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Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Phillip Keene

By Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Phillip Keene lived in England, Holland and Miami before moving back to California 20 years ago. The actor is recognizable to television viewers as Buzz Watson, the character he portrays on TNT's crime procedural, "Major Crimes." He also played the same role in the long-running Kyra Sedgwick series, "The Closer." A fun fact about the actor: He worked as a flight attendant before landing his best known role. To stay in touch with the actor, follow Keene on Twitter (https://twitter.com/phillipkeene).

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

A. Thinking back to my first trip on a plane, it was in the '60s on a trip to Managua, Nicaragua. I lived there when I was very young and came back to the United States not speaking English. I loved it. I still remember teasing the bull on our neighbor's property and then running away as fast as I could. I would chase after a man who drove a cart with wooden wheels, pulled by a pair of oxen, into the jungle. Thank God I never caught him.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. I spent my early career as a flight attendant for Pan Am, which allowed me to visit many cities around the globe. I truly enjoyed nearly every place I went, but I would have to say that my favorite place to go is Paris. As the song says, no matter the time of year you find yourself in the City of Lights, Paris is dazzling. I keep thinking, "Next time I go away, I'll try Italy," which I've somehow missed. But I always end up in Paris, discovering new places to visit. The ultra-fast TGV trains make day trips outside the city a breeze.

Q. Have you ever traveled to a place that stood out so much you wanted to move there?

A. Many years ago, I went to visit friends in Amsterdam and -- after three days -- found myself so mesmerized with the city, I moved there. I packed up my things and began commuting from Amsterdam to London for work! I can tell you a long story about discovering I had left my house keys in New York just as I reached the front door of my illegal sublet in Amsterdam, but I'll leave my panic and the rest of the story involving multiple flights to your imagination.

Q. Where have you traveled that most reminded you of home?

 

A. There's no place like home, of course, but if you want a laid-back retreat that puts you instantly at ease, going to St. Petersburg (Florida) in February is an awful lot like California. I loved it. There're a couple of great places to play golf and a beautiful hotel called the Don CeSar that will suddenly make you feel like you've wandered back into a refurbished view of early 20th-century grandeur.

Q. What are some of your must-have travel items?

A. I must have a book, or three, or six. I love reading. Also, a suit and tie, a blazer, dressy shoes and pants, so that I can have dinner wherever the mood takes me. I don't want my wardrobe to limit my restaurant options. Also, on the plane, I take an extra pair of socks and underwear: I have had the awful experience of arriving before my luggage, and these items can make a world of difference the next morning.

Q. What are some good tips for travelers?

A. All of my credit cards are attached to airline mileage rewards, so the first thing I do is try to leverage my way into business class, or even first, for free! I once flew first class to London for five dollars! I'm insanely proud of how little I pay to fly. Also, I have a credit card that gets me free upgrades -- if available -- at great hotels. So you rent a smaller room and, in the off season, you almost always end up in a suite! And then I tend to make dinner reservations a month in advance, if possible. Some restaurants actually require it!

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow "Go Away With..." on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)


(c) 2017 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

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