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Born and raised in Savona, Italy, Stella Pecollo said she enjoyed filming her latest project, “You, Me & Tuscany,” in her native homeland. “I play Francesca, the funniest sister-cousin you wish you had,” Pecollo said. “She is a sassy, confident, fun, loving woman who adores Michael, played by Regé-Jean Page, and becomes close to Anna, played by Halle Bailey, whom she confides all the family gossip to.” A resident of West Hollywood, the actress-writer-singer is active on Instagram (@stella_pecollo), where she updates her work and travels. This interview with Pecollo has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Would Francesca make a good travel partner?

A: Absolutely! Francesca and I would have a blast. We would make a lot of noise wherever we went, dancing all over and meeting lots of new people, especially cute men.

Q: Where did you film the movie?

A: We shot in Rome and in Tuscany, both gorgeous and very hot locations during the summertime when we filmed.

Q: Did you have any free time to explore Italy?

A: I was born and raised in Italy, so I know the country pretty well. But Tuscany and in particular Val d’Orcia, the area we filmed, was quite new to me. Since I am an explorer and I love spas, I loved being there because I could explore the natural hot springs and eat amazing local food. What stood out were the landscapes, olive trees, nature and the cute small towns surrounding the area.

Q: Do you have a preference as to working on location or on a set?

A: Absolutely! If there is a chance to travel, I am in! Which is also why I love to work in theater and go on tour. I love discovering new places while working.

Q: If you could pick a location to film a project, where would it be and why?

A: Definitely Puglia in Italy — beautiful seaside, amazing food and lovely, warm people. Outside of Italy I would love to shoot in Japan, where I have never been before but feel very attracted to. Also, South America with its wonderful nature, colorful houses and exciting music.

Q: Do you have any non-work-related trips planned?

A: Definitely Greece is on my bucket list this year. And Egypt, too.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Anywhere I can relax in warm weather, be by the sea and eat great food. That’s probably why I love Puglia and L.A. so much.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: Definitely my region in Italy, Piemonte. It is still not very well known, but is very famous for wine and truffles. And for meat lovers, you can find amazing food options from our local farms. It’s also famous for hazelnuts. They make delicious chocolate pralines with them. If you ever go, you will have to try the monregalesi al rhum, a special praline from my hometown with hazelnuts and rum in it.

Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?

A: I remember a trip when I was little with my parents to Collodi. It’s a place in Tuscany where Pinocchio was created. We went to the Pinocchio Park. I loved it because I could be next to all the imaginary figures I had only read about in the book before, like Pinocchio, the whale, etc. I still remember it vividly!

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

A: That the more open you are to adventure, the more magical things can happen. I also started to travel alone with my dog and I love it.

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

A: Definitely New York City during Christmastime and New Year’s Eve. I remember it like it was yesterday — the Spice Girls were playing in Times Square!

Q: Do you have a knack for picking up new languages?

A: Absolutely. I speak four languages and apparently it’s also because I am a singer, so I have a good ear for sounds, which makes it easier to learn new languages.

Q: What are your favorite cities?

A: New York City, L.A., Rome, London, Shanghai and Gallipoli — all cities where I actually moved and lived for a while.

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

A: Mexico, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Niagara Falls. … I’d like to do the classic coast-to-coast, and definitely Japan and Thailand. One day I would also love to visit Australia and Africa.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: Sleeping earplugs, sunglasses, mosquito spray, comfy shoes and an open mind.

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

A: There are many, but the best vacation I had that comes to mind is Barcelona. It was the first time I could travel without my parents. I went with a friend by bus, and I was so tired from the trip that I even fell asleep in a club with loud music! The worst one was probably in one of the apartments in Shanghai. There were cockroaches everywhere. I’m not a big fan of insects.

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. You can reach her at www.jaehakim.com, follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae, or read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).)

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