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Rebel Wilson has already had two movies come out this year — "Isn’t it Romantic" and May’s "The Hustle" with Anne Hathaway — and has more to come (including the much talked about live-action "Cats") which means she is traveling constantly. Luckily the "Pitch Perfect" star has perfected the art of flying. “I have been to London, Australia, Mexico, Paris and I mean like five trips to London already this year, and New York of course,” she said at a New York screening of MGM’s "The Hustle" earlier this summer hosted by 1-800-Flowers.com and social media expert Natalie Zfat. The film is a remake of the 1980s comedy "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" but with a feminist twist.
So how has she become an exquisite flyer? Wilson shared with Travel + Leisure her tips and travel hacks (including the one she and her "Cats" co-star Taylor Swift practice religiously) as well as her favorite places to visit when she's not on set.
T + L: First of all, what was it like to film "The Hustle" in Mallorca?
Rebel Wilson: Mallorca was so awesome. We stayed at a brand new Park Hyatt there. It was so beautiful. We shot French hours which means you don't have a lunch break but you end early and then all of us, cast and crew, watched the sun set together. We filmed at the end of summer so it was good because it was a little quieter, but still warm. And the big mansion you see in the film is three different locations in Mallorca.
What’s the most amazing trip you recently took?
This year for my birthday [in March] I stayed at the new Ritz in Paris. It was just renovated and that was such an amazing, decadent way to spend my birthday.
What are your best plane hacks?
I don't drink any alcohol on planes. And if it is an overnight flight I like to eat in the lounge before and not eat on the plane. I heard Taylor Swift does that, who I was just working with, she doesn't eat on the plane.
I suffer from jet lag so badly so I like to make time to rest when I get there but sometimes it is impossible and you have to go straight to work. But I have been doing a few little tricks like cryotherapy. And I love massages when I get to the destination.
I sometimes bring SK-II face masks. They freak people out on a plane because you look a bit like a ghost and if you get up to go to the bathroom people are like, ‘Huh?! That doesn't look human!’ but they are the best.
Are there any gadgets you always bring on the plane with you? Any more hacks?
You always need ear plugs. I've got this little kit in an Anya Hindmarch bag. It's called a take off kit and I put all my little beauty products, the mask, etc., in it. Someone gave me a cashmere eye mask and it's so comfortable and feels really good on the skin. But wear really comfortable clothes. Leggings are awesome because they have a bit of compression to them.
What is your packing routine?
My sister, Anna, she normally does the packing. Having four movies out this year and the press I have been so busy. It's literally insane.
Are there any trips you’re dying to take?
I went to Iceland last year and had the most amazing time. It's the new five star resort at the Blue Lagoon (it's the only five-star resort in Iceland.) It's insane. I'm lucky I've been to a lot of places. I've basically been everywhere in the world. But I've never been to the Bahamas. So maybe like a private island there?
Note: This interview was lightly edited for clarity.
