An accountant by profession Dakshini works in the UK for a travel company that specialises in educational travel tours for students. She lists her current hobby as experimental cooking and loves food, music, watching sports, travel and photography. Consumed by wanderlust Dakshi has travelled widely and shares her take in travel.

Why do you love travel?

Travel gives perspective one can only gain from immersing yourself in a new place. The experience humbles you. It is the best education to evolve and appreciate the world we live in.

Your favourite travel destination and why?

Bhutan - one of the most spiritual and unspoilt nations with beautiful scenery.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

Comfy shoes and an open mind.

In which country have you felt most at home?

UK. I love the vibrant, multicultured society with opportunities it offers.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

A Calabaza (Gourd) used for brewing and drinking herbal tea Yerba Mate common to South America. The Calabaza is a variety of Gourd (“type of Puhul”).

Worst holiday or travel experience?

Eating fried grasshoppers thinking it was crisps.

Best piece of travel advice?

Engage with the locals to have a much more rewarding experience.

Your top five travel destinations?

Bhutan, Iceland, Cuba, Argentina and Tibet.

What has travel taught you?

Patience, this is lesson No.1 right from the point you start downloading that visa application. Prioritising, carry your life on a backpack to learn the difference between WANT and NEED. What an incredible country Sri Lanka is and what it has to offer.

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

Morocco, I was fortunate to make friends with a local family who invited me to their home. Learning how to cook a meal using a tagine was the highlight.

Next travel destination?

Madagascar.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana