By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
July 23, 2019
Born in the Dominican Republic, actress Katherine Castro (“Someday”) has a minimalist’s approach to hitting the road. “Travel light,” she says. “Less is more. If it doesn’t fit in your carry-on, you don’t need it.” A resident of West Hollywood, Castro says it’s helpful that she speaks several languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Arabic), but stepping outside of your comfort zone can make trips an enjoyable learning experience regardless of your level of fluency. Fans may stay in touch with Castro via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Paris. It’s my home away from home. Definitely visit The Louvre and perhaps split it into different days. One day isn’t enough to fully enjoy it and take in all the art. Also visit the Musée D’Orsay. Walk everywhere. Go for a picnic at the Trocadéro Gardens. Lay on the grass. It’s so relaxing. Go for a ride with the boys from Retro Tours Paris. It’s a fun way to discover the city and learn about Paris, riding on a sidecar of a classic motorcycle. I spent Christmas in Paris one time. It was especially beautiful, because it snowed. Then I went to Singapore for New Year’s.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. Bahia de las Águilas and Samaná in the Dominican Republic. My country has so many hidden treasures. Haiti!
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Paris, London, Hong Kong, Amman, Rio de Janeiro.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Rio de Janeiro. The weather, the people, the colors, the food — everything about it felt like the Dominican Republic, with the difference being that the language is Portuguese.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Japan, Russia, Lebanon, Serbia, Croatia, Australia, China.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Sunglasses, lip balm, wallet, phone, earbuds, scrunchie, a hat and trainers to walk everywhere.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Spa day! Getting a two-hour massage is always must. And Spotify. I love playing music everywhere I go.
Q. What is your best vacation memory?
A. It has to be when I went to the Middle East for the first time. Jordan was my first stop and I fell in love with Amman. The food is so delicious and the people are so warm and open. And going to Petra. It was just breathtaking. On that same trip I went to Egypt and, of course, a stop in Alexandria to go to the Pyramids was a must. The energy is so strong there it literally gives you goosebumps. Another favorite was when I went to Berlin for a Coldplay concert. I had never been to Berlin before and it was one of the most fun trips ever, not to mention the concert was spectacular!
Q. Do you have a worst memory?
A. Oddly enough, Paris was my worst vacation ever. It had nothing to do with the city itself. My bad experience was at the airport. Back then, I didn’t have a carry-on. I had checked my luggage and upon retrieving it in baggage claim, one very eager male customs agent decided to go through my entire bag — clothes, undergarments, cosmetics. Everything was spread out. It was a mess! Literally took out my facial cleanser and put it through the X-ray machine. He had me there for an hour at least, until his superior, a female customs agent, argued with him, apologized to me and told me I was free to go. At the time, I didn’t speak French, which made things even more frustrating.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I check the weather and surrounding areas of where I’m staying, so that I can walk around and discover the city.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. Bali, Indonesia. You feel like you’re on another planet all together and it stimulates all your senses. It’s quite amazing.
© 2019 JAE-HA KIM
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