Locale can be a musical inspiration

Los Angeles-based composer and producer David Foster is not one to rest on his laurels. The Grammy Award-winning musician — who has worked with artists such as Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston — is also an avid philanthropist. He created the David Foster Foundation to help Canadian families with children in need of lifesaving organ transplants. Recently engaged to singer-actress Katharine McPhee, Foster, 68, is currently on tour.

An edited version of our conversation follows.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Desolation Sound in British Columbia; it’s the only place I feel completely at ease and peaceful.

Q: To someone who was going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?

A: It’s all about salmon fishing, camping on a deserted small island, hiking, swimming in the ocean or surrounding lakes, plus all the watersports.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A: The world really is a small place and every person in every culture has the same dreams and desires for their family. Q: Have you traveled to a place that stood out so much that you felt compelled to incorporate it into your work?

A: The only time I ever got inspired to write a song was when I was visiting British Columbia. “St. Elmo’s Fire” was written in North Vancouver. “You’re the Inspiration” (was) written in Vancouver. “Grown-up Christmas List” (was) written in the summer on a boat in Victoria.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Cabo, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Las Vegas.

Q: Where is the most romantic destination?

A: Definitely Paris, followed closely by Florence.

Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A: The island of Lanai in Hawaii, currently going through a major 10-year revamp by the new owner Larry Ellison, who has impeccable taste in everything he does. I had my whole family and some friends there. A: Paris, Florence, Singapore, Rome, Shanghai.

Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A: Maine.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: I’d like to go to the Antarctic. It’s definitely on the bucket list.

Q: What would be your dream trip?

A: Going around the world in a private plane hitting all the great cities and taking a month to do it.

Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?

A: Every time I go to Capri in Italy, I have the best time. I just love it there every time. I’ve been at least a dozen times. Of course, you can’t ever really go wrong anywhere in Italy. The people just know how to navigate life and squeeze the best out of every day.