Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Derek Hough
More famous than many of the celebrities with whom he is paired on "Dancing with the Stars," professional dancer Derek Hough is a star in his own right. Hough, 29, has won an Emmy Award for his choreography on the series, as well as an unprecedented five Mirror Ball Trophies for his work on the show. He also helped choreograph the short program rice dancing routine that gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White performed at the Sochi Olympics. The author of The New York Times best-seller, "Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion" (William Morrow, $24.99), Hough talks with us about his travels, which included a stint in England to study dance. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the entertainer currently resides in Los Angeles. Fans may follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/derekhough.
Q. What was it like to move to England, without your family, when you were 12?
A. It was great. I really enjoyed it. People would ask my mom, "How could you let him go?" And her response was, "How could I not give him that opportunity? How could I deny him the opportunity to learn so much and to grow?" I think it was an amazing thing for them to allow me to do. There were times when it was time to go back home, but I just wanted to stay -- not because I didn't want to see my family, but because I enjoyed England so much. I knew I was on a path and that my time overseas had something to do with it.
Q. Where have you been to that you faced the biggest culture shock?
A. Honestly? Los Angeles! When I moved to L.A., I was like, "Oh, wait. What's going on? What do I do?" I really missed the structure I had at home and in London.
Q. Which destinations are on your travel bucket list?
A. Oh, my gosh. I have so many places I want to visit. I literally take screenshot images on my phone of places I want to visit. I have a long bucket list, starting with Chile. I've been to parts of Asia, but I want to go back and explore more countries there. Norway has such beautiful scenery. Bali would be good. I want to go to Machu Picchu. I want to see the Pyramids. I want to see the Aztec ruins. The list is endless!
Q. Are you a lay-at-the-beach or jump-out-of-airplanes type of tourist?
A. (Laughs) I travel so much for work, but when I'm on vacation, I want to do adventurous things. I love shark diving. I want to do things that get my adrenalin pumping. At the same time, I want to see all the historical things that blow my mind. Ancient culture is so interesting and fascinating.
Q. What city could you move to and call it home?
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