Rodriguez enjoying his travels via work
Best known as the culture vulture on the original version of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Jai Rodriguez got his start on Broadway portraying
Angel in the critically acclaimed musical
“RENT.” His post-“Queer Eye” work has included acting roles (“Bones,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Harry’s Law”), as well as host of “Dance Moms.”
Though he travels frequently for work, Rodriguez says, “I actually don’t vacation. However, work has taken me to some exceptional places. I usually extend my work trip by a day or two to enjoy the city. Sydney, Key West and New York City are among my favorites for different reasons. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be in awe of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The park and wildlife there are amazing.”
An edited version of our conversation follows.
Q: Where have you visited that you thought would be outside of your comfort zone, but turned out to be a great experience?
A: Vegas. I headlined at the Paris Casino for seven months. I thought it would be nonstop partying, but the city had a lot more than that to offer.
Q: What advice do you give to people before they set out on their trips?
A: Find a local!
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: I feel like I’ve only visited overly tapped places. However, I had a magical time paddleboarding in the mangroves in Key West. I felt like I was in another world.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it, or not so much?
A: Lake George, New York. I remember being underwhelmed, because most of my friends were taking fancier trips with their families.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Pack a day in advance. Last-minute packing always leaves me forgetting things I had wanted to bring.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: A quick fun getaway for me is Palm Springs.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: Christmas in New York City feels the most authentic for the holidays.
Q: Where is the most romantic destination?
A: I have yet to experience this. I’m single and can’t remember ever having a romantic getaway. Any takers out there to change that?
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Miami, New York City, Sydney, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: Sydney, Australia. I remember thinking more than once, “I could live here.”
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Paris! Maybe that should be the romantic trip on my bucket list
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: Probably a tourism show so that I could document the journey with a bigger budget.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I turn to social media and ask friends who’ve been to where I’m (planning on) going.