Anton Enus recalls one of his most harrowing travel experiences when, in a frantic rush to catch a flight from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, he exited a taxi without his bag, which contained his passport, wallet, and phone. Describing the feeling as akin to having two heart attacks, the SBS World News host was fortunate that he had pre-booked the taxi, enabling him to quickly coordinate with the hotel and the driver to recover his belongings.
Originally from Durban, South Africa, Enus relocated to Sydney in 1999 to join SBS. His fondest travel memories are often from family camping trips at Midmar Dam, where he spent happy Easter holidays. A standout moment was triumphing over his father in tennis—a sport his dad didn’t even play, making the victory all the more special.
Reflecting on his travels, Enus shares a memorable culinary experience from a backpacking trip to India. He and his partner indulged at the luxurious Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, splurging their entire week’s budget on an exquisite buffet. The vibrant flavours and the opulent setting left a lasting impression on him.
Among the places he has visited, the Drakensberg mountains in South Africa rank as the most serene. For many years, he hiked there each Christmas, rewarded by breathtaking views after difficult treks with friends. Conversely, the chaotic atmosphere of New Delhi stands out as his most stressful travel experience, with its deafening noise, overwhelming crowds, and myriad distractions. Yet, he acknowledges the unforgettable nature of the city amidst the difficulties.
When packing, Enus always includes a pair of lightweight running gloves, particularly since he often travels during Europe’s cooler spring months. They serve multiple purposes and take up minimal space in his luggage.
To make long-haul flights more bearable, he wishes for an upgrade to a lie-flat seat—though he admits he has never had the courage to ask. In the absence of this dream, he relies on a good book, a comfortable eye mask, and noise-cancelling headphones to enhance his travel experience.
Regrettably, Enus reflects on a missed opportunity to visit Machu Picchu in 1995 with his partner. Due to financial constraints, he stayed back while his partner enjoyed a tranquil early visit before the site became inundated with tourists. Returning to the now-commercialized area is a missed chance to experience the breathtaking site in solitude, a wish he still holds.
In sharing these experiences, Enus paints a vivid picture of the joys and challenges of travel, illustrating the impact such journeys have on personal memories.