Fresh off her Short n’ Sweet tour and gearing up for Saturday Night Live, Sabrina Carpenter dishes on her love for travel, local cuisine, and why Italy has captured her heart as her top food destination.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter, at 26 years old, is not just captivating audiences with her music; she’s also a seasoned traveler with a genuine passion for experiencing the world through its diverse cultures and flavors. Despite a demanding schedule that keeps her on a national concert tour, she intentionally carves out moments to connect with the destinations she visits, often through their local cuisine. As she prepared to host and perform on Saturday Night Live in New York City in October 2025, Carpenter shared fascinating insights into her travel philosophy and her ultimate favorite food spot.
Italy: The Ultimate Culinary Haven
For Sabrina Carpenter, a recent summer trip to Italy proved to be nothing short of “magical,” solidifying its place as her favorite food destination. During an interview with Travel + Leisure, she raved about the country’s charm, particularly highlighting her love for its culture, people, fashion, and, of course, the pasta. She emphasized that “it really doesn’t get better than that,” appreciating the comforting mix of culture and carbs that Italy offers.
Her approach to travel, even amidst a busy tour, is to seek immersion. She told the outlet, “I don’t get to spend a ton of time in a city, so I like to get a taste of the local cuisine.” This dedication to local flavors ensures that even brief stops leave a lasting impression, shaping her perspective and fueling her creativity.
Childhood Roots and Family Adventures
Sabrina Carpenter’s love for travel began early, shaped by memorable family trips. She recalled those formative years, stating, “Family trips growing up were so much fun. I’m super close with my family and my sisters, so getting to spend time together was the best.” These childhood road trips were filled with laughter, snacks, and sing-alongs, laying the foundation for her adventurous spirit.
She cherishes moments of comfort and immersion, preferring “a great space that my friends and I can unwind in that feels private, and also allows us to experience the culture and the food of the destination.” Her sister Sarah plays a crucial role in documenting these experiences, always having her camera out to “capture the memories,” ensuring that every journey is preserved.
From Disney’s Magic to French Tranquility
Before Italy claimed the top spot, other destinations held special significance for the pop star. For years, Walt Disney World Resort has been a “mandatory stop” whenever her travels brought her to Florida, a place she affectionately calls her “happy place.” Her family particularly enjoys exploring the international pavilions at Epcot, appreciating the opportunity to “experience all of these cultures, one after the other.” Her favorite ride across all the parks remains the thrilling Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a tradition dating back to her first visit.
In summer 2023, Sabrina Carpenter sought refuge in the charming French village of Chailland, Mayenne, located in the Pays de la Loire region. This peaceful setting, far from the hustle and bustle, served as the creative incubator for her global hit, “Espresso,” which she recorded at Flow Studios. The tranquility of Chailland provided a conducive environment for artistic creation, allowing her to explore the village and share moments in front of local landmarks like the bakery and church on Instagram.
The Unexpected Success of “Espresso”
It was during her time in France that “Espresso” took shape, a song whose monumental success surprised even Carpenter herself. She initially doubted whether the track would “connect” with audiences, especially with its release at the beginning of summer, given that she considered coffee more of a “fall beverage.” However, the song’s infectious sentiment and confident sound resonated globally, becoming Spotify’s most-streamed song in 2024 with over 1.6 billion streams, as she recounted in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Interestingly, Carpenter revealed to People that she wrote “Espresso” as a “manifestation tactic,” confessing that at the time, “no one liked me romantically.” This blend of personal experience and global success highlights the unexpected twists in a pop star’s journey.
Balancing Tour Life and Personal Escapes
For Sabrina Carpenter, balancing a demanding performance schedule, which recently included her Short n’ Sweet tour wrapping in the fall of 2025, with personal well-being is key. She admits that taking traditional “vacations” is challenging, but she makes a conscious effort to find downtime even in the midst of her professional commitments. Her travel routine emphasizes simplicity: catching sleep on flights whenever possible and always ensuring memories are captured.
Her journey as a global pop star is enriched by these authentic travel experiences, whether it’s indulging in Italian pasta, revisiting the magic of Disney, or finding creative inspiration in a serene French village. Each destination not only offers a new culinary delight but also contributes to the tapestry of experiences that inform her artistry and persona.
