Travel Q & A with “Persons Unknown” Kate Lang Johnson

Kate Lang Johnson, who plays Tori Fairchild on NBC’s “Persons Unknown”, took some time to answer a few questions I had. I’m really excited about what she had to say. I hope you will be too.

The Q&A follows below.

I read that you’ve got “an appetite for travel and adventure” and have traveled to China, Germany, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Italy, France, and South America. What was the most adventurous trip you’ve ever taken?

Hard question! I feel like every place I’ve traveled is exciting and offers its own unique experiences. My most recent trip was through Brazil and Argentina. The highlight was trekking on the Perito Moreno glacier in Argentinian Patagonia, which was the most physically exhausting yet beautiful treks I have done. Once on the glacier, we were able to explore some incredibly blue ice caves and see massive subterranean waterfalls. However, as far as the most “adventurous” trip I have been on, it would probably have to be my backpacking trip through Northern India, where I had no planned itinerary and had to secure lodging and travel as I went. That led to a lot of sleeping on trains and train stations, last minute cab rides to the airport, and basically learning to trust the kindness of strangers with your life.

You also mentioned in your Starry Constellation Magazine interview that you love backpacking but have found yourself in “shady situations” while traveling. What was the scariest and how did you get out of it?

While in India, I got caught up in the spontaneous spirit of adventure and decided to visit Kashmir, the conflict-torn region between northern India, Pakistan and China. The guide books didn’t offer much advice past “be careful” or “don’t go”… so, naturally, that’s what I wanted to see. While I was there, I went trekking with a friend into the Himalayas for a few days, but unfortunately my friend got extremely ill two days into the trek and we were stuck. We ran out of food, and as night fell I wasn’t sure how we were going to get out of the mountains. I was supposed to be in Mexico City to start filming “Persons Unknown” in a week, and since I was stuck in the mountains with no apparent way out, I was certain I was not going to make it to Mexico in time. Luckily, the next day my friend’s sickness passed enough that we were able to limp slowly down the mountain and start our 48 hour train ride back to Delhi where I barely made my flight. I flew through LA, switched out my backpacking gear for my suitcases in the span of a few hours, and headed down to Mexico City. I honestly could not believe I had made it to the filming on time.

If you could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow thanks to being kidnapped in a Persons Unknown fashion (but in a good way –think sorority-style, being whisked off somewhere on a surprise vacation by your BFFs), (a) where would you love to wake up, and (b) what kind of “strangers” (not including your BFFs) would you most like to find there?

I would love to wake up in Big Sur, California. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world and is very special to me. I feel very lucky to live a half-day drive from that kind of beauty. As for who I would like to wake up with, I would hope that the strangers would include talented musicians, a chef and maybe a masseuse – because with good music, good food and a massage… who wouldn’t be happy?

Kate, these were amazing answers. I know you’ve had a hectic publicity schedule thanks to the show’s premier and all. I sure thank you for granting me some time to answer these questions! Best of luck with Persons Unknown. (P.S. I’m hooked!)

Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.

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Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.