Celebrity Travel: Go away with Philipp Maximilian

“Being a part of a Disney blockbuster wasn’t anything I thought I could ever dream of,” said “Jungle Cruise” actor Philipp Maximilian. “Jean-Vincent Puzos built the most incredible sets for us, so filming this movie was like being a kid in a candy store for a Disneyland nerd like me. Jesse Plemons (Prince Joachim) and I had so much fun playing around with my character, Axel, and coming up with a lot of silly stuff.” Raised in Germany, the actor resides in Los Angeles. He stays in touch with fans on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/philippmax/).

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

A: My first international trip was to Florida with my mom when I was six and I absolutely loved every second of it! That’s where I got my first taste for Walt Disney World, and I've been hooked ever since.

Q: How much of a difference does it make filming on location vs. filming on a soundstage?

A: When you’re filming on a soundstage, you get to control your surroundings. On location, you’re always hoping the weather is going to work out in your favor. But it does add a level of authenticity that’s almost impossible to recreate on a studio lot.

Q: This pandemic has made everyone think differently about how we spend our free time. What have you been doing?

A: You know in a way, being forced to stay home was a blessing in disguise for me. I was traveling so much before, both for work and pleasure. Spending time at home made me jump on a bunch of home renovation projects. I’ve turned my backyard into my own little vacation spot. Don’t get me wrong. I still enjoy a little getaway. Big Sur is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s so magical up there.

Q: If you had to cancel travel plans due to the pandemic, where were they to?

A: I have a very big family and it’s rare that we all get to see each other at the same time. My mother had a big birthday last year and we were all supposed to meet at a cute farmhouse outside of Oxford, England. I can’t wait until we get to do that!

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: The Côte d’Azur has a special place in my heart. We would drive down there for spring break from Germany, where I grew up. It’s so picturesque (and) so very romantic. I would say don’t make too many plans. Just rent a car and let the smell of lavender and pine trees guide you.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: There’s this beautiful meandering river in Germany called Moselle. You can rent a bike and go winery hopping. It’s Germany’s best kept secret, in my opinion.

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

A: My favorite moments while traveling are those unexpected finds and encounters with locals. I’m a control freak and used to plan out every last detail from where to eat and what places to visit. The problem is you miss all the little gems along the way by limiting yourself to your own plans.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you choose a street cart or fine dining?

A: Great question. I love to cook and do so most days of the week, so when I go out to eat, I love to order food that I never make at home, whether that’s at a hole-in-the-wall taco spot or a splurge-worthy eatery.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Palm Springs, Big Sur, Sequoia National Park.

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

A: I grew up in southern Germany, where Christmas meant loads of snow, skiing, and Christmas markets. So, for me, taking a trip back home to my family around the holidays feels very nostalgic.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: I grew up speaking German. Honestly, my love for languages is what got me through school. I was always terrible at math and science, so I needed those good grades in English and French.

Q: What are your favorite cities?

A: Berlin, San Francisco, Graz (Austria).

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

A: Brazil. I’d love to go during carnival!

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

A: A good book, sleep mask and my phone.

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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.)