Go Away With … Chris Harrison

By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
January 15, 2013

As the host of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” Chris Harrison has seen love (and infatuation) unfold in numerous idyllic settings. We chatted with the 41-year-old television personality to find out about his favorite places, and to learn what destinations he still has on his bucket list. Harrison is also one of the featured speakers at this year’s Travel and Adventure Shows.

Q. Where have couples traveled to on “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” that you thought, “Wow, I need to go back there.”

A. There are two in particular that far exceeded my expectations. The first was Bora Bora. I had heard how beautiful and romantic this place was, but nothing prepares you for just how magical it really is, or just how blue that water is. The experience of staying in a palapa over the crystal blue waters is one I’ll never forget.

The other city that exceeded my expectations that I’d like to return to is Prague. I’d heard for years how beautiful the city was, but that is just the half of it. The city is virtually untouched by the major wars and so much of its history still stands as it has for centuries. But what I wasn’t prepared for was the arts, the food and the bars. There is this very youthful, artsy side to the city that keeps it young and vibrant.

I love cities I can walk and just get lost in and each day stumble upon something new I hadn’t noticed the day before and Prague is just such a city. If I had to add an underrated underdog in this category, I’d recommend St. Lucia. We stayed at the Tides Resort that sits on the most beautiful bay right between the two pitons. Between the vistas, the water, the food, the people and the spa, it’s a hidden little gem I’d definitely like to get back to someday.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel so much over the last 10 years it’s almost impossible to nail down just one place. I think the best part about the show and going to so many places is it has forced me to go to destinations I’d probably never visit on my own. Once I’m there I often get to do things that are just incredible. For example, Panama was never on my to-do list, but eating ceviche right off the boats in the local fish market was amazing. Zip-lining around the active volcano in Costa Rica was unlike anything I’ve ever done. Spending several days at the Sabi Sands Resort in South Africa and going on several safaris was breathtaking.

I don’t think I would have ever chosen to go to the city of Chiang Mai in Thailand, but the Mandarin Oriental Hotel there is as beautiful a hotel as you’ll ever stay in. It’s a great city to get lost in visiting temples and shopping in the local night markets. But one of the best nights was going to a local Muay Thai boxing match. I loved places like Italy and Bora Bora, but those are for very obvious reasons and you can never go wrong with places like that. But when you find yourself a little bit off the beaten path, experiencing things you’ve never dreamed of, that to me really stands out.

Q. To someone who was going to some of the places you’re recommending, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?

Q. When I travel to any country my goal is to really try to get lost in that city and hit the local haunts. I’m never a big fan of doing touristy stuff. Sometimes you have to do these things, like in Rome seeing all the sights and historic places, but even there I like to get off the main streets and find little shops and cafes you won’t find on most maps. I talk to locals everywhere. I go and ask for bars, restaurants, shops and activities. Sometimes these suggestions are a disaster, but other times it leads to experiences you’ll never forget. You have to step out of your comfort zone a little bit and really embrace the culture you’re in.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A. I’ve literally traveled the world, but there’re always cities and countries you haven’t been to that you want or need to visit. The more I travel, the more places I’d like to see. I’ve been to Italy several times, but I’ve never made it over to Venice. I know that’s criminal, but I’ve just never made it over there. I’ve also never been to Greece and that’s one of those places I’ve heard about so much I have to go. I love Europe and could spend years traveling from city to city and country to country and never hit them all, but I’m darn sure going to try.

Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A. You know that’s a great, and kind of funny, question. When this began I used to do all kinds of research before I’d arrive at a destination, but now I do next to none. First of all, I just go to too many places to keep up. But I also have found that I like going to places with little to no expectations or plans. Now this doesn’t always apply if I need to book something or make a reservation, but more times than not I find that just figuring things out as I go and finding things that way is fantastic. It’s important to know yourself and how you like to travel. This wouldn’t work for everybody. It just fits my personality. I don’t worry about all the things I’m missing, or not doing. I just enjoy the things I am doing.

Q. What is your worst vacation memory?

A. After traveling all around the world to hundreds of cities and hotels, the one thing I’ve found that really makes a difference between a good time or a horrible trip is the people. Sure, sometimes your room is better than others and sometimes the food is better or worse, but the people always make or break a place. I hate to throw any place under the bus, but I’ll never forget our experience in the Bahamas. The people there just didn’t seem happy to have us there. In fact, it was almost like they resented that tourists were in their home and that really ruins a visit, no matter how pretty the scenery.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. I am so fortunate to travel and do so many amazing things with my job. When i get a weekend getaway, I usually like to keep it simple. The great thing is I live in California, so the beach is right here but the mountains, desert and wine country are never far away. I love to get up to my little place up in Mammoth Mountain and ski in the winter or fish and hike in the summer. I’m a big wine lover, so whether it’s a short drive up to Santa Ynez for tastings and lunch at the Los Olivos Cafe or a quick flight up to Napa, I’m always up for a good wine trip. Santa Barbara has always been one of my favorite cities to visit and it’s such an easy drive. I always kick myself for not getting up there more. A little hidden secret if you have kids is how amazing the Santa Barbara Zoo is. It sits on a hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It’s just big enough to have all the big names but small enough to navigate very easily with the kids.

Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. The more I travel, the simpler I get. You quickly learn that less is more when traveling so much. Because we’re on the road so long moving so often city to city and country to country, it behooves you to travel light. We’re often up early walking to train stations, hopping on boats or very small planes and you just can’t have ten big suitcases and travel like we do. You quickly learn what’s really important and what you really need. My theory is if I don’t have it I can find it somewhere on the road and if not then I’ll live.