Michael Ball recalls some of his most memorable travel experiences

Singer Michael Ball on his most memorable travel experiences, from eating a bullfrog in Shanghai to a terrifying flight through a storm in Malaysia

Michael Ball checks in to our travel Q&A

This week singer and actor Michael Ball checks in to our travel Q&A.

He talks about a holiday to Cornwall at the age of five, his first trip abroad to Sardinia, why St Lucia is his dream destination – and more…

EARLIEST HOLIDAY MEMORY?

When I was about five, my parents took my brother and me for a bucket-and-spade holiday in Newquay, Cornwall. My dad even hired a surfboard and tried his best with it, despite there being no waves during our stay.

FIRST TRIP ABROAD?

Sardinia about 1970. We stayed at the newly opened Forte Village and had a fantastic time. Everything was an exciting experience for me, including getting on the plane and being rewarded with the window seat. We climbed to reach a hilltop temple and spent time on the glorious beaches. Brilliant.

FAVOURITE FOREIGN DESTINATION?

Cathy [Michael’s partner] and I love Majorca and have been visiting for the past five years, other than 2020. We discovered a wonderful villa in Port d’Andratx. It seems greener than the rest of Spain and is so diverse. I love the people, food, beaches and villages.

STRANGEST THING YOU’VE EATEN WHILE TRAVELLING?

In Shanghai, I visited a traditional Chinese restaurant and ate bullfrog — it was disgusting.

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY?

Cathy and I are beach people. We’d stay in a villa with all the facilities of a hotel without a cloud in the sky. You can’t beat St Lucia. In 2019 we stayed at Sugar Beach and that was the perfect dream holiday.

Michael once ate a bullfrog – and said it was ‘disgusting’

Michael says his dream destination is St Lucia. He went there in 2019 with his wife, Cathy

WHAT CAN’T YOU BE WITHOUT?

My Kindle. I’ve been known to read a book on it every two days.

EVER HAD A SCARY FLIGHT?

To welcome in the new millennium, I sang in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and stayed on Pangkor Laut Island. We had to fly back to the international airport for the trip home, but the plane used must have been as old as the hills. A storm was approaching but the pilot decided to fly and it was terrifying. 

• Michael’s new album, We Are More Than One, is available on Decca Records now.

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