Go Away With … Will Ropp

Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
April 19, 2022

Ask Will Ropp about his favorite vacation spot and he’ll answer without hesitation: Walt Disney World. “I’ve been going there since I was a kid and have had some of my favorite family and childhood memories there,” said the Los Angeles-based actor, who’s one of the stars of “The Fallout” (HBO Max), which won three awards at the South by Southwest Film Festival. “When I was 12, I went on a trip with my mom to Disney World. Her health was failing and it ended up being the last trip we would take together. And in that way, it was both the best and worst (vacation). I really treasure that trip. That might be why I have such a strong attachment to (Disney World).” Ropp stays in touch with his fans on Instagram and Twitter.

Q: What kind of traveling have you been doing during this pandemic?
A: It’s been a difficult pandemic, but as things have started to come back, it’s been nice to be able to travel more. Since things have opened up, I’ve been fortunate enough to go on some fun trips. I love to ski and was able to go to Winter Park, Colorado.

Q: If you had to cancel travel plans due to the COVID-19 outbreak, where were they to?
A: This last Christmas, I had to cancel plans to see my family and ended up staying in L.A. Thankfully, I was able to quarantine with a few great friends, so it wasn’t too lonely.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: I have a buddy who has a cabin in Sault Ste. Marie in northern Michigan, which is a really cool old place. It’s the (third) oldest city in the United States (and the oldest city in Michigan).

Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: Probably to see my grandparents in Jacksonville, Florida. My grandma makes an amazing turkey tetrazzini. I have no doubt I loved it even as a baby.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Always get something local. It gives you the opportunity to experience the culture. Like if you’re in Jacksonville, get my grandma’s turkey tetrazzini.

Q: Food trucks or fine dining?
A: Definitely a food truck! I get tacos every other day from trucks around L.A.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I love going backpacking with my friends! It’s so nice to escape cell service, spend quality time and get to know people.

Q: Do you have any plans for summer vacation this year?
A: I want to go to Mexico City. I’ve heard the culture and food are amazing. I was just talking to a friend who recommended different neighborhoods and restaurants and it made me super excited.

Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: I went to Belize with my family and stayed in the rain forest in this really isolated place. Being in nature like that was really special.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I wouldn’t say I’m fluent, but I can get by in Spanish. I wish I picked up languages easily. It took eight years of Spanish in school just to get where I am now.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Jacksonville, San Diego, Las Vegas, Ann Arbor and Paris.

Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: I’m actually in Ann Arbor (right now), where I went to college (at the University of Michigan). It really became a second home for me. I grew up a lot while I was at school there. This trip really feels like a homecoming.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Norway and Montserrat. I’ve always had this strange dream that I’d get married in Norway, and one of my best friends grew up in Montserrat, so I’ve always wanted to visit.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Tweezers. I have a hard time growing facial hair, so I don’t really need a razor, but I like to keep a polished appearance.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: I love regional fast food. I only have it on rare occasions – just a couple of times a year, but it’s fun to see the restaurants change with the scenery.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: Mostly, I do no research at all. I get to discover wherever I am spontaneously and really explore. I will say it really helps to know someone who lives there. I guess I’m trusting my friends to do the research.

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