Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
As John Hughes’ muse, Molly Ringwald starred in a trilogy of films (“Sixteen Candles,” “Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink”) that sweetly encapsulated the teen angst of the ’80s. Now 45, Ringwald (who played the mother of the lead character in the series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) is also an author.
Julie Chu is the forward for the U.S. Women’s National Ice Hockey Team. A seasoned hockey veteran, the Harvard graduate is proud to be representing the United States at the Sochi Olympics, which will be her fourth Winter Games. Chu, 31 — who already has won a bronze and two silver medals — is hoping to win a gold medal this year.
On the Travel Channel’s “Dangerous Grounds,” adventurer Todd Carmichael scours the world looking for the best coffee beans to supply his high-end clients. His line of work ensures that he visits some beautiful, but also perilous destinations.
At 25, Nathan Adrian has already competed in two Olympics, where he won 3 gold (and 1 silver) medals. He’s a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and wants to spend more time with his baby nephew. And, he looks like this. Ladies and gentlemen: meet the perfect man.
What does singer Rosanne Cash bring in her carryon? “Really good moisturizer, good headphones, a warm scarf — even in summer — for airplanes, a bag of almonds in my handbag in case there is no time for a meal and my phone.”
Iron Chef Cat Cora says she would advise people to travel to Greece: “I would tell them to visit Athens first and go to the many historical sites — Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, Olympic Stadium and the many other incredible sites spread throughout the city.”
Earlier this year, my husband said we should go somewhere nice this winter. I asked why? He just stared at me. Oh, yeah. It’s our 10-year wedding anniversary.
Famous for his documentaries “The Civil War,” “Mark Twain” and “Baseball,” among others, filmmaker Ken Burns has a new film ready to roll out in 2014: “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.”
“Life is a road trip,” says celebrity chef Guy Fieri. “It’s a continuous process where the destination can be secondary. It’s fun and educational and is a great way to learn about your country.”
Three-time Olympian Kikkan Randall is prepared to represent the United States for a fourth Olympics.
“Traveling is good for the brain,” says musician Jonathan Butler, 52. “The mind needs it. I can’t imagine life without getting to see all the amazing, different parts of the world.”
Ed Viesturs climbed Mt. Everest, wrote a book about it and then talked to me about his treks.
“Frozen” actor Jonathan Groff says he was destined to be in a Disney movie. Read more to find out why!
“The world is a lot smaller now,” says Vicki Lawrence,” and travel unites the world.”
Born in Seattle, Wash., Maiara Walsh was 2 when she and her family moved to her mother’s native Sao Paulo, Brazil. In her tweens, she moved back to the United States to pursue an acting career. After roles on series such as “Desperate Housewives,” “Switched at Birth” and “Cory in the House,” the 25-year-old actress portrays Katniss Evershot in the feature film parody “The Starving Games.” “I love to travel and experience the culture and meet new people,” says Walsh. “I feel like I expand my mind every time I get on a plane to go somewhere new. Honestly? I can’t imagine life without travel.”
“Travel has always been such an important part of my life,” says Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield. “It has been wonderful to have been around the world multiple times and to have seen the whole thing. It has been one long whirlwind vacation.” Well versed in social media, Hadfield, 54, had a strong following of science fans before he went up in space. But he garnered the attention of millions of music fans when he released his rendition of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” on YouTube, which was recorded from the International Space Station during his last mission earlier this year. The video went viral and earned kudos from no less than Bowie himself.
“The United States is a huge country (that in) many ways is like many countries within one,” says actor Judah Friedlander, who also hosts the Nat Geo WILD’s three-part series, “The Monster Project.” “I recommend visiting neighborhoods or cities in your own country that you would never visit. And try the cuisine that is specific to that city.”
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).
At first glance, it may seem odd that “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush would executive produce a documentary about rhino poaching in Nepal. After all, the television personality is best known for reporting on celebrities. Also, he’s admittedly bug phobic. But he was excited to team up with the World Wildlife Fund in Nepal to tell the story of the endangered one-horn rhinos and what is being done to help protect them from extinction for the Nat Geo WILD documentary “Chasing Rhinos with Billy Bush.”
There is something to be said for living it up every once in a while, savoring the moment and loosening up the purse strings a bit. On our next road trip, we’ll be back to budget hotels and it’ll be just fine. But, in our memories, we’ll always have the Four Seasons.