Travel Reporter Nick Vindin

"Everyone loves travel and everyone loves sport.  SBS World News Australia journalist and travel expert  Nick Vindin is lucky enough to live the dream and combine both into his everyday world. Jealous much?"

We quizzed Nick on his favourite destinations and travel experiences:

Travelling for me is all about experiencing the culture, and creating memories. So many people whinge about the commuting element of the trip – but I’ve learned that can be one of the most memorable parts of the journey.

My favourite domestic location?

Without a doubt Mollymook on the South Coast is one of my favourite domestic locations. The beautiful beach, natural surrounds and local food – from fish & chips to Rick Stein’s Bannisters is a winner

The South Coast is my ultimate rest destination – somewhere to go to recharge and relax. The sand stretches forever and around every corner is a treat – be it the secluded snorkelling spot or the unspoilt waves of a hidden surfing break.  There’s also the relaxed vibe of the locals, a balcony to doze away the afternoons and fresh seafood to enjoy before falling asleep to the sound of the waves on the beach. Perfection.

Melbourne is another amazing spot, but for a break of a different kind. While the South Coast is all about letting the time slide by, Melbourne is about cramming in as much in as you can. Picking up a bike to traverse the laneways to find that special café. Jumping from shop to shop, broken up of course with a visit to an exhibition at any number of the attention-grabbing galleries, heading for a few beers with some mates at the Collingwood v Geelong match, lining up a late dinner at a restaurant that you’ve heard so much about before heading out to any number of ‘only in Melbourne’ bars.

Favourite International Spot: 

When heading overseas, its important to cross the tourist ‘must do’s’ off the list early, before discovering what you wont find in any Lonely Planet – what life is like for the locals. My favourite overseas destination would be the United States – particularly California. Where else in the world can you start the day with surf on a beach in San Diego, and by the afternoon be carving the slopes of a terrain park at Big Bear ski resort?

I always get heat from my friends about my love of the States. Criticism about the lack of culture the place has to offer is at the top of the list. I can’t think of anywhere in the world where a bar with cheeseburgers and gigantic fries served by girls on rollerblades showing sports on thirty tv’s and a crowd dressed in sports jerseys is right next-door to a night spot that is home to some of the worlds most famous celebrities. The one thing the two bars have in common - no crowd is as welcoming as the Americans.

If the American’s have perfected one thing, it’s having a good time. Attending a college football game alongside 90,000 screaming loyal fans becomes addictive after a while. Nobody does sports, events and nightlife like the United States.

My Travel Snaps

With whatever kind of travelling I do I love having a focus of the trip – when I was in Europe it was about sailing from island to island (with a group of mates who had never sailed), in Japan and New Zealand it was Skiing. Giving yourself a target or a challenge means that you get to discover and encounter so many incredible things along the way.