Thicke shot the Unusually Thicke series in many of his favourite spots – Barrie, Miami, Toronto, Hollywood and Muskoka.
“Muskoka is quite perfect – it’s the finest cottage country in the world.” Thicke, having lived in frigid northern Ontario in his youth, now prefers the warmer weather. “I like the snow when it’s elective!” he chuckles.
Travel has always been an integral part of his life. His wife Tanya is a beach lover and he has been an easy convert to her vacation preference of visiting the Caribbean or other warm weather destinations.
“I’m a fan of warm sand and crystal green waters,” said Thicke who earlier in many of his travels went to Europe, touring various cathedrals.
Africa however retains a special place. “I’ve always had a special kinship to Africa. I’ve had wonderful trips to Africa with various charities. You leave a part of your heart there. Of all the places I’ve been it has to be the most meaningful and touching for me.”
Eastern Europe and especially the Czech Republic, Turkey, Bosnia and areas around the Caspian and Black Sea are still on his travel bucket list. For Thicke however travel is not just for fun but a chance to bond with his kids.
“I’ve always subscribed to the philosophy of a parent/child vacation. It’s a wonderful thing to do on a regular basis,” says Thicke. “One on one – one parent, one child, no sibling, no spouse. When you spend 24/7 every decision, everything is about the two of you.” Over the years Thicke has taken his kids on trips throughout Asia, Europe and North America.
Even though his family would accuse him of being a packrat at home when he travels he prefers carryon baggage only. Not always easy for his beautiful wife Tanya though Thicke says she does “carry on” for many trips and it’s one of the reasons he fell in love with her. When asked what his must travel item is, he laughs and says, “Probably a nose hair trimmer. You never know where they are going to pop out.”
Thicke has retained his Canadian citizenship and will never give that up. Canada is happy about that too. In 2013, Thicke was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame and in June of this year won the Canadian Award of Distinction at the Banff World Media Festival. Thicke loves any opportunity to come up to Canada for work, charity or see his sister and father who still live in Toronto.
Thicke will continue his many roles but one he feels privileged to do is waving the flag for Canada.
Alan Thicke – he stands on guard for thee.
Matt Barnes/Courtesy of Slice Network
Spa Life E-Magazine Summer 2014 | 23