Terry Crews on the most extraordinary places he's visited

Farida Zeynalova: Where’s the most extraordinary place you’ve visited?

Terry Crews: Oh man, that’s like asking me who my favourite child is! Travel for me is so important. I never went anywhere when I was young, and once I got on a plane at 18, I stayed on a plane. But the most surprising place I’ve been is Dubai. At the time, I’d never been that far away and I felt so welcome. People from every culture and faith live together there with real respect — it’s truly extraordinary.

FZ: Tell us about the best meal you’ve ever had.

TC: I went with my wife and son to Orlando, Florida and we drove an hour to this place called Jimmy Hula’s in Winter Park. I said to my son, “Dude, are we really going to drive an hour for a burger and fries?” But let me tell you, it was amazing. They do these brisket tacos, burgers, potato salad with pickled onions, fries with a special mojo seasoning. It has this Americana, beachfront-cottage feel to it, with wood-plank floors, a big porch and nonstop 1980s music. I’d have driven two hours for that place.

FZ: One of your favourite filming locations is Melbourne.

TC: Why’s that? It’s somewhere I’d always wanted to go. It’s so big and beautiful, and I loved the food. The people were also just so sweet and wonderful. I was there for the Grand Prix, but we got to film all around the city. I even tried Vegemite for the first time and I loved it. Maybe I’m Aussie at heart? I’m an outdoorsman, and I also love their fitness culture. I only learned how to swim during the pandemic. While I was in Melbourne, I went to a place called Urbnsurf. It’s an enclosed space where they create waves, and there’s an instructor who teaches you how to surf. Next time, I’d like to visit the Outback. I want to see that side of Australia, too.

FZ: You’ve said your most passionate fan base is in Brazil. Where in the country do you love the most?

TC: Rio was my first special experience in Brazil. We filmed the first Expendables there, and I really felt the spirit and passion of the Brazilian people. Then you’ve got the beaches and the food — I’d say it’s my number-one food destination in the world. Oh, the cheese bread [pão de queijo]! It’s gluten-free, because they don’t do things with wheat — they use cassava and tapioca instead. I remember going to Brazil and I’d only just heard of acai and now everybody has an acai bowl. They have 1,000 fruits you’ve never seen before! And I love Christ the Redeemer — it’s just so impressive.

FZ: Which three items do you always pack in your suitcase?

TC: Fitness is key for me, so my resistance bands are the first things to go in. You never know what the gym is going to be like. The second is protein powder. I’m at that age now where it helps me maintain my muscle mass. Last to go in are all my facial products — I have more creams and lotions for my skin than my wife! I’m my own instrument: if you want to do better work, you must sharpen your tools. Oh, and a gallon of water. Staying hydrated when you travel as often as I do is paramount.