South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Kauai is always a dream trip for Zea
“(In) 2021, I lived in the single most lockeddown city in the world — Melbourne, Australia,” said Natalie Zea, who stars in the NBC series “La Brea.” “Not only were we not able to legally travel outside the city limits, but we were restricted to being in our homes for all but two hours a day. That experience made myself and my family even more determined to see as much of Australia as we could once the lockdown lifted. This time around, we’ve made sure to take advantage of long weekends and plan short road trips in and around Victoria or even the occasional day trip.” Zea splits her time between Melbourne and Los Angeles.
Q: Where have you visited for work that you went back to for a vacation? A:
The only location I’ve ever been to as a vacation destination is New York City. I tend to travel outside the country when I travel for leisure and most of my jobs are either in the United States or Canada. We do talk about going on vacation in Australia long after the show is done because we’ve put down roots there and made a lot of friends.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination? A:
Costa Rica. I’ve been there three times and while all three experiences were different, they were all so magical. My advice would be, don’t stay at a fancy resort. The people of Costa Rica are so kind and beautiful and interesting. It
seems such a waste to not be out among them. It’s the kind of place where you could be staying in a hut with a dirt floor and it just doesn’t matter. I’ve done it.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels? A:
I’m a really efficient packer. The downside is that it takes me a literal day to do it. I have to clear my schedule the day before I leave to go anywhere, but I always have what I need and not a lot of excess. I’ve also realized that it’s better to get to the airport earlier than you need to. It alleviates a lot of anxiety. If you can, try and get a credit card that gives you access to a lounge. It’s a game changer.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before? A:
Greece, New Zealand, Portugal, Croatia, Japan, the Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways? A:
Palm Springs is one of
my favorite places on the planet. I used to go once every few weeks. I took my daughter there for the first time earlier this year and she loved it, too.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip? A:
The only vacation I’ve ever been on over the Christmas holidays was a trip to Buenos Aires in 2008. It was my Christmas gift to my husband. We learned that Christmas Day is not such a big deal over there, but Christmas Eve is where it’s at. They do fireworks in the street and it’s nice and warm. Very different experience.
Q: What would be your dream trip? A:
Every time I go to Kauai, it is my dream trip. I got engaged there, got married there, brought my daughter there on our first family trip and we’ll be spending Thanksgiving there this year. It holds so many beautiful memories for me.