At a Glance
- Patrick Schwarzenegger recalls family vacations that shaped his love of travel.
- Trips spanned California, Europe, and international Special Olympics sites.
- He blends work and leisure, filming in Thailand while exploring nearby locales.
- Why it matters: It shows how a celebrity’s upbringing influences career choices and philanthropy.
Patrick Schwarzenegger shared memories of family getaways in a recent interview with Travel + Leisure. Published on January 21, 2025, the conversation covers everything from California road trips to volunteering at the Special Olympics and his role in the third season of The White Lotus.
Family Roots and California Retreats
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career shifted the family’s travel patterns. When he served as California’s governor from 2003 to 2011, the family would head to Sacramento for visits and white-water rafting, as well as desert excursions. Patrick recalled, “We would travel to Sacramento to visit him and do white-water rafting trips and visit parts of the desert.” His mother, Maria Shriver, and siblings Katherine, Christina, and Christopher joined the trips, creating a tradition of exploring the state’s diverse landscapes.
Patrick emphasized that California offered “everything to offer, from beaches to skiing to mountains to desert.” He added that even now, where he lives, the state remains his go-to destination. “In California, you can drive an hour in any direction-well, without traffic-and feel like you’re in a whole different place,” he told the outlet.
Europe, U.S., and the Family’s Global Rhythm
Growing up, the Schwarzeneggers traveled between the U.S. and Europe depending on where Arnold was working. Patrick, 32, said the family’s itineraries were often shaped by his father’s film and political schedules. The mix of continents gave Patrick a broad perspective on culture and geography from an early age.
Special Olympics and Global Volunteering
Patrick’s early travel experiences were tied to philanthropy. He volunteered at the World Games and traveled to China, Greece, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai for the Special Olympics, an event founded by his grandmother Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968. “One of my earliest memories was going out to South Africa for the Special Olympics,” he said, calling the trips “great traveling experiences.”
Combining Business and Pleasure
When filming takes him abroad, Patrick looks for ways to merge work with leisure. “If I’m already in Thailand, I’ll bring my wife out, and we’ll do something there,” he explained. He added that during a recent shoot in London this summer, he and his crew explored Europe. “It’s less one-off vacations and more pairing the vacation with work, which is the strategic thing,” he said.
The White Lotus and Family Support
Patrick’s involvement in The White Lotus season three began in February 2025. He recalled family conversations that spurred his participation. “My mom was always like, ‘Why haven’t you auditioned for this? Why didn’t you go out for this?’ And my sister’s like, ‘You need to call your agents right now. This is ridiculous that you’re not in on the show, that you didn’t even audition,'” he said of Maria, 70. While on set in Thailand, he described the experience as “like a summer camp mixed with work.” “It was great, a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” he added. “Working on a project like this is so cool-to get to learn from some of the best that do it is just a dream come true.”
A Timeline of Patrick’s Major Trips
| Date | Destination | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2003-2011 | Sacramento, California | Governor visits and white-water rafting |
| 2003-2011 | Desert, California | Family outings during gubernatorial term |
| Pre-2025 | Europe | Trips based on Arnold’s work schedule |
| Pre-2025 | South Africa | Special Olympics participation |
| Pre-2025 | China, Greece, Abu Dhabi, Dubai | Special Olympics and World Games volunteering |
| 2025 (Feb) | Thailand | Filming The White Lotus season three |
| 2025 (Summer) | London | Film location and European exploration |
Key Takeaways
- Patrick’s family vacations laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion for travel.
- His volunteer work with the Special Olympics expanded his global perspective.
- He strategically pairs professional assignments with personal adventures.
- Family encouragement helped him secure a pivotal role in The White Lotus.
The story highlights how a celebrity’s upbringing and family traditions can shape career paths, philanthropic interests, and personal travel habits. Patrick’s blend of work and leisure continues to reflect the values instilled during his childhood adventures.
