I was very lucky to travel to Japan for a film press junket. From the moment I stepped out of the airplane I was blown away by the people and their heritage. I encountered a powerful yet subdued pride that grew my admiration for Japanese culture instantly.

Naturally the food was another perk of this city. If you think you love Japanese cuisine, then a trip to Tokyo to sample the authentic style and artistry of the food preparation is a must.

BIG SUR

I travelled to northern California with my then boyfriend Richard (Roxburgh). It was amongst the surreal setting of acacia trees and dramatic coastlines that I fell madly in love with him. This is a magical part of the world I long to go back to. It is my "happy place".

There is something wild and rough about Big Sur that gives the idea of just how wonderful America is.

IOS, GREEK ISLANDS

The day after I graduated from high school back in 1994, I was on a ferry to Ios, a stunning blue and white Greek island lost in the Ionic sea. My travelling companions were my closest school mates, and with bravery and relief we bid adieu to our school life and embarked upon adulthood – with plenty of ouzo.

My memories are indeed a bit foggy, but nonetheless precious. And I can still taste the pungency of garlic sauce smeared onto 3am souvlaki binges and the sticky sweetness of watermelon eaten on white sand beaches.

RAPOLANO TERME

In this ancient Tuscan village, tucked amongst olive and lemon groves, Richard and I became husband and wife. As I type this, I am instantly catapulted back to those verdant hills, each boasting a little castle or fort, each drenched in history. And the food. Oh, the glorious food. The cuisine there is a true manifestation of Italian rustic home-cooking, from wild boar tagliatelle to stuffed suckling pigs on a spit. All washed down with plenty of Rosso di Montalcino.

BUCHAREST

A decade ago I found myself in Romania for eight weeks, shooting an action movie. I was completely won over by the people ­– so friendly, warm and generous. Their spirit reminded me of that of Italy, and yet their culture is so rich and diverse. I was most fascinated by the street artists busking in the city centre, gypsies and bohemian souls devoted to creating music and art. This is a vibrant city, full of surprises at every corner. And the countryside around Bucharest will take your breath away.

Silvia Colloca's third cookbook, La Dolce Vita (Lantern, $49.99) is out now. Her new show, Silvia's Italian Table premiers on ABC TV October 6.