Paul Merson, an ambassador for an addiction recovery platform, reveals how he missed sights on his travels, including the Great Barrier Reef, because he “chooses to drink”.

This week ex-footballer and pundit Paul Merson asks us travel questions and answers.

Among other things, Paul, who is an ambassador for an addiction support platform, talks openly about how at one point in his life he missed world-famous attractions because he was busy drinking.

Earliest travel memory?

We went to Warner’s on Hayling Island every year. My father hated flying and to this day has never been on a plane.

First time abroad?

The Algarve. I just started playing for Arsenal so I could afford to leave.

In your football career?

Singapore, Hong Kong, Hungary, Sweden and Switzerland.

Did you see a lot of sights?

When we went to China with Arsenal in pre-season, I was drinking a lot at the time, so I decided to drink instead of going to the Great Wall. In Australia I chose to drink instead of going to the Great Barrier Reef. I was there but I wasn’t there. I’ve been to the bars.

Paul, who is an ambassador for addiction help platform Recoverlution, says during his visit to Australia he chose to drink instead of going to the Great Barrier Reef (above).

Favorite place?

i love america i used to be at concorde when i made good money. I would fly over for a weekend to see the New York Jets or the Knicks play.

I love Florida even though I’m going to be 55. I have three young kids – eight, five and two – so we did Disney last year, which was great. My older children are 21 year old twin girls and 32, 30 and 28 year old boys.

And Europe?

We love Mallorca; My wife Kate’s mother has a flat there.

favorite hotel?

The Grand Floridian at Disney World and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Florida.

Favorite British holiday?

A caravan in Weymouth. The kids love it even if the weather is not so good.