By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
July 2, 2020
Based out of Sydney, Australia, the contemporary Christian group Hillsong Young & Free has a new album coming out later this summer. But on July 10, they’ll release not one, but two new singles: “World Outside Your Window” and “As I Am.” Pastor and youth leader Laura Toggs is one of the members of the Grammy-nominated group. She says she enjoys staying in touch with their fans on social media via the band’s accounts (user handle @youngandfree) along with her own personal accounts (@lauratoggs). Now 33, the musician says she feels “young at heart.” The married mother of two says that she loves to travel but there was one trip that stands out. “My husband proposed to me in Italy with all my family there,” Toggs said. “That will forever take the cake as the best vacation memory.”
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Italy is my favorite place in the world.
Q. To someone who is going to Italy for the first time, what would you recommend they do during their first visit?
A. Head straight to the small coastal towns during summertime, indulge in the incredible food and explore the little local gems.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. Byron Bay in Australia is one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Stunning beaches, great food, places to shop and plenty to do.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it? Or… not so much?
A. My parents’ work was ministry, which had them traveling the world with me from the time I was a baby. The first trip I ever made was to Malaysia when I was three months old. I obviously don’t remember it. I have really fond memories of being in the U.S.A. a lot as a child.
Q. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. The world makes the best teacher. I believe my worldview is so much larger from my experiences traveling. I love learning about people and culture and what makes us unique and yet the same all over the world.
Q. If you could only pick one, would you choose a low-key meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A. Can I choose both? Probably a casual meal with friends, but I do love a restaurant experience.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. To the beach, always. Sydney has beautiful beaches and we get there as much as we can on the weekends.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Q. If you’ve ever gone away over the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. New York during Christmas season is pretty magical.
Q. Do you speak any foreign languages? And in the same train of thought, do you pick up new languages easily?
A. No, I don’t. Language is not my forte, but I love embracing culture and learning about people all over the world.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Sydney, New York, London, Paris, Rio.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Rio reminds me of Sydney a bit. Really beachy and beautiful.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been before?
A. Copenhagen.
Q. When you go away, do you bring everything with you or travel light?
A. I keep it simple and light. I only pack the necessities.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. I would love to relocate to Europe for three months during their summertime with my family.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Eating incredible food.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I don’t do a whole lot of research, but I tend to know people around the world and so I often will get in touch with them to give me advice on where to get a good coffee mostly.
