We spoke to the well-known English broadcaster, adventurer and author about his challenges, travels and fears:
What inspires you to travel?
I have always had a curious and open mind. I love meeting people and understanding different cultures.
Of your many adventures, do you have one that is particularly close to your heart?
There are so many – but Mount Everest, which I climbed last year, was an extraordinary experience. It is far more than just reaching the summit. It is the sum of its parts. The people. The landscapes. The sunrise and sunsets. The weather.
What did it feel like to stand at the summit of Everest?
It was the fulfilment of a childhood dream. People say that it is like going to Disneyland. It isn’t. It is still a challenge.