Celebrity Travel: Go away with Mariel Molino

Mariel Molino said that landing a starring role on ABC’s “Promised Land” was one of her biggest acting accomplishments. It’s also the first major part where she speaks in English, rather than Spanish. The Los Angeles-based actress, who portrays Carmen Sandoval, pointed out that there are challenges to acting in either language. “When I act in Spanish, it brings out so many different emotions in me because it is my maternal language,” Molino said. “And yet, because I did not learn Spanish in school, I also had difficulty with the grammar and pace when I worked in Mexico. Now when I act in English, it comes out naturally and effortlessly. But there are still so many things I would love to communicate in Spanish that just aren't the same in English. I'm what you would call a pocha – I'm always speaking in Spanglish. “I relate to (my character) because I am also first-generation American. Both my parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico.”

Q: Did you deal with any prejudice growing up?

A: I had a beautiful childhood in California and my parents worked very hard and provided a lot of opportunities for us. Because of this, some of the kids in our community would sometimes ask me if my parents were drug dealers or in the Mexican Mafia. It’s funny. I never took offense to this. I understand now that the media perpetuated these stereotypes. I do remember, though, that it took me some time to be proud of my heritage. I wanted so badly to be all American – whatever that meant – because it would mean we wouldn't stick out.

Q: Overall, do you enjoy traveling for work?

A: Yes, traveling for work is a lot of fun. You get to be in a new place (and see) new sights and new people – and you get to bond a lot more with your cast, because you're basically stuck with each other. We had that experience when we shot the pilot for “Promised Land.” We were all at the same hotel in Atlanta and got to discover this new city with each other as a cast. It's why we are so close today.

Q: Are you a fan of road trips?

A: Yes! My mom and I did a couple of road trips. Zion was magical in all its natural splendor. We also went to Charleston, S.C., which is a beautiful coastal town.

Q: Have you had to cancel any trips due to the pandemic?

A: I did have to cancel a trip to Mexico City recently because I got COVID.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Peru has been one of my favorite places to visit. The Inca Trail that takes you to Machu Picchu is a must-see. You can snowboard down the desert mountain in Paracas – probably the coolest thing we ever did.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: It's not so untapped, but Patagonia is probably the most adventurous trip I've had. We got to hike a glacier in Argentina (and saw) some of the most incredible natural sites I have ever seen.

Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?

A: The first trip that I remember was Tahiti. We were fortunate enough to know some locals, so we discovered so many tiny undisclosed islands. I still remember how they would climb the trees knocking off fresh coconuts that we ate under the palm trees. Wow, it's taking me back. I loved it.

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

A: Money is never wasted on travel.

Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A: Honestly, there isn't a place that reminds me of home, but that's exactly why I travel. I like to discover places that are far removed from my own reality.

Q: What is your best vacation memory?

A: One of my favorite memories was this past summer. I took my mom on a trip to Portugal and Paris. We were in the Jardin des Tuileries together around sunset. That day, I got a call that “Promised Land” had been picked up for a series. My biggest accomplishment yet! I got to celebrate it with my mom in one of the greatest cities in the world.

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

A: Comfortable shoes, a camera, my journal, a cozy wrap for the plane – I always get cold – and lavender spray for my pillows.

Q: What would be your dream trip?

A: I am saving up to do a safari in Africa. I am dying to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. There are a lot of places to camp in the middle of the jungle. That excites me and terrifies me all at once.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Anywhere I can ski or drink wine, so Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Big Bear ...

Q: What are some of your favorite cities?

A: Paris, Lisbon, Mexico City, New York, London, Amsterdam and Stockholm.

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

A: Food is a major one. I dive into all the food blogs. (And I research) museums, too, if we're going to a city.

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

A: Salt and vinegar chips and real Coca-Cola.

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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.)