Talking Travel With NBA Superstar Al Horford

26.12.2023 - 20:31 / forbes.com

Al Horford is a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics. He is married to 2003 Miss Universe Amelia Vega, and they have five children together (one boy and four girls). He is close with both of his parents - Alfredo “Tito” Horford and Arelis Reynoso. His dad, Tito, also played in the NBA for four years. Outside of his professional life, Al is very involved in the community, taking on a variety of philanthropic positions, winning the NBA’s Community Assist Award twice. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his family. And he loves to travel – especially on The Boston Celtics’ private jet.

Mr. Horford recently partnered with the SimpliSafe company and is their spokesperson. He told me, “As someone who is constantly traveling for work and in my personal life, I must prioritize my family and home's protection to ensure they're safe while I'm away. Their security is one of the reasons why this partnership with SimpliSafe is so important to me. SimpliSafe recently released new data highlighting the stressors felt by the “sandwich generation” as they take on the responsibility of caring for their kids and parents simultaneously…When you're on vacation, the last thing you want to think about is the safety of your home.”

He told me about his favorite destination, his preferred hotels, and what he always orders from Room Service.

What destinations and hotels are on your bucket list for 2024?

The Dominican Republic!

What do you snack on in your travels?

I try to balance my diet and find myself eating more fruits and berries during my travels. I also love avocados.

Did he and his family go anywhere for the holidays this year?

I was with my family in Los Angeles to celebrate the holidays!

What is your favorite travel destination?

I love taking the kids to Disney World in Orlando. It is a lot of fun taking the family there.

What was your best vacation ever?

Any vacation where I get to spend time with my wife and children is the best!

What is the best thing you ever ate?

Dominican home cooking! Always incredible.

What is your favorite hotel in the world, and why.

Any of the Aman Hotels and Properties. They are always absolutely stunning. (Aman has 34 super sanctuaries in 20 countries.)

What hotel chain do you feel is best.

The Four Seasons. (The award-winning hospitality company has 128 award-winning hotels and resorts.)

Do you typically fly first-class or private jet?

When we fly as a team for basketball games, we travel on “Lucky Blue.” It is the Celtics’ customized plane with our mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun, on it. (The green airplane, an Airbus 320, represents the first time JetBlue co-branded a plane with an NBA team.)

What airline loyalty plans do you