Celebrity Travel: Go away with Gabrielle Walsh

On the NBC series “Found,” Gabrielle Walsh portrays a woman who had been kidnapped as a child. “Lacey is an optimist who has a heart of gold, a strong sense of justice and would do anything for those missing and her crisis-management family,” Walsh said in an interview from her Los Angeles home. “[And] after the team succeeds in finding someone missing, she never misses an opportunity to dance. Her light shines through no matter what obstacles stand in her way.” Walsh said she shared her character’s sense of optimism. “After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a degree in acting, I made the move to L.A.,” she said. “I was crazy and ignorant enough to believe I could actually do it!”

Q: Working on a show about missing people, have you taken more precautions when you're traveling alone?

A: Yes, actually! I have shared my location more often, as well as getting a screenshot of the driver's info if I get into a car service late in the evening. It's also very important to really listen to your gut. Women especially can short circuit that instinct in order to be polite. It's more important to be safe than to be polite. I have to remind myself of that because I tend to befriend a lot of strangers.

Q: When you’re filming a project, how important is the location?

A: Location is such an important element when it comes to the overall feeling of a piece. It dictates the mood, ambiance and the expression of the people existing within it. So far, I have filmed in New York, New Mexico, Atlanta and [also] around California. Atlanta seems to be the hot spot. It's been a marker on the wall, in terms of career and even personal development.

Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

A: I am actually headed to Dubai. A mentor of mine has relocated there and I am traveling soon to work with them. I have never been, but I have heard incredible things.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Positano, Italy. It is the city of love on the Amalfi Coast. It's like visiting a painting. The walkway leading into the city is shaded with vines. The sea sparkles with a turquoise glow and the water is smooth and warm.

Q: I understand you studied in Moscow. What was that like?

A: I studied for a semester at the Moscow Art Theatre School. The Kremlin, Red Square and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg were wonders to behold. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had taken a class in Russian language before traveling there, but dropped it [out of] fear of lowering my GPA. But it did put me a step ahead, being able to read and decipher the language. "Ya ni panimyo" – I don't understand – became a saving grace. There were challenges navigating this new landscape with the language barriers and demand of the workload, but overall it was an experience I will never forget.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: The hidden beaches of Puerto Rico. We explored caves, saw sea urchins and just enjoyed the culture in a way that felt close to the heart of the island. Puerto Rico and its people are lovely.

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

A: Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. I was nine and went with my aunts and cousins. Not only was it so green, but there were brilliant, colorful flowers everywhere. I grew 10 shades darker, got my vacation-beaded braids on the beach and drank virgin daiquiris all day long. I have been wanting to go back ever since!

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Santa Barbara! Some people don’t know this about Santa Barbara, but they have hot springs and many hikes that are beautiful.

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

A: My dad was great about making sure we traveled for the holidays. One of my most memorable trips was to Hollywood, Florida, a place we had visited previous holidays. This particular year was special because it wasn’t just my father and me, but my daughter Layla as well.

Q: What are your favorite cities?

A: Chicago, because it is home, but more than that I love the people. Los Angeles, my new home, where creativity thrives and the sun don’t stop shining! Positano, Italy. Nice, France. New York City. And Punta Cana.

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

A: New Zealand. I heard it’s similar to California – that you can go up to the mountains and get snow, but then down to the warm beaches. If you can’t tell, I’m a fan of nature and I hear it is very scenic.

Q: What is your worst vacation memory?

A: Getting a concussion in Russia. Once I realized I had to go to the hospital I was terrified.

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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).)