Colin Tucker: I love to travel, but I don’t really travel much because I mostly travel to go on tours. There are some places that don’t have a lot of rock shows, so I’d like to spend more time there. I would like to go to Italy and spend my vacation there.
Sometimes you can check out a city on a tour, but I always like to take advantage of it, especially if it’s international, somewhere I’ve never been before, or somewhere I don’t get to visit often. I want to go out and do something and take advantage of what I see. I love discovering really weird and cool things like the St. Louis City Museum. It’s so strange and specific, there’s nothing else like it.
We have been to Paris several times and always wanted to see the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. So I’ve definitely enjoyed taking those trips. But once you see something on your bucket list, you’re like, “Okay, I want to go back and find a really good restaurant, or just wander around or see some other museums I haven’t seen yet.” It makes me feel good.
Carrie Brownstein: I got better at going on vacation. I used to stay at home a lot and was always drawn to the concept of a staycation. Because it was the opposite of work. But after the pandemic and its forced isolation, forced settlement and stagnation, I became a bit restless, so I started traveling more since then. I try not to impose a strict itinerary. Because when you’re on tour, you can become very structured and almost pedantic in how you approach your travels. So for me, the secret when going on vacation is to not plan too far in advance. Just the right amount, knowing where I want to go but not forcing anything.
The first time I went to Europe was my first ever trip to Europe, and the whole time I was stuffing the culture down my throat. When I woke up in the morning, the museum would open or I would be in a cathedral. It was amazing. I also thought I couldn’t go back. But since I’ve been back so many times, I’m always looking for interesting flea markets, weird junk shops, coffee shops someone recommended, or street fairs. Some are city-specific, some are neighborhood-specific, and maybe some are a little off the beaten path. Walking around and coming across a bookstore or cafe that interests you is a great way to discover.
rapid fire
Window, middle, or aisle seats?
Colin Tucker: aisle.
Carrie Brownstein: Aisle on short flights, window on long flights.
Light pack or over pack?
CB: It’s too crowded.
CT: I also overpackage. I’m working hard on this tour as well…
CB: No, I won’t try anymore. I have accepted the fact that I am an overpacker. It’s hard not to, especially depending on the season. This tour ostensibly moves from winter to spring.
Favorite way to kill time on a plane
CT: read.
CB: Probably an audiobook.
biggest fear of traveling
CB: Colin is just death.
CT: I’ve been through some pretty awful things. I just think, yeah, I’m just sick.
CB: Getting sick is also about me. It would be really difficult if I was hospitalized.
Best tips to fight jet lag
CB: Don’t fall asleep too early. The easiest thing to say is, “Avoid naps.”
CT: Once you arrive, it really helps if you can get as much sunlight as possible and walk during the day.
favorite travel snack
CB: peanut butter. When I travel, I put peanut butter on everything: apples, rice cakes, bread. This is an instant protein blast, a very discreet and uncomplicated food.
CT: There are Clif bars that are like mini peanut butter bars. I’m enjoying it.
Ordering drinks on a plane
CB: I usually like sparkling water with lime.
CT: If I really want to do it, I’ll drink Coke Zero.