Famous flyer: Craig McLachlan

I found myself on the Pacific coast of Mexico, south of Guadalajara, shooting a movie. I was staying in tiny little villages with wonderfully romantic names that sounded like something from a spaghetti western. The local indigenous people barely spoke any English, but on a Saturday night I would drag out a guitar. They would sing, I would play and it would be an all-night affair and the local tequila would come out. It was the most extraordinary travelling experience I've ever had. 

AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN?

I'd just finished filming a TV series for the BBC, during which we'd filmed through the dead of winter so I was in desperate need of some sunshine! So I treated myself to a stay in the Four Seasons in Maui, Hawaii. This was 20 years ago,  and I'm sure there's plenty of fine establishments that have popped up since then, but at the time, this was the epitome of luxury.

WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?

A guitar and,  depending on the destination,  I'll often take a surfboard. If there's a sunny destination and the possibility of some swell, then I'll take a board!

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY?

I am notoriously private. Even though I work in this crazy business, when the make-up comes off at the end of the day, I retire to a very normal life. So, when I travel being able to blend in and have anonymity is very important. Sometimes this is achievable … and sometimes it's not!

WHAT'S YOUR BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?

This is the Virgo coming out in me! Take the time to put together a really good medical kit. You can stay in the fanciest hotel and still succumb to some kind of tummy thing.

AND YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY?

Back in the 80s I went on a trip to Bali. I had absolutely no money and booked the cheapest excursion to the monkey temple in Ubud. I hadn't done any simian research so wasn't up with how the monkey social hierarchy works. Anyway, the first monkey I encounter was a tiny little fella so I bend down and give him a peanut, next thing I know the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the monkey world jumps out of the jungle beats me on the head, bites my skull, urinates on me and then takes my camera and runs off into the jungle! Not to be outdone, the Sylvester Stallone of the group  runs out from the jungle, urinates on the front of my shirt, punches me in the eye and then runs off with my sunglasses.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PACKING MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE?

Many years ago I'd just met a girl and decided that I'd take her on an impromptu mini-break to get to know her. I ended up packing for the both of us. It ended up being a truly disastrous week. A lesson to get to know your holiday companion before you go away together!

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?

Next on my list is a return to Paris. Years ago, a mate of mine used to manage a wee jazz club a stones throw from Notre Dame. When I lived in London I would always spend weekends there jamming. He sold the place years ago, but he's recently bought another smoky dive!

Craig McLachlan is starring as Fran N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show in Sydney. For tickets see rockyhorror.com.au