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Comedian and actor JB Smoove loves to travel, but his vacations are on the back-burner now that “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is coming back. Here, the charismatic star of BET’s hilarious “Real Husbands of Hollywood” raves about a particular long-haul product, reveals his favorite vacation spot and wonders what his “Curb” colleague Larry David would be like on a flight.
Got any good packing tips?
You pack the forgetful stuff you’re really going to need first and get it out of the way a few days before you leave, then you do the fun stuff.
Are you a points guy?
Oh yeah, I love my points! Points are made for when you have free time so I use them for quality time. I need to decompress and I go for my points.
How do you use your frequent flier miles?
For flights, hotels and rental cars.
What’s the best trip you’ve taken?
Bora Bora was fabulous. Australia was amazing but Bora Bora was absolute paradise. My advice for you is to leave home and just let your bills pile up and never return from Bora Bora. It’s that beautiful. I went hiking, swimming and snorkeling. I went scuba diving. What’s best about it is that it’s so tranquil that you can read a book without distraction. There aren’t cell phones going off around you. You can relax in a hammock and not be distracted by the everyday.
Any travel horror stories?
Being stuck in a city for two or three days is the worst thing to happen to me. Having luggage missing for three days and you have to buy a whole new wardrobe is something else I’ve dealt with. How to avoid this trouble is by not making Minneapolis or Milwaukee or Chicago your layover during the winter. You’re asking for trouble if you do that.
What is it like — or what do you imagine it would be like — traveling with Larry David?
I haven’t travelled with Larry but I think it would be very interesting to be on a flight with him since I know Larry. Larry is very organized. He would bring peanuts and pretzels on a flight. Larry would also bring his own meal since he is a vegan. He would bring the trail mix. He would be in first class since he likes room so he can cross his legs. He would be cleaning the silverware they hand out and he would be hilarious. I guarantee the new season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is going to be amazing.
On that note, why did it take four years for the series to come back?
You’ll have to ask Larry that. I’m just glad that more “Curb” is on the way. It doesn’t get any funnier than “Curb.”
Who is the funniest guy you’ve ever traveled with?
The late, great Bernie Mac. He was a fabulous man, let him rest in peace. He was such a smart guy, a funny guy. He took care of you on the road. He always made sure I was good.
What’s your secret to a successful trip?
Plan to have your plans changed. Be ready for adjustments.
Where have you always wanted to go but haven’t yet?
Fiji, Japan, Paris and Italy. My middle name is Angelo so I must have some Italiano in me.
What is the longest flight you have ever taken?
New York to Australia. I was in first class. They give you pajamas on super-long flights and they were comfy. I don’t know what they do in coach for those long trips and I don’t think I want to find out.
What items can you not travel without?
My notebook and my tablet. I have an accessory box that includes all my goodies, like tie clips and pocket watches. I’m very organized. I travel heavy. I go with five or six bags. I have my boots, regular shoes and a garment bag with all of my suits. I never know what to wear until I get to my destination. I have a hat box — I don’t play around! I overpack because I can.
What is the last stamp on your passport?
Montreal.
What’s something few people know about you as a traveler?
I’m an RV guy. I like to ride my RV to the beach, bring a bunch of friends and BBQ. I’ll bring bottles of wine and a television to the beach in Los Angeles or Santa Barbara. I have a 38-foot RV. I’ve always loved those. I’ve been a road guy all of my life. I love traveling. I can’t get enough of it.
Checked bag or carry-on?
Both.
Favorite airline?
JetBlue Mint. Thank me later once you try it. You get gifts on the flight. They spoil you.
Favorite airport?
I like the smaller ones like Fort Lauderdale (FLL).
Favorite VIP perk?
It’s the lounges. Any Delta lounge is good for me. I go in there, go to the food and make a meal out of what they put out. I make new food out of old food.
Favorite hotel?
The SLS Hotel in Los Angeles and the Four Seasons Hotel New York — it’s just fabulous, it has a lovely lobby, grand rooms with big beds and the service is great.
Window or aisle?
Window.
Are you TSA Pre-Check approved?
Yes. I just walk through with my shoes on, baby.
Source: thepointsguy.com