Linda Gray's heaven and hell

[Brian Damage]

I'm extremely blessed because I travel extensively for my work, but I always try to incorporate a bit of leisure with business. I was invited to go to Rome for a chat show, so I asked my grandson, Ryder, then aged 17, if he would like to accompany me. He didn't take long to answer! We stayed at the lovely St Regis hotel and had the most divine time, which included a tour of the Vatican. Then we went on to Paris and stayed at the funky Hôtel des Marronniers, on the Left Bank, a delightful area where my grandson became extremely fond of steak and French fries. This was a real "fun" holiday, and I felt it was the perfect time for Ryder to travel with his grandmother before he became involved with college and girlfriends.

Soap opera travel: how to get on set
And the best hotel you've stayed in?

I stayed at the Rosewood Mansion Hotel for the 30th reunion of Dallas in 2008. I was extremely well looked after, the service was second to none and, most importantly, I always felt secure. Staying at this hotel is one of my travelling highlights. And, as a single woman, I need to feel happy when travelling alone.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

Good weather. During the shooting of a film in Athens, I took two days off to fly to the island of Mykonos, which was a delicious experience. The weather was perfect, as were the blue skies and sea against the whitewashed buildings. Also, I'm a foodie, and love to try the locally grown and prepared produce. Food in Mykonos is divine and every day I had Greek salad with yogurt, garlic and cucumber. It was heaven.

What do you always take with you?

These days, with all the airport security, travel is not as carefree as it used to be. So, I always take my sense of humour, and a lovely book tucked into my luggage. I recently read The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, which I enjoyed because I'm interested in science.

And your best piece of travel advice?

Don't check in your luggage – take only a wheeled carry-on case. Be creative and take clothes that are versatile. I take a capsule wardrobe in just one colour and mix it with accessories such as belts and scarves. I can pack 10 days' worth of clothes into my carry-on bag.

Where do you want to go next?

I would love to go on a cruise, because the sea has such a calming effect on me. My work schedule has not permitted this as yet, but I'm sure it would be lovely.

...and disasters?

What was your worst experience on holiday?

When my children were young, we went to a log cabin near Yosemite, California, thinking that they would love the snow. I packed a case with my clothes and put it behind the door to take at the last moment, before packing the children's' clothes, diapers and baby food. I walked out of the house leaving my case behind the door. We were snowed in and all I had with me was what I was wearing. It was not pretty! I ended up wearing my husband's big jacket. I was so upset, but there was nothing I could do.

What's the biggest packing mistake you've made?

I used to take too much luggage, but now I have a minimalist approach to packing. I wear a big down jacket and boots on the plane, and rolled up in my carry-on case is a beautiful long matt jersey dress. On arrival, I steam this dress in the shower, then I'm ready to go. It's the perfect answer to the oft-asked question: "Where is your ball gown?"

Which is the worst hotel you've stayed in?

To be honest, I can't recall a bad hotel – maybe I've just blanked it out.

What do you avoid on holiday?

Aeroplane journeys give me quiet time to read and sleep; it's like being unplugged from the earth. But I don't eat much on the aeroplane. I like to take care of myself and not be forced to eat something I don't like, so I will take along a mixture of dried fruits and nuts just in case I dislike what's being served. I also avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks while flying.

What do you hate about holidays?

I miss my grandchildren, but we email and my laptop has a little camera that we use for Skype. It's just like making a telephone call, but I also get to see them, which is fantastic. Then I don't miss them quite so much.

Dallas: The Complete Season 12 is released on DVD on Monday


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ce...-and-hell.html

[MickeyMac]

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