Top tipper: Jean Perraton
Each week we introduce you to a Been there tipper. This week it's Jean Perraton who loves a dip in the ocean followed by a very cold beer. Who doesn't?
If you'd like to tell the world about your travels drop us a line: been.there@guardian.co.uk
Would you describe the trips you have made as holidays or as travels?
Now - basically holiday. When I was younger I 'travelled' - eg hitchhiking alone around Europe, including Iceland, and North America - and, more recently, island hopping around the Dodecanese. When I go with my husband it's basically a holiday - but always to somewhere where we can explore on foot.
What is the first thing you do when you reach a new place?
Look for the best place to swim.
Where was the last place you visited?
Loutro - in southern Crete.
Can you tell us a bit about it?
It's a small holiday village in southern Crete, accessible only by boat or on foot.
Why did you go?
It offered dramatic coastal walks, superb swimming in clear seas, no big hotels with swimming pools, and no traffic.
What was your favourite part?
To walk just a few metres from my room and into the sea.
What inspires you to travel around?
The need to get away from towns and traffic and reconnect with the so-called 'natural' world.
Is there one place where you wish you had been but haven't quite managed to get to yet?
I'd love to go to New Zealand. It has such a range of magnificent scenery. But, I'm concerned about climate change and have forsworn any more long haul flights.
Where is the best place to sit back and relax?
I dont. I'm too restless just to sit. For me, walking or swimming in beautiful surroundings the best relaxation there is.
What would you say is the biggest thing you have learnt from your travels?
The best way to explore is on foot and it's important to have at least a smattering of the local language.
If you could only go back to one place for the rest of your life where would it be?
If I were to choose just one place to visit again before I die it would be Hollham Beach on a still hazy summer day - miles of empty sand, a pale blue sea merging imperceptibly into a pale blue sky. I feel I am about to step off the end of the world.
What is the best souvenir you have picked up?
I usually dont bring back any souvenirs - but I do have some lovely sea-smoothed black pebbles.
Where is the next place you are headed? Do you have a summer holiday planned?
The Lake District which we visit almost every year.
Where were you the last time you thought 'Yup, this is the life'?!
In Sophia's Taverna in Tilos, sipping a cold beer, after we had run down the mountain side with a nimble goat herd. He had kindly shown us a quick route back to base just as it was getting dark.
Where is your hometown?
Cambridge
How old are you?
I am 72
What do you always take with you when you travel (apart from passport?)
My bikini - in my hand luggage in case my case gets lost - and wax earplugs for noisy hotels.
If you'd like to tell the world about your travels drop us a line: been.there@guardian.co.uk
Would you describe the trips you have made as holidays or as travels?
Now - basically holiday. When I was younger I 'travelled' - eg hitchhiking alone around Europe, including Iceland, and North America - and, more recently, island hopping around the Dodecanese. When I go with my husband it's basically a holiday - but always to somewhere where we can explore on foot.
What is the first thing you do when you reach a new place?
Look for the best place to swim.
Where was the last place you visited?
Loutro - in southern Crete.
Can you tell us a bit about it?
It's a small holiday village in southern Crete, accessible only by boat or on foot.
Why did you go?
It offered dramatic coastal walks, superb swimming in clear seas, no big hotels with swimming pools, and no traffic.
What was your favourite part?
To walk just a few metres from my room and into the sea.
What inspires you to travel around?
The need to get away from towns and traffic and reconnect with the so-called 'natural' world.
Is there one place where you wish you had been but haven't quite managed to get to yet?
I'd love to go to New Zealand. It has such a range of magnificent scenery. But, I'm concerned about climate change and have forsworn any more long haul flights.
Where is the best place to sit back and relax?
I dont. I'm too restless just to sit. For me, walking or swimming in beautiful surroundings the best relaxation there is.
What would you say is the biggest thing you have learnt from your travels?
The best way to explore is on foot and it's important to have at least a smattering of the local language.
If you could only go back to one place for the rest of your life where would it be?
If I were to choose just one place to visit again before I die it would be Hollham Beach on a still hazy summer day - miles of empty sand, a pale blue sea merging imperceptibly into a pale blue sky. I feel I am about to step off the end of the world.
What is the best souvenir you have picked up?
I usually dont bring back any souvenirs - but I do have some lovely sea-smoothed black pebbles.
Where is the next place you are headed? Do you have a summer holiday planned?
The Lake District which we visit almost every year.
Where were you the last time you thought 'Yup, this is the life'?!
In Sophia's Taverna in Tilos, sipping a cold beer, after we had run down the mountain side with a nimble goat herd. He had kindly shown us a quick route back to base just as it was getting dark.
Where is your hometown?
Cambridge
How old are you?
I am 72
What do you always take with you when you travel (apart from passport?)
My bikini - in my hand luggage in case my case gets lost - and wax earplugs for noisy hotels.