westhuizen preparing to travel. Picture: Supplied
Where is the next place you plan to visit?
In September I'll be heading to Portugal to partake in the Ironman Triathlon.