Be it working behind the scenes of Cool Tempo, the family business or playing the role of a doting mum to three children, Melani leads a busy life. Taking time off whenever she can to explore beautiful vistas, Melani insists her family join her to enjoy the beauty of the places they visit and understand the culture.

Why do you love travel?

I like to see different parts of the world. Photography is a hobby of mine and when I travel I get to indulge my hobby. Travelling adds a whole lot of new experience to one’s life. I firmly believe that travel is the only thing you buy but makes you richer!

Your favourite travel destination and why?

It has always been an ambition of mine to visit Austria. I have been collecting pictures of Austria since I was a child and for some reason I feel an attachment to Austria and that is one place on my wish list.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

My family and my camera.

In which country have you felt most at home?

England. This is due to many friends and relatives we have there who always make our stays there as memorable as possible.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

A hermit sea crab.  I was collecting some sea shells from the beach in Sri Lanka and I thought they were empty. When I came home and put them in water to wash them I realised one was alive. The kids loved him and we created a small seawater aquarium for it.

Favourite holiday discovery?

The elephant gathering at Kaudulla National Park. We saw elephants at play and also a tussle between two of the majestic creatures. It was awesome to watch these beautiful animals in our own country.

Worst holiday or travel experience?

In India enroute to Ooty we stopped off at Velankanni church. Soon after we experienced terrible storms which caused landslides. It was a horrific experience to feel the wrath of nature and see the hills sliding down. Added to that our driver did not know the local dialect and we were virtually stranded in a remote outpost until the route was clear for us to proceed.

Best piece of travel advice?

If you are going to an unknown destination gather as much information about that area as possible. Have a good telephone connection and data connection. I always use Google maps to locate places and to find directions. Keep a pack of common medicines that you may need for a minor sickness and do invest in travel insurance in case of an emergency.

Your top five travel destinations?

USA, UK, Australia, Maldives and Canada.   

What has travel taught you?

Life is all about experiences and the more you travel the more you explore and the more you’ll love it. I understand why Michael Palin said once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote.

What is the country you will never go back to and why?

I would learn from that negative experience and possibly revisit!

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

China is a foodie’s delight!

Next travel destination?

Japan.  

I admire these sayings...

It’s better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.
Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before - Dalai Lama.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana