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Jim Keeble

Jim Keeble grew up in Cambridge. He is the author of Independence Day: A Broken Heart's Voyage Around the U.S.A., one of the New York Times Best Travel books of 2001. He also writes feature films, including the award-winning comedy The Most Fertile Man in Ireland. He lives in London. His latest book published by Penguin is the A-Z of Us (2005).

Everyone needs a holiday and our authors are no different. Some have had scorching holidays and some quite frankly were too unsavoury to let you into. From dream holiday destinations and holiday horror stories to top holiday survival tips and summertime memories we’ve got the low-down and we’re willing to share…

What's your favourite summer memory?
I have great childhood memories of south Devon beaches, playing in rockpools and paddling around in an inflatable dingy. I also love summer in Manhattan, when even the asphalt melts.

And your dream holiday destination?
Vietnam - I love the food, the history and what I've seen of the beaches. I'd want to see some of Cambodia too. Anywhere where there's beach, culture and cuisine does it for me.

Any top holiday survival tips you can pass onto our readers?
Try and pack only hand luggage. Try and book into an airport lounge on both legs of the journey (companies like holidayextras.co.uk provide this service). Pack an extra bag for holiday purchases. Check your mobile telephone service - most networks offer International Traveller schemes sign up before departure, but remember to cancel it on return.

What do you always pack for summer hols?
A book, a hat, swim-shorts, expensive sunglasses. And Vanity Fair magazine.

Do you have any favourite places you like to go in the summer months?
Greece is the ultimate Med destination, but can be crazy. Normandy is strangely calm and epic in August with glowering skies, sweeping beaches and amazing seafood. The northern US and Canada can be gorgeous - try the shores of Georgian Bay north of Toronto for amazing light and beautiful beaches.

What place in the world do you think everyone should visit at least once?
Iceland. It's like nowhere else on earth, with its twisted, epic landscapes and twisted, epic population. Either in winter or summer it's strangely magnetic, although summertime 24 hour daylight gives you incredible energy, for whatever you might want to be doing at 3am.

Had any holiday horror stories you can let us into?
When I was 19 I caught the 'Magic Bus' from Istanbul to London, which took four days, and I came down with a fever and explosive stomach 12 hours into the journey.

What books will you be packing in your suitcase this summer?
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things, Oliver Twist, and Hey Nostradamus!

Any events/festivals you are looking forward to this summer?
I like watching Glastonbury on the telly, from the comfort of my sofa, champagne in hand.

It's a massive summer for sport - will Euro 2004 make you euphoric, will you be following the England Rugby team on their tour to the southern hemisphere or is Wimbledon more you thing? Or, does the idea of sport make you want to run away and hide?
I am a sports addict. I will be glued to any and all the Euro 2004 matches my wife will let me watch. I also adore the Olympics - I will enjoy many happy hours of hammer throwing and synchronised swimming. The only dull month will be July. Thank God for Wimbledon.