Playing lonely with Dexter Darden
Dexter Darden has played everyone from the fictional Frypan in “The Maze Runner” franchise to embodying the spirit of the late civil rights leader John Lewis in Spike Lee’s film “Son of the South.” His latest project is on the Peacock’s reboot of “Saved by the Bell,” where he plays a loner who’s looking to start anew at Bayside High.
Q: What trip stands out?
A: Taking my mother to Egypt last year by far! She made sure I was well traveled, so it was an honor and dream come true to return the favor.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: Last year I took my mother to Egypt for Thanksgiving and it was incredible! My mother and I got to see everything — the Great Sphinx of Giza, the pyramids, we cruised down the Nile River, toured temples, saw King Tut’s tomb. … It was also incredible just having the chance to dive into the traditional cuisine of Egypt and having a dining experience that you can truly only participate in when you’re immersed in that culture.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it ... or not so much?
A: So, I have sickle cell anemia. My dad passed away when I was 7. I spent about six months out of that year in the hospital and they weren’t sure I was going to make it. So, Make-A-Wish Foundation was kind enough to grant me and my family an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World. It was incredible! Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. So far, Jamaica. But I would really love to get to Bora Bora.
Q: To someone who was going to Jamaica for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?
A: Honestly, go to visit Bob Marley’s home. Embrace his genius and artistry.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: Turks and Caicos is another personal favorite. I went for my 25th birthday with a bunch of my friends. We rented a house on the beach and just relaxed. We hired a chef who prepared us traditional island cuisine. (There were) fantastic vibes.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Embrace the culture. So many people travel and get upset when it’s not like America. Abandon all privilege and immerse yourself in their lifestyle.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: Honestly, I just got back home to the Philadelphia and New Jersey area seeing all my family and friends.
Q: Where is the most romantic destination?
A: That I’ve been to personally? Italy. If you do it the right way, it can be incredible.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: In America, Philadelphia, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta.
Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: Seattle.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Japan! Bucket list trip.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: Breaking all thoughts of diet. (Laughs) I love food, so when I’m in a specific place, I want to try all of it!
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: Enough to feel safe and secure. I don’t like to provide myself with many limitations, so as long as I’m safe and comfortable, I’m good.