Galapagos Islands set incredibly high bar
“Entertainment Tonight” correspondent Cameron Mathison says that living in California makes it easy for his family to take mini vacations throughout the year. “We have so many options for an easy weekend getaway,” says the 46-year-old actor. “We have the ocean, mountain, forest and desert choices all within a few hours.”
Known for his breakthrough role portraying Ryan Lavery on “All My Children,” his latest project is the “Murder, She Baked” made-for-TV films on Hallmark’s Movies and Mysteries. The latest is “Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe.” Mathison lives with his family in Altadena, Calif. An edited version of our conversation follows.
What untapped destination should people know about?
Well, if it’s untapped I don’t want to give it away. I think the most incredible vacation I’ve been on to an almost untapped location was to the Galapagos Islands. It totally blew my mind. Every island is different. Some look like you are on the moon. The wildlife is everywhere, some animals only exist there and, of course, the history of Charles Darwin. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen or done before. What was the first trip you took as a child?
The first trip I remember taking was to Disney World as a child. We lived in Montreal, so it was a big deal to make it down to Orlando. I was physically handicapped at the time — I had a degenerative bone disease called Legge Perthes in both my femur bones — and had to wear a large rigid metal A-frame brace on my legs. I remember how tricky it was to get around and how incredibly accommodating Disney was.
Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?
I haven’t really had the opportunity to incorporate a favorite place by choice, but I am lucky enough to work a ton in Vancouver. A lot of films shoot up there, and I love that city. Turns out in the last four years, I’ve shot nine independent and TV movies there. When I’m there, I always make sure to hike The Chief and in the winter make a day trip up to Whistler Blackcomb to ski. Sometimes my family is able to visit me while shooting in Vancouver and we’ve been able to do some sightseeing together. Our favorites are Galiano Island and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Where is the most romantic destination?
The most romantic destination I have ever been to was the Four Seasons in the Maldives. My wife, Vanessa, and I went for our honeymoon and it was so spectacular it almost felt like a dream. I’m not even sure I can put it into words — perfectly clear water, white beaches, unimaginable snorkeling and scuba diving, and the weather was flawless.
What are your five favorite cities?
New York, Paris, London, Vancouver and Tokyo.
Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
This summer my wife and kids are doing a fiveweek tour of Europe, and I’m joining them for 10 days. I’ve never been to Budapest, Vienna or Venice, and I will visit those cities with them this July.