From memorable hikes to cross-country journeys, the actor known for ‘The Office’ and ‘Jack Ryan’ relies on his gut feelings while exploring.
When John Krasinskijourneys, he allows his intuition to guide his schedule.
For example: On a New Year’s Eve in Barcelona, the self-styled “history buff” traced the steps of one of his idols (Ernest Hemingway) to theLondon BarIt was set aside for a gathering, so he jumped in and became part of the celebration. “I think the youngest person there was 80,” the 46-year-old actor said.Travel + LeisureI spent the whole night dancing with people in their 80s and 90s—it turned out to be one of my most memorable evenings!
Another occasion during a road trip across South Dakota, he ended up in the middle of theSturgis Motorcycle RallyI’m definitely not cool enough to be a motorcycle biker,” he said. However, he was so captivated by the atmosphere that he spent a few days with the bikers, describing it as one of the “most amazing experiences of my life.
By releasing his expectations and fully trusting the world, Krasinski consistently ends up where he needs to be at the perfect moment, as amazing travel adventures unfold before him.
“One of my friends refers to me as a homing pigeon because once I start walking, I always end up discovering something really amazing,” theThe OfficeandTom Clancy’s Jack RyanStar spoke about his natural inclination for adventure. “As soon as I arrive in the city, I’ll be back in my hotel room within 30 seconds and then I’ll turn around and start walking aimlessly. I enjoy getting lost. That’s my favorite part.”
John Krasinski
Secret for overcoming jet lag?
I’m not sure how many countries we visited.Jack RyanBut I had to learn quickly. The most unusual thing I discovered was that you can actually deceive your brain into thinking you haven’t crossed through time zones. So you stay up as late as possible and don’t pay attention to what time it is in the place you’re coming from. I also do this with my children now. When they ask what time it is in New York, I say, “We never think about those things. Just pretend we’re exactly here, right now.”
Favorite in-flight snack?
Those delicious chocolate chip cookies. I don’t believe I’ve ever skipped one, not even once.
Best plane movie?
I get the feeling that “As Good As It Gets” is the only movie available on every flight I’ve ever taken, likely because it’s so excellent. I believe I’ve seen it on 75 percent of the flights I’ve been on.
What’s the most strange item you always bring with you?
My children come to me before I depart and present me with a different stuffed toy to be my travel companion, ensuring I don’t feel lonely. They take this very seriously. They say, “I’m giving you this stuffed avocado because he’ll keep you safe and happy—and also well-fed,” and I respond, “Thank you all! That’s so thoughtful!”
Which celebrity friend would be the ideal travel partner?
I have a tip for that area because I haveStanley TucciAs a brother-in-law, traveling anywhere with Stanley is the best. He is the most knowledgeable and fascinating person. He creates the finest cocktails and is amazing at Bananagrams, making him ideal.
Maybe that enthusiasm was developed in his hometown of Boston, where he mentioned the famous streets truly come alive along the 2.5-mileFreedom Trail, which starts in Boston Common, meandering past locations such asOld North Church and Old Corner Bookstore(now a Chipotle), up to theBunker Hill MonumentThat entire region gives the impression of strolling through the 1700s, which I really enjoy,” he remarked about the city that is “deeply connected to its past.
That wandering trait could also be passed down, as both of his parents have always enjoyed “marvelous walks.” One of his favorite routes is the loop around South Boston’sCastle Island, where his family frequently went when he was a child. “It’s a stunning historic fort, and they have a spot calledSullivan’s”I’m not sure they’re the best hot dogs, but they’re my favorite,” he recalled with warmth.
Certainly, the achievements of his career have led to his walks now taking place in different time zones across the world. His four seasons ofJack RyanFilmed in Washington, D.C., Dubai, Montreal, Morocco, and Hungary, along with several other locations. However, the Emmy nominee felt the most joy in the French capital.
For a week, I was able to experience my dream of feeling as if I lived inParis,” Krasinski said. Among his necessary visits were the bookstoreShakespeare and Company(the history enthusiast’s first stop) and art supply storeMagasin Sennelier”I might be the worst artist anyone has ever encountered, but I do have excellent tools to create bad art,” he said.
As much as he is an expert in memorable hikes, Krasinski also enjoys the craft of aroad trip”It was always very meaningful, just the five of us on these road trips,” he said about those memories with histwo older brothersI was always excited for them.
His most “crucial journey” occurred when he landed the position onThe OfficeIn 2004, he traveled from New York to Los Angeles along with his “dear friend” Kevin Connors. “I was really impressed by discovering this country, which I believed I already knew well, by visiting all these incredible locations and just happening upon various experiences,” he mentioned. (This was also the journey where he spent time with the bikers.)
The passion for the open road remains strong today. “I’m so fortunate to be married to my favorite travel partner,” the New Yorker said about his wife Emily Blunt, whom he wed in 2010. “She’s a big food lover, so we always discover amazing restaurants.”
The couple’s favorite activity is stopping by the roadside to savor a local diner or a modest clam shack. Krasinski acknowledged that due to his Boston heritage, he is naturally attracted to coastal towns where you can “drive along the water with boats and a marina and simply sit outside enjoying a sandwich.”
Another essential aspect of Krasinski’s road trip is the playlist. Despite his ability to sing loudlyboy band songs onLip Sync Battle, he acknowledges his preferences lean towards older music—much older: “Oh, man, I am 94 years old, and likely arrived at Spotify too late. Right now, my go-to is either the Nat King Cole or Fleetwood Mac radio station.” And similar to his travel style, he relies on the system. “I just let Spotify do its thing. I don’t challenge the gods. They inform me what I should be listening to.”
The pleasure of driving is part of what attracted him to join forces withHyundaionce more for a sequel to his viral2020 Boston-themed Super Bowl commercial, “Smaht Pahk.”This time, it was focused on the car brand’sPalisade Hybrid SUVvia its “Make Everyday Feel Epic” initiative, it offers drivers a strong helping of main character energy—something Krasinski can understand.
“These amazing stunt professionals taught me not only how to operate a vehicle in all these scenes, but also how to handle any situation, such as skidding, so I feel very assured while driving,” he said about the defensive driving classes he attended for both.Jack Ryanand his 2016 film “13 Hours.” “I might feel a bit too much like Jack Ryan while driving and tend to be a little more energetic than I should be when I’m not with my children in the car.”
As for which movie character he embodies while out and about? “In my mind, I’m Indiana Jones—I’m that cool when I’m traveling,” said the father of two daughters. “But really, it’s more like ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation.’ I’m probably the nerdy dad who says, ‘Wait, do you see this stuff, kids?’ And they respond, ‘Dad, you’ve told us that story 100 times!'”
However, it is this ongoing sense of wonder that continues to drive Krasinski forward. “Fully engaging yourself is the most crucial action you can take, not just when traveling, but throughout life,” he shared with T+L. “Witnessing how different parts of the world live is the most motivating experience.”
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