IN THE BAG

Zeinab Badawi is a British journalist and broadcaster, and presenter of daily international news programme The World on BBC Four. She gives us a rundown of her travel essentials

WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU PACK WHEN YOU TRAVEL?

I travel often for work and, because I appear on screen, I never go anywhere without my make-up bag. It’s crucial. If I’m taking a short-haul flight, I like to keep it in my hand luggage. I used to take liquid eyeliner but, with the increased security these days, it always gets confiscated. Now, I take a solid one, by Lancôme.

WHAT CAN’T YOU FLY WITHOUT?

Definitely my triple-ply cashmere shawl from N.Peal. I freeze on planes and have to wrap up warm. I also take at least two large bottles of water. I can’t handle those little aeroplane cups. They are just too small.

ANY OTHER MUST-HAVE ITEMS?

Well, I take a picture of my four little children, Joey, Sophia, Hannah and Zack — like all doting mothers, no doubt. It always gives me something to look forward to when I come home. It also comes in handy as an icebreaker before tough interviews. I flew to the US recently to talk to Susan Sarandon. It was hard at times, because we were talking about her opinions on the Iraq war. I showed her the photo and she immediately warmed up after that.

A-Z

Without the alphabet, we’d be speechless – or at least struggling to order a cappuccino with extra chocolate sprinkles. To celebrate this, we bring you stuff starting with the letter A

THIS MONTH... A

From 6-28 October this year, Brussels will be celebrating art nouveau, with a walking tour that helps you explore the Belgian city and this artistic movement in depth.

The Biennal Art Nouveau event will have trails to follow by car, on foot or by bike, and you can explore the architecture district by district. You can also use a pass to visit interiors, such as villas, private houses, schools and shops. www.opt.be/informations/events/ en/E/44509.html

The summer season at the largest amusement park in Scandinavia kicks off on 28 April. Gothenburg’s Liseberg is a great way to meet the Swedes and have a carefree day out. Don’t miss taking a ride on Balder, Scandinavia’s biggest wooden rollercoaster. www.liseberg.se

In Pula, Croatia, the amphitheatre is the star attraction. Built in the first century AD, gladiatorial contests were fought here until, and you can really sense the history of the place, especially when walking down the corridors where the lions lived. In the restored chambers below, there is now an exhibit on olive and vine growing in ancient times. The outer walls have weathered the years well and the arena provides a wonderful backdrop for the international Pula Film Festival held in July. There are also numerous concerts over the summer.