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South Australian born Fiona O’Loughlin is a popular Australian comedian, television performer and mother of five. She has headlined shows including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival and currently resides in Alice Springs with her family.

Miss O’Loughlin took some time out of her busy schedule to relay to e-Travel Blackboard some of her fantastic travel experiences and why it’s important to take.

e-Travel Blackboard: As a performer and comedian, you would have experienced a wealth and variety of different destinations. So when it’s time to kick back and relax and take some much-needed ‘time-off’, where do you like to visit?

Fiona: To be honest, I haven’t been on that many holidays throughout my career but my absolute favourite trip ever would have had to be our family trip to Fiji in the South Pacific. It was utterly spectacular.

e-Travel Blackboard: Why Fiji? What makes the Pacific Islands such a comfortable place for you to escape to?

Fiona: Well, it may sound a little corny but it’s just like you’re stepping out of the real world and into a travel brochure. I never trusted travel brochures and guides before I experienced the wonders of Fiji. The reality was almost better than the professionally shot images.

e-Travel Blackboard: When you hop off the plane after that big flight, what’s the first thing you like to do?

Fiona: I’m definitely heading straight for the pool, with the kids in tow. It wouldn’t be the same without the kids joining us. It’s much better having them with us while we’re holidaying. It makes the adventure that much more exciting.

e-Travel Blackboard: When you’re in Fiji, what are some of the places you’d recommend our readers visit? Some of the must-see attractions or activities that you get excited about?

Fiona: Definitely sailing. Cruising by on a yacht, from island to island. It was simply gorgeous. When we last travelled to Fiji we were on a small yacht with a crew of locals, taking us around from jetty to jetty; island hopping, that’s the joy.

e-Travel Blackboard: What food do you and the family like to eat when in Fiji? Any local delicacies you’d enjoy?

Fiona: We went to the markets in Suva and it was incredible to witness the locals setting up shop on the side of the road each day. The fruit is quite amazing. The kids absolutely adored the fresh fruit that was easily available throughout our entire trip.

e-Travel Blackboard: What was your favourite place to spoil yourself for dinner?

Fiona: Although we were staying at the Radisson Hotel and ate there a few times after lazy days on the beach, I especially enjoyed taking the kids out for their very first fine dining experience at the Sheraton Hotel, right across the road. It was quite unique and certainly something new and different for them to enjoy.

e-Travel Blackboard: Finally, what’s your favourite nightspot?

Fiona: The rooftop bar at the Hotel Empire in New York City... it’s a long way from Fiji though.