Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
David Archuleta was just 16 years old when he became the runner-up (to David Cook) on “American Idol.” Since then, the singer — now 28 — has released a steady stream of music, including his brand-new single “Paralyzed.” A perk of his career is getting to travel. “I’ve recently gotten to see Russia for my first time for a youth conference,” says Archuleta, who resides in Nashville.
Los Angeles-based actress Mickaëlle X. Bizet (“American Crime,” “Diary of the MadMan”) formerly lived in Martinique, Paris, Viry-Châtillon and Boston. An avid traveler who speaks French, Creole and Spanish — in addition to English — she says her knowledge of foreign languages has helped her as a tourist. “My favorite travel memory isn’t fancy,” X. Bizet says. “It’s when I got lost by myself in San Juan and I used my Spanish to ask for help and find my way. People I spoke to understood me and I understood them. I was so proud of myself. I didn’t even have a GPS.”
Jessica Campbell got an early start with road trips. “We grew up making trips to our family vacation house in Cherry Grove, S.C., just outside Myrtle Beach,” says the Nashville-based singer-songwriter. “I loved it! Knowing that it was a house my grandpa built for our family to enjoy made it a very special place.” Currently on tour to promote her album “The Anchor and the Sail,” Campbell’s single “Be You” is available via free download from Crate and Barrel’s “Get the Download” offer (valid through the end of October).
Best known for his comedy series “Mind of Mencia” and roles in films such as “The Heartbreak Kid,” Carlos Mencia works nonstop. Whether he’s writing standup material, new skits or developing film ideas, Mencia says he often is wary of taking a few days off because he doesn’t want to get in the “vacation mode” — unless he’s heading for Maui. “It is the closest to paradise a living person can hope for,” says the 42-year-old comic.