Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
His background as a New York Times rock music critic and Rolling Stone contributing editor made Neil Strauss the perfect candidate to co-write books with Marilyn Manson, Motley Crue and Dave Navarro. But few people expected that the intellectual, slightly built journalist would earn fame writing about his real-life experience as a pick-up artist in the bestselling book The Game.
Besides co-starring in Joss Whedon’s critically acclaimed series “Dollhouse,” Harry Lennix has a thriving career in films (“State of Play,” “Ray” and “The Matrix” sequels). Newly married and living in Los Angeles, Lennix, 44, is an avid traveler for work and play. Though he has been to Europe, Australia and South Africa, Lennix has fond memories of Eureka Springs, Ark., where he shot the 2004 Billy Bob Thornton movie “Chrystal.”
As for one of his favorite new hangouts? The Wild Turkey in Junction, Texas. Be sure to ask for Rosie or Cesar.
Born in England, Sir Alan Parker knows a thing or two about traveling. The acclaimed director of “Evita,” “Angela’s Ashes” and “Mississippi Burning” has vacationed around the world. But ask the 65-year-old icon what his most memorable trip was and he’ll answer, “Turkey.” That is where the director filmed part of his controversial film “Midnight Express.” The Blu-ray version of the classic movie is now available (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) and includes some of Parker’s personal observations and photographs from the filming.
His high-pitched voice and shaggy bangs are as much his trademarks as his dry, sardonic wit. And Emo Philips, 53, a comedian for most of his adult life, can’t imagine doing anything else. “It’s just something that works for me,” says Philips, who resides in Los Angeles. “I get to travel and tell my stories on stage. It’s the ideal life for me.” Though he executive produced the original 1992 version of “Meet the Parents” (the film that didn’t star Robert DeNiro) and dipped his toes into film and television work, Philips isn’t looking to make a mark for himself as an actor.
“I’m a good stand-up comedian and can’t say the same about my acting abilities,” he says. Philips talks about his travels, including a trip to Nepal where he got to witness — among other things — a cremation ceremony.
Sports Illustrated writer Peter King knows his football. The winner of this year’s Dick McCann Memorial Award for his coverage of the game, King has written a new book — Sports Illustrated: Monday Morning Quarterback: A Fully Caffeinated Guide to Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the NFL, which will be in stores Oct. 13. The 52-year-old Boston resident includes his list of all-time favorite players in the book. But here, King tells us about some of his favorite places to travel.
Rebecca Minkoff, whose line of handbags is a favorite with A-list celebrities, says though she enjoys a nice hotel with a luxurious spa, it’s also fun to “rough it a bit and carry everything you need on your back.” Though she could easily create a chic knapsack for herself, Minkoff says her practical side uses her Samsonite backpack, which she admits should work well for her for a few more trips.
“Traveling is a wonderful perk of my job,” says singer Al Jarreau. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” A recent tour took him to Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Jakarta, but not Tokyo — one of his all-time favorite cities. The seven-time Grammy Award winner in jazz, pop and R&B is best known for his smooth hit singles “Never Givin’ Up,” “Moonlighting” and “After All” and his greatest hits album “Al Jarreau — The Very Best Of: An Excellent Adventure” will be in stores on Sept. 29.
British entrepreneur Richard Branson has been knighted, has assets worth several billion dollars and owns Necker Island in the Caribbean. The founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways also made an impact on pop culture by guest starring on such shows as “Friends” and “Baywatch.” So where does the man who has everything travel to when he wants to take an amazing vacation? South Africa. Branson, 59, loves everything about the country and looks forward to heading back there next year to watch the soccer championship.
He already has a Pulitzer Prize and a New York Times best seller under his belt, but author Jeffrey Marx isn’t resting on his laurels. His latest book — “The Long Snapper: A Second Chance, A Super Bowl, a Lesson for Life” — is a page-turner that succinctly captures the true-life story of football player Brian Kinchen. Marx, who has traveled to more than 20 countries for work and play, says that Italy is his favorite destination. But Greece is one country he can’t wait to visit.
