After the world Swimming Championships in 2013 I was lucky enough to head to Positano in Southern Italy with a few friends. This was such a great holiday. Perfect scenery, beautiful water and super-friendly people! In fact, that's probably the thing I enjoyed most: meeting and mingling with the locals.

AND THE BEST HOTEL YOU'VE STAYED IN?

In 2013, I travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, for some promotional work with watch brand, Maurice Lacroix. We stayed in a hotel named La Reserve Geneve and it was, without question, the most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in. The location and the facilities were second to none and we had a very enjoyable stay.

WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?

There are a few basics I always take with me for plane and overseas travel: my tablet and smartphone, so that I can stay connected with music, movies and social media while I'm away. Also, I always pack a really decent moisturiser as I find plane travel is pretty tough on my skin.

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY?

Good friends, good food and lots of time on the beach and in the water. 

WHAT'S YOUR BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE?

Always travel with a very open mind. Travel is all about meeting new people and having new experiences. Holidays should be an adventure and, personally, having this mindset has always led to my meeting great new people and having unique experiences.

AND YOUR WORST EXPERIENCE ON HOLIDAY?

I've honestly been really lucky to not have had any bad experiences as yet. Touch wood! However, hypothetically speaking, I think that having problems with your passport or missing flights along the way would really disrupt my holiday mood. When things go smoothly logistically I think this really adds to the holiday experience.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PACKING MISTAKE YOU'VE MADE?

I'm a pretty decent packer so I can't really recall any mistakes, which is obviously a good thing. 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO NEXT?

I would really like to return to the Amalfi Coast and spend more time there in the future. It made such an impact on me during my last visit that I can't wait to return. I'd love to have more time to learn some of the language and really immerse myself in with the local culture.

Australian Olympic swimmer James Magnussen is an ambassador for Body Science.