Very few people can say they have travelled the world but this accomplishment is one of David Allen's claims to fame.

Previous to becoming Bermuda's Minister of Tourism he was a famous travel writer who enjoyed a syndicated column called, "Making Tracks''.

His interesting travel features and fascinating photographs were published in the major newspapers in New York, Chicago, Houston and Miami.

Mr. Allen shares some introspective thoughts regarding his experiences as a photo journalist and a well respected travel writer.

Question: What is your first travel memory? Answer: "In 1950 I was six years old and in the fall I went to Canada with my parents. We flew from Bermuda in one of those old prop planes, Trans Canada Airlines.

"The flight was sold out and they ran out of seats. They asked me if I would like to sit up in the cockpit with the pilot on a jump seat and I did. It was very exciting seeing all those instruments and an awesome memory.'' Question: Do you have a passion for travel? If so, can you explain your motivation for travel? Answer: "Without a doubt I have a passion for travel. As a young boy, about 10, I used to go down on Front Street and collect travel brochures and consider all the places I would like to visit. I made travel scrap books from the brochures. The pictures were pretty and I took up photography too. My first camera was one of those Kodak Brownies.'' "Then my parents gave me a world atlas and there was no stopping my travel dreams. By age 13 I became interested in world events and knew every capital of all the major cities of the world.'' Question: What were the beginnings of your major travels? Answer: "My first major trip was in 1958 when I was 14 years old. By this time my photography skills were advancing and I was operating an eight millimetre movie camera. I took this with me to Canada and the US.

"My second trip was to Europe and Africa at age 18.

"My third trip I visited Morocco and hitch hiked on to Egypt and then onto Southern Africa at age 20.'' Question: What was your most thrilling adventure? Answer: Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, East Africa about 30 years ago! It was so amazing after I reached the top with a guide and five bearers. Back then there was a rain forest. I journeyed on the Congo River, as well as to Brazil, and observed pink dolphins swimming in the Amazon River.'' Question: Do you have a list of favourite travel destinations? Answer: "Yes! East Africa, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Southern Mexico, Hawaii, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Morocco and Burma.'' Question: Have you experienced any disappointments travelling? Answer: "Definitely. I suffered sun stroke in Turkey, had dysentery in Algeria, and a machine gun placed against my belly in the Sudan.'' Question: Do you think you were born to be a writer? Answer: "Writing is a natural skill for me so I would say yes. I loved writing in English class in school as a young student. From age 12 I was involved with the student newspaper.'' Question: What inspired you to become a travel writer and about how many articles have you published? Answer: "I was always fascinated with travel after my first trip as a child but after touring Africa at about 18 I sold my first feature for about 30 dollars in 1962 and that motivated me to continue.

"I enjoyed photography and loved travel and writing. It was a perfect match and became my career. I have sold thousands of articles.'' Question: Who are your favourite authors? Answer: "James Michener who wrote "Hawaii'' and "Alaska'' and who I once had dinner with, Jeffery Archer, who I have also met, and Robert Ludlum, a spy novelist.'' Question: Do you ever tire of travelling? Answer: "Never! I do admit that travelling in my role as Tourism Minister is vastly different from recreational travel. The schedules are gruelling. You hit five major cities in five nights.'' Question: Do you have any personal travel plans for this year? Answer: "On my own time I would like to visit Alaska with my significant other, Shirley Rose Higgins, who is a travel writer. We celebrate our birthdays together. One year we spent time on a tall ship in the Mediterranean.

"In my professional capacity I will be visiting career stops to market Bermuda such as Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco and Toronto.'' Question: Do you have any travel advice? Answer: "Always label the inside of your suitcases. Mine went missing for six weeks one year when I was on assignment in Nairobi. I went through London to get there but my suitcases ended up in St. Lucia in the West Indies without tags. All my clothes were amiss. Someone called my home number to learn my destination and I finally received them because of the inside label.'' Globe trotter: David Allen.

Cape Town, South Africa: Table Mountain overlooks Cape Town.

Mr. Allen has seen most of the world. This is a beautiful beach on the Caribbean island of Margarita, Venezuela.

Istanbul, Turkey: The Blue Mosque. Mr. Allen says Turkey is one of his favorite countries.

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