By Jae-Ha Kim
Los Angeles Times
November 7, 2017
Before becoming a “Good Morning America” co-host, Michael Strahan was a Super Bowl champion during his years as a defensive end for the New York Giants. He would later be nominated for an Emmy for his work as a “Fox NFL Sunday” analyst. Also on his list of multitasking duties: hosting ABC’s “100,000 Pyramid” and executive producing the TBS revival of “The Joker’s Wild.” In 2015, he partnered with JCPenney to launch Collection by Michael Strahan. The latest addition to his clothing and accessories line is luggage.
“For traveling, good luggage is a must,” says Strahan, 45. “That’s why this collection was so important to me. We went back and forth on the weight and lining and pretty much every little detail. As someone who travels for work every weekend, I know how critical a good piece of luggage is.” Fans may follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. The Albany resort in the Bahamas. There is nothing like walking out 100 yards into the ocean and having the beautiful blue water still only come up to your knees. It’s an incredible feeling. There’s also great food and activities, from horseback riding, to tennis, to golf. Anything adults and kids could want. It’s perfect for the whole family.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. As a child, my parents always took me and my siblings on family road trips in our RV. The earliest memories are when we went to the Busch Gardens Amusement Park. I can honestly say it was some of the happiest times and I loved it.
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. There is a big world out there that exists beyond your community and comfort zone. Every country has a unique feel. Different people who thrive on different values and foods, and they’re all worth experiencing. So, don’t be scared to go out of your comfort zone and test the waters. If you get the chance to go somewhere new, be sure to take it all in and go with the flow.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Probably have to go with the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, Calif. It’s a great escape and not too far.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. Lake Como, Italy. It’s beautiful there!
Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. Never had a Christmas away because of work, but one day when I retire I will (go away for the holidays). Then I’ll be hitting you up for some recommendations. (Laughs)
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. I genuinely love New York and what this city has to offer, so for sure New York, but also Paris, London, Cape Town and Stockholm.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. London.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I’ve had my eye on Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and the Maldives.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. For the plane, I need my headphones and magazines or a book. I need to keep busy during the flight and there is nothing like great music and a good read. And some clean underwear. No one wants to deal with laundry when you can be lounging on the beach with a pina colada.
Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. Around the world in 142 days. It’ll happen one day.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. Gummi Bears. Don’t tell my trainer.
Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A. I ask the kids to see what location or activity is on their minds and then we vote based on what they suggest. As long as it’s safe and interesting, we give it a go. At the end of the day, I want them to experience the world and explore as much as possible.
Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A. Best is safari with the kids at the Royal Malawane in South Africa. There was really nothing like it. The worst has to be a canceled flight to St. Tropez. We got booked on the next flight out the following day, but weren’t able to retrieve our bags. Instead, they told us that our bags would automatically be put on that next flight. But three days later, it was clear that the bags had never left New York. Let’s just say that at my size, it is pretty hard to find replacement clothing in a European country. It made for a great story in hindsight.
Q. Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
A. I wish I could incorporate so many unique places into my work, but it hasn’t really happened in a direct way yet. I think I definitely take lessons like being open minded about different people and different cultures and incorporate that into my daily life, both personal and work.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. That’s a tough one but without giving out too many of my secrets, Tallinn, Estonia.
© 2017 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
Lake Como is hands down one of the most beautiful places on earth. I look forward to returning with my family this Christmas!!!
You have to wonder why one would refer to a resort that costs at least $2500 a night (The Albany). Talk about out of touch with reality………..
Is it really surprising that a very rich man would go to a hotel that is expensive? Why does it bother you? The question was about HIS favorite destination and he answered. Should he lie and say he enjoys hanging out at the Motel 6?
I went on a very expensive trip once and it was more money than I would ever spend again but it was wonderful and I have wonderful memories of the trip. If I were rich I would not have a problem spending that kind of money to take my family either.