Celebrity Travel: Go away with Stephanie Koenig

Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on Dec 17, 2024

Stephanie Koenig currently stars as Gwen Sanders on the FX series “English Teacher.” The well-traveled writer, producer and actress said that if she had to pick one destination as a favorite, she’d select somewhere in Greece. “There are so many beautiful places to visit,” said Koenig, 37. “We traveled to Greece right after the pandemic and went to Athens, Zakynthos and Santorini. We were lucky, because Greece had just re-opened for tourists and there was nearly no one there, especially on the beach in Santorini. I absolutely loved the land and the people. Every restaurant was open and filled with smiling Greek restaurant owners.” A resident of Los Angeles, she stays in touch with fans on Instagram (@stephaniekoenig).

Q: Have you visited places for work that were so nice that you traveled back there later for a personal trip?

A: You know, I don't think I've been to any place that cool for work yet. I do like Atlanta, though. It was fun to shoot there. I'm obsessed with the BeltLine. Every city needs a BeltLine.

Q: Do you work while you’re on vacation?

A: I absolutely love separating work from vacation. I can really tune out. I love drinking coffee on vacation and realizing I can use that coffee energy for pure joy and exploration instead of sitting down at a computer.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: Alaska. Alaska. Alaska. I had a dream once that I was in Alaska, but I had never been. So I started obsessing about going and it did not disappoint. Go to Seward to see the Orcas. Stay in Girdwood to go skiing and drive past the moving glaciers. I think my jaw stayed dropped the entire time. I want to go back.

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

A: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We used to go almost every summer for National Dance Competitions. The waves, heat, people, convention centers – I loved all of it. I’m not sure what the vibe is there now, but there's nothing better than how hot the temperature of that ocean was. Good waves for boogie boarding. I spent quality time with my family there. I think that's why it's so special to me.

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

A: To keep traveling. There is so much to see and people to meet.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Big Bear.

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

A: I love spending Christmas in Grand Rapids and we usually spend Thanksgiving in Lake Placid, New York, with family. It's absolutely stunning during any season with giant mountains, icy waterfalls [and] beautiful stars at night.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Grand Rapids, Michigan. New York City. Athens, Greece. Miami and Los Angeles.

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

A: Scotland.

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

A: Facial creams. I can't use many because I have allergies to something in other creams and I'm not sure for the life of me what ingredient breaks me out in hives.

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

A: Singing to Celine Dion. Sorry, meant to say scream-singing to Celine Dion.

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

A: Too much. I'm good at it though and found that it's all about location. You need to research the right location before you hop on Airbnb and pick out a random pretty house in the middle of nowhere.

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

A: Worst vacation memory is senior year spring break. I got so burned in Cancun that I ended up in a wheelchair. I used expired suntan lotion on our first excursion and was exposed to the sun for hours. Long story, but my feet were swollen and purple. Then I got my thumb stuck in a hotel door. Best vacation memory? There's too many. It's not the place you go, but the people you go with. If I’m with my husband, my friends or my family, it will be a good vacation.

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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).)