Chris Isaak has had hit singles (“Wicked Game,” “Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing”), acted in feature films (“Silence of the Lambs,” “The Informers,” “From the Earth to the Moon”) and toured the world. Now add talk-show host to his resume, as he interviews other musicians on the Biography Channel’s series, “The Chris Isaak Hour.” Born and raised in the Bay Area, the 53-year-old entertainer lived briefly in Tokyo when he was a college student.
As a child, James Blake suffered from scoliosis. The budding tennis star had two choices: surgery, to correct the curvature of his spine, or a back brace. Because the former meant he would have to give up the sport, he opted for the brace — which he took off only for tennis practice. An economics student at Harvard, Blake dropped out after two years to play on the pro circuit. At 29, he is one of America’s best tennis players. He will compete in the U.S. Open, which runs Aug. 31 through Sept. 13. Blake — who has dabbled in modeling — also collaborated with his sponsor Fila on his new line of clothing, which he named after his late father: Thomas Reynolds. For more information on Blake and his line of athletic wear, visit www.fila.com.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, chef Curtis Stone, 33, has lived in Los Angeles for the past three years but says he’s a traveler at heart. The star of TLC’s “Take Home Chef,” Stone has a new book in stores called Relaxed Cooking with Curtis Stone: Recipes to Put You in My Favorite Mood (Clarkson Potter). Stone, 33, talks to us about his travels and why America offers so much for visitors to see.
Shep Murray saw a good chunk of the world early on in his life, thanks to his parents — both of whom were travel writers. Eleven years ago when he and his younger brother, Ian, founded Vineyard Vines — a line of clothing and accessories that evokes a crisp, preppy vibe — the siblings kept their travels in mind.
Best known for her series of “Shopaholic” books, including the bestselling “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” Sophie Kinsella is using technology to promote her latest novel, “Twenties Girl.” The avid traveler is staying put (temporarily) in England to participate in a series of Skype events with fans across the United States. This is a change of pace for the 39-year-old author and fashionista. Whether it’s taking a quick weekend trip to England’s Cornwall, vacationing in exotic Oman or enjoying a margarita at New York’s La Esquina, the former financial reporter is always up for a good trip.
Ever since her 1995 hit single “One of Us,” Joan Osborne has remained a strong presence in the music world, collaborating with members of the Grateful Dead, participating in the Lilith Fair concerts and appearing in the documentary “Standing in the Shadows of Motown.” The 47-year-old singer-songwriter is now playing dates nationwide to support her latest CD “Little Wild One.”
Juliette Lewis has a reputation for being somewhat of a wild child. But the 36-year-old actress-singer says she is mellower that people would think. “I would rather be on the road with my band or traveling than out partying,” says Lewis. The actress, who co-stars with Drew Barrymore in “Whip It!” and stars opposite Jennifer Aniston in next year’s “The Baster,” opens for the Pretenders on a U.S. tour kicking off on Aug. 5 (www.myspace.com/juliettelewis). Her new album “Terra Incognita” will be in stores on Sept. 9.
“Music is a byproduct of experience and if I have an experience, it’s usually musical,” says Cory Chisel, 27. “To me, traveling goes hand in hand with music. Travel is just an intriguing aspect of music itself, and I’m not just talking about the touring part. It’s hard to explain. I’ve been to so many places, but I think that if I wasn’t a musician, I might never have left my hometown.”
Jonathan Bennett remembers what it was like watching famous actors check into the hotel where he worked. “There were tons of them coming in and out for work or to just get in a short vacation,” says Bennett, 28. “There was this A-list actress who needed a hairdryer brought to her room. I about lost it when she opened the door.”
Actor Noah Bean has portrayed a police officer, a shoe clerk and a doctor, but the role of cowboy is the one he most identifies with and indulges in when he leaves his apartment in New York City for his favorite vacation destination — Big Sky, Mont. A graduate of Boston University, the 30-year-old Connecticut native has spent time backpacking through Europe. But while roles on shows such as “Lipstick Jungle,” “Medium” and “Damages” allow him to travel in luxury, Bean still prefers to travel light.
It has been more than two decades since the Indigo Girls made their music debut and the duo is still going strong. On their new double album “Poseidon and the Bitter Bug,” Emily Saliers and Amy Ray show off their rich harmonies. Their versatility shines through on the CDs — one is solely acoustic; the other features a full rock band.