Former Bond girl Britt Ekland talks about travelling, including the joy of silk eye masks

Former Bond girl Britt Ekland checks into our travel Q&A

This week former Bond girl Britt Ekland checks into our travel Q&A.

She talks about her favourite parts of Sweden, the most unusual place she’s been recognised – and more. 

EARLIEST HOLIDAY MEMORY?

Every summer until I was 16, my family spent six weeks on Marstrand, an island off Sweden’s west coast. It’s car-free with quaint neighbourhoods. We rented a house and spent our time walking, exploring and swimming.

FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS?

Other than Sweden, my homeland, the south of France and the Italian coast have been favourites of mine, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. Back then, it was unspoilt and I remember exploring and relaxing at outdoor quayside restaurants, eating pasta, lobster and drinking white wine.

WHAT CAN’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT?

My silk eye masks which I’ve had for 15 years. They’re comfortable and block the light perfectly. In fact, I can sleep outside in bright sunshine and not know it was shining. Plus sticky ear plugs.

MOST UNUSUAL PLACE WHERE YOU’VE BEEN RECOGNISED?

The location might not be unusual but the situation was. I was filming in Budapest when Hungary was behind the Iron Curtain. A woman arrived on set and said she recognised me from the James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun. She told me she loved the movie, even though Bond films were banned there.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PARTS OF SWEDEN?

Picturesque: Britt said one of her favourite parts of Sweden is Åre in the north 

You can’t beat where my house is, 45 minutes from Stockholm on the water’s edge. I’m fond of the west coast, too, where there are some amazing seafood restaurants. Another favourite spot is Åre in the north. We used to go skiing there as a family, it’s wonderful.

EVER HAD A FRIGHTENING FLIGHT?

Yes, my first flight to America in 1963. I was flying from Rome to New York for a screen test and there was terrible turbulence. The plane kept dropping causing passengers to scream and cry. Sitting next to me was a priest, who told me to stay calm because God was looking after us — and, thankfully, he was because I’m still here!

WHERE NEXT WHEN WE CAN TRAVEL AGAIN?

I want to visit friends just outside Dublin, return to Sweden and London. But travel isn’t so much fun now, partly because I like to travel with my dog, Bowie.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON HOLIDAY?

I plan my trips like a military excursion, partly because everything has to be timed to the minute if you’re travelling with a dog. But when I’m away, I like to explore, relax and enjoy good food.

• Britt is supporting the Leukodystrophy Charity. Visit alextlc.org for more information.