Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
October 1, 2019
Best known as the culture vulture on the original version of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Jai Rodriguez got his start on Broadway portraying Angel in the critically acclaimed musical “RENT.” His post-“Queer Eye” work has included acting roles (“Bones,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Harry’s Law”), as well as host of “Dance Moms.” Though he travels frequently for work, Rodriguez says, “I actually don’t vacation. However, work has taken me to some exceptional places. I usually extend my work trip by a day or two to enjoy the city. Sydney, Key West and New York City are among my favorites for different reasons. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be in awe of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The park and wildlife there are amazing.” Based out of Los Angeles, Rodriguez stays in touch with fans via social media. (His username is @jairodriguez on all platforms.)
Q. Where have you visited that you thought would be outside of your comfort zone, but turned out to be a great experience?
A. Vegas. I headlined at the Paris Casino for seven months. I thought it would be nonstop partying, but the city had a lot more than that to offer.
Q. What advice do you give to people before they set out on their trips?
A. Find a local!
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. I feel like I’ve only visited overly tapped places. However, I had a magical time paddle-boarding in the mangroves in Key West. I felt like I was in another world.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it, or not so much?
A. Lake George, NY. I remember being underwhelmed, because most of my friends were taking fancier trips with their families.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. Pack a day in advance. Last-minute packing always leaves me forgetting things I had wanted to bring.
Q. If you could only pick one place to eat, would you choose a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining at a nice restaurant?
A. In theory, I would say whichever has the best food. Fine dining doesn’t always mean a good meal. Some of my best meals have come from food trucks. So, it would depend on what was offered.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. A quick fun getaway for me is Palm Springs.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. I have yet to experience this. I’m single and can’t remember ever having a romantic getaway. Any takers out there to change that?
Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. Christmas in New York City feels the most authentic for the holidays.
Q. Do you speak any foreign languages?
A. Spanish but, sadly, not well.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Miami, New York City, Sydney, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Sydney, Australia. I remember thinking more than once, “I could live here.”
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Paris! Maybe that should be the romantic trip on my bucket list.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Battery chargers for my cell. I take more pictures than usual and I always find my battery dying while traveling.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. Probably a tourism show so that I could document the journey with a bigger budget.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Allowing myself cheat meals while on vacation.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I turn to social media and ask friends who’ve been to where I’m (planning on) going.
© 2019 JAE-HA KIM
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