Celebrity Travel: Go away with Braeden De La Garza

Braeden De La Garza said his latest acting role was a fun challenge. "'The Quest' is an immersive (Disney+) fantasy series based around the fictional world of Everealm," said the 21-year-old Los Angeles-based actor. "Eight teens are summoned by the Fates as a last resort to save the kingdom. I play Prince Emmett – a brainy and quiet prince who values his own intelligence above all else." De La Garza – who is the cousin of the actor and singer Demi Lovato – stays in touch with his fans on Twitter (https://twitter.com/BraedenDLGarza) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/braedendlgarza/).

Q: Where are some of the places you have filmed on location?

A: For “The Quest,” we filmed in a castle in Calistoga, California! I’ve also shot things all over Texas, Arkansas and Vancouver.

Q: You’ve been an advocate for suicide prevention among the LGBTQ+ community for a while. How did you get involved with the Trevor Project?

A: Living in a pretty socially conservative part of Texas for most of my life, I was surrounded by a lot of prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community. And because of that, I wanted to do what I could to support them.

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

A: I’ve become a big hiker during the pandemic. I walk everywhere. My favorite hike is probably Fryman Canyon in Studio City.

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

A: I had plans to go to Disney World that got shelved. That really sucked.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: Whittier, California, is extremely beautiful in the spring.

Q: What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it … or not so much?

A: The first trip I can remember taking is to Estes Park, Colorado. I loved it!

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Disney World. My recommendation would be to get up early every day that you’re there and make sure you ride every ride you can. It’s worth the loss of sleep.

Q: What would be your dream trip?

A: Liverpool to see all the historical Beatles sights!

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

A: Take as many pictures as you can.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: I don’t take many getaways, but when I do I like to go down to Malibu. So beautiful.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Los Angeles, Dallas, Vancouver, Austin and San Francisco, in that order.

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

A: Disney World! I apologize for going back to it constantly but I really am a big fan.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: I don’t. I wish I did.

Q: Do you have any summer trips planned?

A: None yet.

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

A: Spain.

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

A: Sunglasses, baseball cap and my phone charger. Apparently, anything you need to spy on someone.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?

A: Honestly, just grabbing a local burger.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A: Not much. I like to be surprised.

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

A: My favorite vacation ever was Disney World a couple years ago. Something about that place just makes me feel seven years old again. I’ll stop talking about it now!

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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.)