Rick Mercer has been tickling Canadian funny bones for more than 16 years on CBC Television while being a thorn — a sharp and witty one — in the side of politicians. Politicians’ spin and obfuscation become fodder for Mercer’s satirical rants each week as he hosts The Rick Mercer Report.

A born and bred Newfoundlander, Mercer derived his political and satirical soul years back. While most kids were watching Mr. Dressup, political conventions were always Mercer’s program of choice. Politics and religion were the most popular discussion topics around his dinner table as a child.

Mercer is a frequent flyer and must feel like a pinball at times as he travels from coast to coast and to the remote north to tape segments for his weekly show. Despite this, Mercer never misses an opportunity to hop on a plane.

What was the first time you were on an airplane?

I was probably 12 or 13 and I flew alone to the west coast of Newfoundland for a basketball camp. I was thrilled to do that. When I was a young man, I was always amazed of the notion that people fly to work. Now I fly to work all the time and I still get giddy about that.

What is one of your most memorable trips?

I guess it’s all first times. The first time I saw the Rockies. The first time I saw the Pacific Ocean. The first time I travelled to the north, Iqaluit. If you visit the Canadian North, you experience a culture shock you wouldn’t experience almost anywhere else on earth. The people there have a very unique perspective.

What was your most memorable experience on the show?

Bungee jumping with Rick Hansen because he was a personal hero of mine. To meet him was great and he surpassed my expectation about what a great guy he actually was, and then to go bungee jumping with him in BC — still to this day the sight of Rick Hansen and going off a bridge — well, I pushed him off in his wheelchair tied to a bungee cord.

What are the things you like most about travelling?

I consider it a huge privilege to be able to do it. I’ve been to a lot of places and this show gives me a backstage pass. There is no substitute for actually meeting people from a place. You can read about Newfoundland until the cows come home, but until you visit you don’t really understand it and the people.

What do you like to do on a vacation?

I look at a vacation one of two ways. I want to explore, which is a bit of work but a lot of fun. Or I want to lie down, do no work and barely move and just read. Paris is one of my favourite places in the world and I just love exploring that city. Other times, if I just have a week off of work in the middle of the season I want to just go somewhere warm and lie down.

What is your favourite beach?

The most beautiful beach I’ve seen is Tofino on Vancouver Island. It is the most stunning thing I have ever seen. I was literally gobsmacked. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was.

What is your dream destination?

I haven’t been to — that is definitely on the list. I could spend a lot of time exploring Europe. I like great cities. I like London a lot, New York City. I love Paris.

Travel pet peeves?

Security. It’s the cost of doing business and like everyone I find it frustrating. It’s just slowing everything down. The problem is there seems there are not enough security officers to move people through. People who are in front of me in the security line and trying to bring paint or an axe on board frustrate me.

What is your must-have item when you travel?

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My BlackBerry and iPod, certainly. I don’t really have any other must-have items other than a good pair of headphones.

What are your favourite restaurants in Canada?

My favourite restaurant in the country is Du Maurizio Restaurant in Halifax. Tremendous Italian cuisine. Allen’s Pub in Toronto is my local hangout — great restaurant, great pub. Leo’s Fish and Chips in St. John’s — the best fish and chip place in the country in my opinion. Cin Cin in Vancouver is another favourite.