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When she’s not working, Scarlett Estevez said she enjoys seeing as much of the world as possible. “I just returned from an incredible trip to Europe, where my friends and I visited Greece and Switzerland,” said Estevez, 18. “[And] I’m about to move [from Los Angeles] to New York, which I’m excited about.”

In her latest role, the actress stars opposite Sunny Sandler in the Netflix film, “Don’t Say Good Luck” – out August 14. Produced by Sandler’s famous father, Adam, the movie centers on a student preparing for her high school musical while also dealing with a family tragedy. Estevez is active on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/scarlye07/), X (https://x.com/ScarMestevez), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/scarlye07/). This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Where are some places you’ve filmed on location?

A: “Don’t Say Good Luck” was filmed in New Jersey, which was super cool! I’ve also filmed [other projects] in New Orleans, Chicago, Vancouver, Boston and Los Angeles.

Q: Do you have a preference working on location vs. on a set?

A: I don’t really have a preference. I think it’s always really fun to go on location and see how they turn places in the real world into full-on sets. But it’s also amazing to see sets be built from nothing. Plus sets usually have air conditioning, which is really nice!

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

A: I would love to film somewhere like Switzerland. I just visited ... and it was so magical. I spent the whole trip in awe of the scenery – the mountains, lakes and beautiful countryside were unlike anything I've ever seen. I'd love the chance to work somewhere that stunning.

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

A: When I was little, my family and I used to go to this glamping spot in Santa Barbara every year. It was so beautiful. We’d make s’mores, look at the stars at night and my siblings and I would ride our bikes all around the campground. It felt so safe that our parents let us explore on our own and that made me feel so grown up. There was also a hiking trail that ended with a goat enclosure where you could feed them. Since I’m obsessed with animals, that was always my favorite part. I actually went back about a year ago and it still had that same magical, nostalgic feeling. It brought back so many great memories.

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

A: I think the most important thing I’ve learned is how far kindness goes. You go places and you don’t speak the same language, eat the same foods or dress or look the same. Kindness always unites. It’s so beautiful how much more you pay attention to the little details and the gestures people make. Kindness goes such a long way with everything in life.

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

A: I’ve wanted to visit Iceland for as long as I can remember, so that’s definitely at the top of my travel bucket list. The landscapes look absolutely unreal, from the waterfalls and glaciers to the hot springs and the Northern Lights. It just seems like one of those places that doesn’t even feel real and I’d love to experience it for myself.

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

A: Honestly, I have a hard time traveling light because I love all of my skincare, hair care and body care products. I usually end up checking a bag so I can bring everything I like to use. I’m also never without a bathing suit. I feel like no matter where you’re traveling, there’s always a chance to jump in the water and I’d rather be prepared than miss out.

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

A: I think my worst vacation memory would have to be from the trip I just got back from. I came down with strep throat while I was in Switzerland, so I ended up having to go to the hospital, which was definitely an experience. The doctor spoke very little English, so there was a bit of a language barrier and I was pretty sick for a good portion of the trip. It was definitely not how I imagined spending my vacation. But I still tried to make the most of it whenever I felt well enough. Thankfully, I was able to enjoy the rest of the trip.

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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).)

©2026 Jae-Ha Kim. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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