“Entertainment Tonight” co-host Nischelle Turner knows a thing or two about traveling.
She has hosted the celebrity-oriented news show from Hawaii; Nashville, Tennessee, and the Bahamas, and also traveled to Rome to cover Tom Cruise’s “Mission Impossible” franchise.
Though it might be tempting to try to piggyback a vacation onto the trips, Turner said, laughing, “I don’t consider anywhere I go for work a vacation.” And when she vacations, she makes a concerted effort to leave work at the office. “When I’m off, I’m off!” said the entertainment reporter based out of Los Angeles.
Follow her on social media at @nischelleturner.
This interview with Turner has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: How much traveling do you do for “Entertainment Tonight”?
A: I travel a great deal for work and have visited everywhere from Rome to New Zealand to Tokyo and Berlin. The job has really opened the world up to me in incredible ways. I’m extremely grateful for that.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Travel opens up so much. Experiencing other cultures and being exposed to customs and religions and fashion other than your own is one of the most beautiful things you can do. Not only does it give you knowledge, but it teaches inclusion, diversity and patience.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: The Bahamas. The vibe is beyond relaxing and the water is the bluest I’ve ever seen. I get calm the minute I get there.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: Caerula Mar Club Resort, South Andros Island. It’s such a beautiful place — very serene and remote. Two really awesome people, Brian and Sarah Baeumler, own it. It’s on a small island in the Bahamas that isn’t easy to get to, but (it’s) well worth it.
Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out? Did you love it … or not so much?
A: We didn’t do a lot of travel growing up because we didn’t have a lot of money, but my favorite trips were to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games with my mom. It was a special time between the two of us and she introduced me to my love of baseball and sports in general.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: I love food so much, but I would be a food truck girl much more than fine dining. Anything wrapped in foil is destined to be beyond good!
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: The one thing I always have to have when I go away is a good pair of sneakers, because I love to walk and explore. Also a great sunscreen and sweats.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: All the carbs! I love to eat so there are no food rules when on vacation.
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: Best vacation was taking my family to the Bahamas for the first time in 2019. We always have a great time, but this was the first time they had been and we just had the most fun and relaxing time ever. Ten out of 10!
For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.