Behind the wheel with Mariella Frostrup

Words: Danny Scott

Where has been your favourite road trip destination?
Three years ago, my son Dan – who was then 17 – and I had ten days driving around the West Coast of America in a metallic red McLaren GTS. A girlfriend of mine was working for McLaren at the time and it annoyed the hell out of us that sports cars were hardly ever aimed at women. We like to get behind the wheel, too! We went to Palm Springs, Vegas, Joshua Tree. Best ten days of my life. 

What’s on your bucket list?
I was born in Norway, but my dream trip would kick off in Sweden. I want to sail from Stockholm, through all those wonderful islands, out into the Baltic and then through the Gulf of Finland to St Petersburg. I’m told it takes about a week, and I’d like to do it in the early summer… during the White Nights. So wild and so beautiful! 

What’s your ultimate travel song?
Well, it depends where you are. It’s like books… I would never read a book on polar ice caps if I was in the Caribbean. But no matter where I am in the world, there is one song that is guaranteed to get me smiling: ‘Beautiful Day’ by U2. 

What are your three packing essentials and why?
Eye mask, ear plugs and lavender drops. Doesn’t matter where you’re sleeping or how stinky it is, just sprinkle lavender drops on your pillow and it changes everything. I remember once sleeping next to an open toilet in Chad. A few lavender drops and I was out like a light. 

Do you have any clever travel hacks? 
In the car – especially if you’ve got young kids – the number one tip must be: snacks. Keeps them happy and saves you paying silly motorway prices. 

What’s your dream car? And where would you most want to drive it?
My husband and I have always wanted to go from Cairo to the Cape, right down the middle of Africa. I’ve seen a lot of the world, but Africa will always be my favourite continent. And you know what… I’d quite like to do it on a motorbike! 

Do you think you’re a good traveller?
I love nothing more than being in motion, going from A to B. I feel energised, I feel that life is full of possibilities. As a woman, you’re always warned about the dangers of travelling, but my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. Only when you’re freed from your familiar surroundings do you realise just how many wonderful people are out there. 

If you could live anywhere, where would it be, and why?
I have this vision of me in ten years’ time, living on a tiny island in Greece, hanging out in a beachside tavern, playing backgammon with grizzled old men… Just watching the fishing boats come and go.

Menolicious: Eat Your Way to a Better Menopause by Mariella Frostrup and Belles Berry (£22, DK RED) is out now