By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Content Agency
May 5, 2015
Best known for her work on “Melrose Place,” “Baywatch” and “North Shore,” Brooke Burns says she was lucky enough to experience travel from an early age. Born in Texas, Burns moved to Europe with her family when she was a teenager.
After living in France, Italy and Germany, Burns returned to the United States and launched her acting career. Burns, 37, is the host of GSN’s quiz show, “The Chase.” She may be seen next in Hallmark Movies and Mysteries’ original movie, “Gourmet Detective.”
Fans may follow the Los Angeles-based actress on Twitter and Instagram.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. I can’t decide between Hawaii, Cabo or Big Sur! I love the ocean, especially if it’s warm. I love to paddle-board in Hawaii. I love how close Cabo is and the tranquility of being in nature up in Big Sur.
Q. To someone who was going to Hawaii for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?
A. I have a list of about 25 must do’s because I’ve lived over there several times, so I’m pretty familiar with the ins and outs of the islands. Don’t just get stuck in Waikiki, but try surfing there, especially if you’re a beginner. Easy waves that even a 4-year-old can ride! Definitely hit the North Shore, swim with the wild dolphins thru Dolphin Excursions, go see the turquoise waters of the west side, try kite-surfing on the east side, hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse at sunrise. There are a million things to do and you won’t want to leave. I had a house there for a while and every time we would be leaving to come back home, my daughter would say, “Are you going to the roof to cry?” The answer was always the same, “Yes.”
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. I was fortunate to travel a bit when I was young. Hawaii was the first, I believe. It has been a favorite destination of my family’s for generations. My great-grandparents were some of the first vacationers there.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. Have a loose plan, but be open to spontaneity. I am a bit of a guidebook freak. I like to do my research, cross-referencing locations, activities, hotels and restaurants. At the end of the day, you never know how you’re going to feel, what the weather will do, the mood you’ll be in for food, or if that crazy little cobblestone road will sneak up on you and demand you take it to a place unknown. Those become the best memories. Remember, traveling is about discovering new things. Be open to the unknown.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Now we can talk Cabo. It’s a short flight and feels far away from home. It has balmy weather, cocktails on the beach and all the vitamin D you need. It’s also really romantic. It’s nearly impossible to ruin a night with twinkle lights, a warm breeze, the sound of the ocean and sand between your toes.
Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. Telluride is by far the perfect Christmas destination in my book. There is always snow on the 14,000-foot mountain and the gondola ride to town for dinner can’t be beat. The twinkle lights down the main drag — with Bridal Veil Falls in the backdrop — is breathtaking. The incredible food, but the small town feel are in perfect balance. Even if you don’t ski, snowshoeing is excellent, snow mobile rides, sleigh rides and hot cocoa by the fire. Those are a few of my favorite things! Yes, this destination is song-worthy. Just listen to Tim McGraw’s song, “Telluride.”
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. The Maldives is on the bucket list, also Montana.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. Africa for a month. I’ve been for about 10 days and it wasn’t enough time. Being out on safari takes you to another time. I would love to do that and marry the trip with some significant time on the islands east of Africa. Mauritius. Seychelles.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Dairy Queen and French fries! I rarely eat fast food when I’m not on a road trip.
Q. What is your worst vacation memory?
A. I went skiing in Beaver Creek, Colorado, with my family when I was about 10. I got the chicken pox on the first day and spent the whole two-week trip on the couch covered in Calamine lotion. Or when a girlfriend of mine and I went to Fiji and got stuck in the worst flood in 50 years. We were stranded on an island and then had to sleep at a taxi driver’s house in the slums because we had no way to get to the airport. Scary!
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. I think the California coastline has so many beautiful locations from tiny yurts on a cliff to 5 star luxury destinations. You can really be as diverse as you want and find something for everyone. Getting out of the big cities, you can discover the hidden gems.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. My pillow! After breaking my neck, I have to have my Termpu-Pedic pillow with me. I must have water. I also love my facial spritzers and moisturizers. It may sound strange, but dehydration is a nasty thing when traveling around the world. Toothbrush and toothpaste. I didn’t have to say that, right?
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rome, Sydney.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. I would say Sydney. The city on the water, everyone still speaks English, the surfer communities.
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. Giorgio Baldi, and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles.
Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
A. I’m getting repetitive here, but I’ve done two series in Hawaii, and I would do a third.
© 2015 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
