Tony Shalboub shares his favourite travel tales

When he travels — whether for work or on vacation with his wife, actress Brooke Adams — Shalhoub says he wants to immerse himself in the experience, whether it is exploring art in Venice, ruins in Lebanon or glaciers in Iceland. Which isn’t to say that he isn’t content to just unwind. “I’m always happy if there’s a gorgeous beach involved,” he says. “I have to say, the most extraordinary ones were in Tahiti. The colour of the water, the feel of the water, the temperature of the water — it was so unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”

When you travel, are you looking for adventure, relaxation, culture — all three?

Do you sleep on the plane? Read? Watch movies?

I always wear slip-ons. Uggs. Never shoes with laces! And I try to remember to bring along some Airborne or Emergen-C. And toothpicks. And earplugs. And a sleep mask. And a book or script. And good headphones. And a pen for crossword puzzles. Oh, and my wife.

Checked luggage or carry-on?

Well, Scotland is remarkable. Edinburgh, the Highlands, the Isle of Skye. Breathtaking. And, of course, hearing that fabulous Scottish brogue everywhere: lovely! Most recently we visited Lebanon — where my father was from — and it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. (I want to go back for a much longer stay.) Just before that I was filming in Paris, to me the greatest city on Earth. Nothing that’s been said or written or painted or documented or sung about Paris can ever truly do it justice. When I’m there I feel like I’m walking around inside a beautiful painting.

Where do you want to go that you haven’t gone yet?

Cuba. I’ve always been curious about it. And I love the idea that it might just be a bit like travelling back in time.

Is there somewhere you went, for work, that you found unexpectedly interesting?

A number of years ago I had the chance to film in Austin, Texas. And I discovered that it’s definitely a place I could happily spend the rest of my life. The music! The young people! The ribs! There’s a lot to love.