Claudia Winkleman’s High Flyers with BAA and Handbag.com

Claudia unveils celebrities’ travel and shopping secrets in a series of exclusive interviews in association with BAA.

Over the next few months, TV presenter and style guru Claudia Winkleman will be interviewing a string of stars on lifestyle website Handbag.com discovering their travel idiosyncrasies.

For the first interview however, the tables have been turned and Danielle Radojcin, Fashion Editor at Handbag.com has interviewed Claudia to find out about what travel means to her; her top travel tips and what she can’t resist buying at the airport

Watch this space for more interviews with Claudia as she learns about what inspires her high flying guests to travel and asks them to share with us their top travel tips.

 

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I’m sure you get to travel a lot with work, but outside of this what most inspires you to travel?
Everything. I love all forms of travel - even if it’s a pedalo. I like movement. I love flying, and I love airports. I like different noises and different foods and different views. I realise that makes me sound weird – but travel is great for a change of scene.

You always seem to have endless energy, but when you go away which of these best describes you: beach bum, culture vulture, or thrill seeker?
Definitely a beach bum. No question. I like having a lie down in the baking sun while small men bring me pina coladas. Have I said too much?

With the kids running around before you head off to the airport - do you find there’s always something you forget?
Probably contact lenses. Once, when I was on holiday with my mother in law, I forgot to pack trousers. Which wasn’t good. I’m a bit scared of people who are good at packing. People who use tissue? I could never be really friendly with someone that organised.

I don’t know where they find the time!  Do you like to shop for your holiday before you leave, or when you arrive at your destination?
I like to shop at the airport! Other than reaching your destination - it is undoubtedly the best part of travelling.

When does your holiday begin then - when you leave home or as you arrive at your destination?
From the second the cab’s outside my door, or the moment I step on to the Heathrow Express, I’m on holiday.

I’m a fan of shopping whenever possible, if I could shop when sleeping I would. Do you enjoy shopping at the airport? And which brands in particular do you look out for?
My favourite type of shopping is at the airport, because you get a discount, and so it feels like it’s free!  I like to treat myself with a Lancôme mascara, say, or something from MAC. I also love to shop at Smythson – they have bright yellow key rings. What’s not to love?

Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you be excited to find sitting next to you on the plane?
Elvis. Or Jon Snow – I’ve got a thing for Jon Snow. A man that is bright who also isn’t afraid of a jaunty tie is seriously attractive.

So you’ve arrived at your destination - what would you suggest to travellers hoping to explore a new city?
Go to the local bar and don’t go anywhere recommended by the guidebook. Is that mean? The problem with the places that are recommended is that everyone else is going there too. Make friends with the concierge if you’re staying in a hotel. They know everything…