And a few more of her favorite places in Africa:
I went to see the gorillas in Rwanda, and what an incredible trip. I recommend everyone plan that trip if you can, because you have to get the permit but it’s so worth it. It’s not safe right now, but I went to the Congo some years back, and the beauty of that country takes your breath away. I’ve been to South Africa many times, and working there was wonderful. Cape Town, oh my god!
Her first flight in business or first class:
I believe it was on Pan Am, which I read somewhere is coming back. I’m very excited because I loved Pan Am. It seemed very glamorous to me, but anything seemed glamorous at that point. Business or first, whatever cabin I was in was awesome. This is back when they had the tray with the salmon and the pancakes and the caviar. I mean, it’s just so sad when you think back on how it used to be! This was for work. I would never have bought that [ticket] for myself. I didn’t go anywhere other than home to see my parents on my own dime. It was so amazing to fly in first or business, like, “Wow, I’ve made it.”
The touristy places in New York City that she still recommends:
Central Park never goes out of style, thank goodness. It is still its beautiful self. I had friends visit when we were last filming who had never been to the city, and it was so much fun to take them to Bethesda Fountain and to walk down the grand promenade. They had no idea it was so big and beautiful—and the musicians! We also went to Washington Square Park, which was very busy, obviously, but so much fun. It’s so great to have people come to visit because you forget, when you’re living there, the joy of the first-time experience. And we went to Dumbo, which is now a tourist attraction?! It’s so crazy. I love where the 1 Hotel Brooklyn is. They’ve done such a good job with the gardening and restoration of the tip, where you’re looking a the view of the city. It’s beautiful down there. I got an Airbnb around there when we were filming the second season [of And Just Like That…] and I did not understand that it was an Instagram spot. I’d try to run from the Instagram people. Luckily I could get away and go for a beautiful walk there along the river.
The hotel amenities she cares a lot about:
I love beds and pillows. I desperately love having a coffee in my room, so I need an espresso machine or something similar. I like healthy food, which is sometimes a struggle, which is why I like the 1 Hotels. They have healthier food, which is nice when you’re traveling. I love a view. I will definitely shell over some money for a view of the water or a skyline. And a good location—I like to be able to walk out of my hotel and not be too far from a cute cafe.
Where she’s never been that she’d like to go next:
I have never been to Rome. Can you believe that? It’s so crazy. I’m like a third Italian! I have been to Milan, thank goodness, but I would love to do a long trip through Italy that includes Rome and Florence and the countryside and possibly even Sicily, and I would love to take my kids. People tell me it’s kid-friendly, and I feel like they would love it. It’s more of a planning issue, where I don’t really know when I’m going to get time off. I just need to plan better!
