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“The Baxters” actor Josh Plasse is a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, co-screenwriter/actor/producer of the C. Thomas Howell film “Ride” and the author of his recently released fantasy novel “Dust” (Resolve Editions). Though the book is a work of fiction, Plasse said he utilized some of his travels as inspiration. “I based a few mountain ranges off Appalachia,” he said. “I [also] based a lot of the islands [from] my time in the Caribbean. I've been working on the book for quite some time, so it's safe to say I generally chipped away at it during most of my vacations. One of my favorite memories was writing on the beach in St. Lucia. A number of my novel's islands are [based on first-hand experience].” Currently residing in Nashville, Plasse shares his life and work on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joshplasse/).

Q: Do you have any trips planned?

A: Indeed. I am headed to Los Angeles for some PR work with the book, then New York City for a film. In late February, [I headed to] Toronto for the first time.

Q: Where are some of your favorite locations where you have filmed?

A: I've filmed in a ton of places, but I'd have to say that some of my favorites are Seoul, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Joshua Tree and probably here in Nashville! I will always be the guy who wants to go out on location. To me, the travel and experiences are a huge part of the job's allure.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: The Caribbean! Though at this point, I sound like a sponsor for them. [Laughs] They're my favorite because there’s a ton to explore, but you can just relax and put your feet out on the beach — something I desperately need on occasion.

Q: How do you separate work from vacation trips? Or do you work while you’re on vacation?

A: I do a bit of both, but these days I'm starting to lean toward not taking my work to the beach. When something major comes up, I will answer. Or if I see a particularly creative spot while vacationing, maybe I will go write for a bit. But overall, I like my time away to be my time away.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: Flagstaff, Arizona. Charleston, South Carolina. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Ischia, Italy.

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

A: Just how big the world is. It's such a massive place and it really helps remind us how small our problems are the more we get out and travel.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

A: If I only had one, probably the fine dining. The food is generally better and I'd probably live a lot longer. [Laughs]

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: I love weekend getaways. I don't know that I have a favorite so much as I love the concept of just getting out. When I lived in Los Angeles, it used to be getting out to Joshua Tree.

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

A: I went away for New Year’s to Italy one year and it was by far the best experience ever. We went to Positano, Rome, Capri, Matera, Ischia and even Naples. It was the trip of a lifetime.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Nashville. Seoul. Rome. Virginia Beach. Cruz Bay (Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands).

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

A: Australia.

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

A: Books. Notepads. Phone and general necessities. Bathing suit and workout clothes.

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

A: Probably trying to get a massage or spa session in wherever I travel. [Laughs]

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

A: Not enough. I take a look at the beaches and I go!

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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).)

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