Crime writer Peter May recalls his travel adventures

Checking in… Bestselling crime writer Peter May talks about his favourite places in the world and why Ernest Hemingway is his fantasy travel companion

Bestselling author Peter May (above)

This week bestselling author Peter May checks in to our travel Q&A.

He talks about his favourite foreign countries – France and California – reveals why Ernest Hemingway is his dream travel partner – and more…

POST-LOCKDOWN TRAVEL PLANS?

I had to cancel a trip to Svalbard in May, so I want to go there. The hotel refused to give me a refund, so I only got a voucher. I’m £3,500 out of pocket!

EARLIEST HOLIDAY MEMORY?

In Glasgow they used to talk about ‘going doon the watter’, which meant the Clyde estuary. When I was four I went to Millport, an island there. It’s famous for its crocodile-shaped rock with painted teeth.

FIRST TRIP ABROAD?

In 1961, aged nine, my dad drove us to Italy in his old Austin 8. It took us five days. Our car overheated when we crossed the Great St Bernard Pass — we had to stuff snow in the radiator. On the Riviera I got awful sunburn and spent three days in bed.

FAVOURITE FOREIGN COUNTRY?

Either France, where I’ve lived for the past 20 years, or the U.S. I love Newport Beach in California.

Peter said one of his favourite places in the world is Newport Beach in California

Peter said one of his favourite places in the world is Newport Beach in California

ARE YOU MISSING SCOTLAND?

Yes, particularly the Hebrides. It has some of the bleakest but most beautiful scenery in Britain. It’s like the Caribbean without palm trees and heat!

FANTASY TRAVEL COMPANION?

If my wife couldn’t join me, I’d love to get drunk in France and Spain with Ernest Hemingway.

  • Peter’s novel Lockdown is out in paperback. 

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