Karen MacDonald, a founding member of American Repertory Theatre, is a Boston-based actress, director, and educator who is appearing in Trinity Repertory Company’s comedy “Faithful Cheaters,’’ in Providence through May 21. “It’s a brand new farce with many surprises,’’ said MacDonald, a Norwood native raised in South Boston and Milton. We caught up with the Harvard University adjunct professor, who lives in Melrose with her husband, David Remedios, a sound designer, to talk about all things travel.
Favorite vacation destination? Italy and specifically Umbria. It is not as crowded as Tuscany can be and Umbria has a dark and mysterious history. So many beautiful hill towns, forests, churches, museums, and of course, the cuisine. I also have a special place in my heart for Prague, where my husband and I spent our honeymoon [in 2012].
Favorite food or drink while vacationing? My husband and I prefer renting houses and we love to go out and shop locally at the markets. The food is amazing and the merchants give you a chance to practice your Italian, French, whatever. The wines of the area and the local cocktails are always fun to try.
Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? I was fortunate enough to travel to many wonderful places in Europe and even to the Middle East, when I was on tour with the American Repertory Theatre, but one place I have not been is Spain. I would love to see Barcelona and Madrid and lots of places in between. I guess schedules just haven’t permitted it . . . yet.
One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? I never travel without my herbal sleep mask. It helps me sleep in a new place. it’s also great to have on the plane.
Aisle or window? The window, please. I like being able to look out and watch the night turn into day as you fly across the Atlantic.
Favorite childhood travel memory? Going to New York City with my aunt and uncle for the first time. Seeing the sights, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty — and going to Radio City Music Hall. Just being in the lobby there was magical and watching those Rockettes dance was thrilling. I was already bitten by the acting bug, so standing on Broadway just about stopped my heart!
Guilty pleasure when traveling? Gelato, on the hour, for several hours, in Venice; Czech beer in Prague; [and] coffee at Deux Moulins [a café] in Montmartre. Something that just doesn’t taste the same at home.
Best travel tip? Wherever you go, stay at least 10 days. Give yourself time to get to know a few places well, instead of trying to cover too many places in too little time. Relax, enjoy, find your daily spot for coffee, a favorite walk, a repeat trip to a museum, some local theater, a cool nightspot. You can’t find those things if you are always in a rush to get to the next place.
JULIET PENNINGTON
