Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Akbar Gbajabiamila
Former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila is the co-host of NBC's obstacle-course competition series, "American Ninja Warrior." An avid traveler, Gbajabiamila says he prepares for overseas trips by researching "language for key phrases, history and what the locals enjoy. Of course, I have my top touristy stuff to do, but that's at the bottom of the list." He interacts with fans on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Akbar_Gbaja).
Q. What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?
A. From the 40 countries I've traveled to, I've learned that we are all more alike than we are not. At the core of every human being I've encountered in my travels, I whole-heartedly believe that we all just want to matter. That's why I believe God created communities -- so we can learn from each other. Regardless of your socioeconomic background, race, religion and any other difference, we all represent the human race.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Cape Town, South Africa. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to in my life. You experience raw beauty the minute you land on the Motherland. It's a must-see city and country. As soon as you have settled in from the long flight, you have to go immediately to Table Mountain. You will capture the closest thing to heaven on earth.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. Istanbul, Turkey, has to be one of the most underrated and least-publicized locations. I was surprised at how amazing the city was. I know there has been a lot of unrest in the region, but that doesn't take away from what Istanbul has to offer. The country is rich in religious history. The people were so nice there.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. It was to Washington D.C., in 1991. It was our sixth-grade class trip. That was my first time on a plane and the first time leaving the state of California. On that trip, I experienced a bunch of firsts: First time staying at a hotel, first time on a charter bus and first time visiting the White House. My favorite memory was meeting President George H.W. Bush coming off of Marine One. We did it all in D.C.!
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
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