By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
December 19, 2023
Known for her work in “Star Trek: Picard” and the Disney+ series “Goosebumps,” actress Isa Briones was born in London, England, and currently splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City. The latter show has offered her an opportunity to film outside of L.A.
“‘Goosebumps’ was the first time I shot something outside of L.A.,” she said. “We filmed in Vancouver for six months and I fell in love. I stayed downtown and adored being so close to the water, getting to walk along the seawall, finding my favorite coffee shops and feeling like a local. It was definitely cold as heck filming in Whistler, but the blankets of snow look gorgeous on camera.”
Fans may follow the actress’ Instagram to get updates on her work and travels.
Q: Have you visited places for work that were so nice that you want to go back for a personal trip?
A: In 2019, I was doing a press junket [to preview] “Star Trek: Picard” and attended Lucca Comics & Games [in Lucca, Italy]. However, we stayed in a town called Viareggio on the water. Fantastic food and beautiful hotels. I am a sucker for a sleepy Italian sea town, so I’d love to go back or explore other towns in that area.
Q: How do you separate work from vacation trips?
A: It’s obviously important to take time to unplug and relax and vacation is a great way to do that. However, that’s difficult to do as an actor. Often when you’re out of town, the self-tape audition requests still come in and you don’t want to miss important opportunities. What I try to do is be more intentional with what auditions I take while traveling – balancing the projects that truly speak to me with the need to take time for myself and making the most of a short vacation.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: I’ve spent a couple holiday seasons in London when my dad [the actor Jon Jon Briones] was doing “Miss Saigon” in the West End. Christmas in London is so magical. Walking the Christmas light covered streets at night is … chef’s kiss.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I would love to explore more of Asia. I’ve never been to Japan, so that’s top of my list. I would also love to go back to the Philippines – where my family is from – because I haven’t been back since I was seven years old!
Q: What vacation spot is a favorite?
A: Florence, Italy, has a hold on me like no other. There’s something so romantic about it. My parents bought my mom’s engagement ring on the Ponte Vecchio and got engaged in a nearby piazza, so that probably has something to do with it. I’ve stayed a few times at the Hotel Alessandra with a gorgeous view of the Arno river and it’s the best thing to wake up to.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: I think European residents have known about Malta for a long time, but I just went there for the first time a couple summers ago and it’s truly so beautiful.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: I love traveling alone. I think we can get stuck in the belief that a vacation is for you to experience only with a partner or family. But traveling alone is so powerful. You learn to really love your own company. I suggest it to anyone, especially any young woman. It’s the most liberating thing.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: I really love both, but I am definitely that person in the group who loves researching the perfect restaurants to go to while traveling. I’m a sucker for a fine dining experience.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Joshua Tree and Paso Robles [California].
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I don’t, unfortunately. However, I spent two weeks in Paris over the summer while taking a summer art course focusing on drawing and sketching. Going to school for those two weeks forced me to immerse myself and feel like a local and I was surprised how naturally you start to pick up the basics of a language when you’re alone and surrounded by it.
Q: What are your favorite cities?
A: London, Paris, Florence.
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Sketchbook. I love sitting at a cafe and drawing the world around me. A journal – getting away always triggers some good journaling sessions as I spend time out of my element. And my perfume – Gaiac by Le Labo – because when you’re traveling, you’re often on-the-go for hours at a time and need to re-up your scent.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Going out to local restaurants. I can spend every night of travel sitting outside in a restaurant with wine and cheese, people-watching.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I like to find the must-try restaurants. Especially if it’s a hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop shop.
Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: My friend gashed their hand open in Paris, so I had to get them to the ER without knowing much French. That was a bit of a nightmare. But I honestly loved it, because it showed me I can be good and resourceful in a crisis.
© 2023 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
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