WJS: What is your preferred mode of transportation?

TK: It depends on the location – cheap flights mean that Europe is only two hours and fifty pounds (£) away, and my young persons railcard means that I can scoot around to various cities quickly and quite inexpensively by train.

WJS: What’s one of the most memorable travel experiences you’ve had?

TK: It’s hard to pick because there’s been loads, but I thought Argentina was unreal, especially hikiing for eight days through the pre-Andes, and seeing a radical surrounding change from subtropical rain forest to almost desert aridness.

Getting to visit the Iguazu falls was amazing too, there’s something like 257 falls along a 2.7 km stretch and it’s just unreal to experience. I’ll never forget Argentina because we were there for five weeks and it was my first trip for an extended period of time to a place completely different and so far away from home.

WJS: If inspiration lived in one of the places you’ve traveled where would that be?

TK: Japan. It inspired me a lot. It’s a crazy place, everything is so different, but also so the same. It’s a bit of a culture shock and a lot of their methods and customs are based in tradition and have never altered. However these practices make a lot of sense, and i’ve tried to take them with me through everyday life. Also, just over six weeks after I returned from Japan, I flew to Ethiopia to travel bit, and I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t inspired by people and the attitudes over there.

WJS: What book would you recommend on a long trip?

TK: I’m usually more partial to the crime/thriller/adventure slant, typical boys stuff, but I’m a bit of a magazine fiend and always pick one up at the airport. GQ makes a good read, just as much as the latest Wilbur Smith book.

See what’s in Tom’s bag below:

Read more about Tom Kirkby at his site.