Actor David Hasselhoff is an avid train lover and a well-traveled globetrotter.
In 1982, actor David Hasselhoff landed in primetime for one of the most recognizable roles of his career, that of Michael Knight on the hit series Knight Rider. In 1989, Mr. Hasselhoff returned to TV to produce and star in Baywatch, which became the most-watched show in TV history. He himself remains a fixture in The Guinness Book of World Records as the most-watched actor in the history of television.
The textbook definition of multi-faceted, he has since starred on Broadway in Jekyll & Hyde; on the West End in Chicago, and 9 To 5 The Musical; on the Las Vegas stage in The Producers and in seven seasons in the UK Pantomime production of Peter Pan. He appeared as a judge on America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent.
Currently he is celebrating the highest chart entry of his illustrious music career with his brand new album, Party Your Hasselhoff. His album, Open Your Eyes, features collaborations with a stellar cast of backup musicians. He also completed a sell-out multi-city concert tour in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
An avid globetrotter, Mr. Hasselhoff says that trains are his preferred method of travel. In fact, he recently partnered with Trainline, Europe’s leading train and coach booking app, to sponsor a contest for the Chief Conductor. The winner will receive $2,500 to use on Trainline’s travel platform, a $5,000 stipend, a two-night stay in a luxury hotel, and merchandise he has personally signed. Travelers can head to Trainline’s website to enter HERE. All they have to do is explain why they want to take a European adventure and who they would travel with. (By working with more than 270 rail and coach companies across 45 countries – including France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and more - Trainline covers more than 80% of rail routes in Europe.)
Mr. Hasselhoff granted me a phone interview for Forbes.com, and explained, among other things, why he loves trains and Singapore Airlines, and the time he ate three lobsters in Bali.
Tell me about your love of trains.
It began as a small boy – with a steam train – I always loved it – they have one here in Griffith Park (California) but they have now changed to electric and they also have one in the Cotswolds.
What are some of your favorite train itineraries?
Going up the mountain – the steepest train ride ever – in Hong Kong – people were very scared but I loved it. I’ve traveled from St. Moritz to Zurich and it was the most breathtaking scenic train travel ever. I’ve also gone under the sea from London to Paris probably four or five times. London to Edinburgh – it has my heart as it has a lot of theater there – it’s unbelievable – 80 productions at once.
Tell me about the contest with Trainline.
Go to the website and you can enter – and you’ll win a $5,000 stipend and a two-night stay in a luxury hotel and merchandise signed by me!
Tell me about your background as a traveler.
My wife got me into trains, as I was more of a “let’s get-there” person – and I found out that the train gets you there just as quickly – it’s actually quicker. The train stations were so cool, especially going to Berlin when the Wall was up – and Grand Central Station in New York is an absolute must to see. I lived near the train stations when I was performing in Chicago in the West End. I found the Eurostar, and it had everything at the train station – food, clothing, candy, gifts, luggage, and it’s like going through the airport terminal in London where you can shop duty-free.
What is your favorite travel destination?
Hong Kong. I absolutely love it – as well as Austria, St. Moritz. I ski Saalbach Hinterglemm and it’s run by farmers and they sold it to skiers. It’s one of the biggest ski resorts in all of Austria – it’s near Salzburg which is one of my favorite cities. Traveling by train is very romantic. Bring earbuds and listen to music and look out the window – see the different cultures and the different people that get on the train. A big difference between American trains. It’s not as convenient as plane travel but it is very, very, very romantic.
Where did you honeymoon?
The Maldives.
What was your best vacation ever?
The best was the Maldives and the week before my wedding in Puglia, in Italy – incredible because no one knew me there — it was really laid back and a lot of locals were there.
Do you typically fly first-class or private jet?
Both. I really like Lufthansa and I’ve flown Singapore Air, to look at the stewardesses — they are so beautiful – but also private planes as well.
What hotel brands do you prefer?
St. Regis, Six Senses. And you don’t go wrong at The Four Seasons and the Mandarin Oriental. They are really big on service. (Mr. Hasselhoff’s agent sent me an email afterwards explaining that he also prefers to stay at the Baccarat Hotel in New York.)
What is always in your carryon suitcase?
Earbuds. And a mobile phone, charger and adapter – always, always, always.
What is the best thing you ever ate?
Lobster from Bali. It was only $6 and I ordered three.
For more about my Wanderlust and Wellness travels, please Follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.
