Benedict Cumberbatch Shares Five-Star Travel Tips and Experiences

LOS ANGELES, CA — Emmy winner Benedict Cumberbatch is embracing his flair for the dramatic by sharing his five-star travel experiences with Amazon’s Five-Star Theater. In an exclusive interview with Travel + Leisure, Cumberbatch discussed how his childhood influenced his passion for international travel.

Growing up in London, Cumberbatch’s parents worked hard to send him to elite schools, inadvertently fueling his love for exploring the world. He often traveled to holiday homes of classmates, visiting destinations like Greece, Spain, and even Hong Kong during his teenage years. ‘It was my 13th birthday, and I was just having my mind blown by the culture and energy of that metropolis,’ he recalled.

Today, Cumberbatch continues that adventure spirit with his family. Recent travels included a trip to Paris inspired by his son Hal’s admiration for painter Bridget Riley. ‘It’s about gaining a better understanding of how the natural world works and how to cohabit with it,’ he said. Essential items for their trips include sun cream, toothpaste, and arts and crafts materials for creative downtime.

When asked about unusual items he carries while traveling, he mentioned his collection of books, which often stacks up on his bedside table. ‘My team laughs every time they see my room because I have like five books on my bedside table when we’re there for three days!’ The actor treasures the moments he can read during busy press tours.

Cumberbatch has a keen eye for travel gifts, favoring binoculars that enhance experiences by allowing travelers to appreciate sights in more detail. He also fondly reminisced about filming locations around the world. ‘I’d say home in London is my favorite, but filming in L.A. and New York is a treat too,’ he noted.

The actor’s journeys often extend even further into nature. After filming ‘The Power of the Dog’ in New Zealand, Cumberbatch and his family took a memorable road trip across the country, enjoying locations like Marlborough Sounds and Queenstown.

Despite his busy schedule, the actor finds joy in unexpected travel mishaps. He shared a story about a trip home being diverted due to COVID-19. The family ended up extending their stay for five months instead of returning home immediately. ‘We had our notifications turned off and just had the most amazing experience,’ he said.

While he works on packing light, Cumberbatch emphasizes sustainability. He advocates for conserving water in hotels and promoting local travel. ‘We’re in a system that makes us hypocrites if we speak out against what destroys our planet,’ he said. His commitment to mindful travel is evident as he balances his celebrity lifestyle with environmental responsibility.

In this holiday season, Cumberbatch is collaborating with Amazon to highlight five-star customer reviews. From humorous insights to practical advice, he embraces the opportunity to connect with relatable experiences. ‘It’s a difficult time economically for a lot of people,’ he said. ‘These are genuinely helpful moments for people struggling.’

Cumberbatch concludes that the most meaningful experiences don’t always carry a high price tag, recalling a transformative stay at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India during his gap year. ‘Basic, but profoundly spiritual. The most aesthetically and experientially five-star experience I’ve ever had,’ he shared.