I’ve been working in travel tv for more than 20 years. Let me dispel some of those myths..

1. We do not fly business class

We don’t always fly at the front of the plane. Actually it’s never if the BBC is paying, because technically we are a public broadcaster and we cannot be seen to be spending tax payers money on biz class seats. But it’s funny that everyone assumes I’m travelling in luxury. I wish! If I’m doing a corporate job – moderating a panel discussion or attending a conference, then it’s a different story.

2. We have strict budgets for hotels

We don’t always stay at the best hotels. The BBC has pretty strict budgets and depending where you go in the world and the currency exchange rate – these factors can determine the quality of your hotel. I’ve opened curtains in hotels rooms to see brick walls and my boss once had a room without a window!

3. We do not get paid a 6 figure salary

We don’t get paid a lot of money (though you could argue that it’s all relative). Actually, I don’t get paid anywhere near six figures (one of my colleagues joked that this made it sound like I earn £99,999 – which is unfortunately not true lol!) At the end of the day, I’m a journalist giving you impartial advice about travel. But I’ve had some wonderful experiences and met some amazing people along the day. I do love my job.