Johannesburg - Jason features in Ses’Top La Season 3 every Wednesday at 7.30pm on SABC1. Next month he will open The Goliath Comedy Club with his team Goliath and Goliath in Joburg’s Melrose Arch.
First holiday memory?
I remember going to Jock of the Bushveld, a simple chalet resort in the then Eastern Transvaal. This, for some reason, was my family’s favourite holiday spot – it was awesome. My parents loved taking me to the Kruger National Park, God’s Window and most of what the regions offers.
Favourite place in South Africa?
My favourite place is the road. I have road-tripped down the Garden Route, through the desert in the Northern Cape, through the Eastern Cape all the way to Port St John’s. Our country holds so many beautiful surprises just off most main roads.
Best holiday?
I spent two weeks travelling through Europe, going from Switzerland to France and then Holland, finishing the trip in Amsterdam, which is now my favourite city in the world after Joburg. We did almost everything you can do in Amsterdam and yet I still need to return and explore more.
If you are a creative, Amsterdam is a city that seems to embrace and motivate creativity in all different arenas.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Travelling is the only thing that makes you richer – so save as much as you can and travel as much as you can. Embracing and absorbing different countries, cultures and traditions is an education that no institution can give you.
Ideal travelling companion?
Anyone who is as hungry to experience every corner of the world. Travel with someone who is on a similar budget and has the same basic preferences as you.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
A mix between culture vulture and adrenalin junkie. The beach is cool but not for me.
Greatest travel luxury?
Business class. When you fly business class, the flight becomes part of the holiday experience; the upper deck in the Emirates Airbus A380 has a bar and a lounge.
As a kid from Eldos, I literally lost my mind.
Holiday reading?
Not a big reader but I’m addicted to all the “what to do in this city” brochures that most good hotels have.
Which place has seduced you?
I hate to admit it but standing on the banks of Lake Geneva in Montreux looking at Mount Evian, you are overwhelmed with how impossibly beautiful it is. You then realise that the Swiss franc will destroy any budget no matter how mighty you think you are.
Worst travel experience?
A 12-hour layover in the smallest terminal of the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris with no restaurants and a chest infection.
Best hotel?
I have stayed in some wonderful hotels, from Mauritius to the Phi Phi Islands, but my favourite is the Boardwalk Hotel in Port Elizabeth. It almost feels like they are showing off, it’s so good.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
Snorkelling in Thailand just off the Phi Phi Islands will blow your mind.
Best meal abroad?
Poutine – a mountain of slap chips drenched in barbecue sauce with cheese curd and pulled pork – at 3am in Montreal, Canada.
Favourite city?
Amsterdam, with Paris a close second. But Joburg will always have me.
Where next?
New York. I’m embarrassed to say I still have not been to the Big Apple – the place I feel will steal my heart.
Saturday Star