The ‘Big Bang Theory’ star and Priceline spokesperson shares the ‘magical’ place she and her partner, Tom Pelphrey, go to get away
Kaley Cuoco has been to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, but one spot holds a special place in her heart.
The Big Bang Theory alum, 39, recently opened up about her favorite travel destination and why it’s become a meaningful escape for her and her family, while chatting with PEOPLE for her latest Priceline campaign.
“I think my happy place is Upstate New York,” Cuoco shared. “Tom and I have a place there, and it is in the middle of nowhere. It’s so magical. It was the first place I went to visit when I met him, and it became such a special place for us.”
Cuoco met her partner, Tom Pelphrey, 42, in New York, and the location has since been a touchstone in their relationship. “Tom’s from New Jersey, and I’ve been going to New York for years,” she added. “It has a special place in my heart, but meeting Tom there made it even more meaningful.”
Now, the couple is excited to share their serene retreat with their nearly 2-year-old daughter, Matilda. “Once she can sit in the car a little longer, we’re going to take her,” Cuoco said. “It’s definitely my happy place.”
While travel holds a sentimental value for Cuoco, she acknowledges that planning a trip isn’t always easy. Cuoco’s latest campaign with Priceline is all about making travel more accessible and inspiring people to turn their dream trips into reality. “Priceline is going to make it easy,” she told PEOPLE. “They want to make it affordable and encourage you to take that trip — whether it’s a family reunion, a girls’ weekend, or just a much-needed getaway.”
Like many people, Cuoco admitted that it’s easy to find excuses not to travel, but she emphasized the importance of just going for it.
“We keep saying we want to do it, and I know sometimes it’s hard to plan. Even recently, Tom and I were like, ‘We can’t go away for two days.’ Then I thought, ‘No, we’re doing this. We’re booking it. We’re going.’ And it was the best decision we made.”
Cuoco’s philosophy aligns well with her latest Priceline ad, which aims to get travelers off the sidelines and into their dream vacations. Starting March 25 through April 6, the travel booking site is offering “buzzer beater” deals for men’s and women’s basketball fans. Sports lovers can save on hotels in the tournament’s host cities for a limited time before each round.
For Cuoco, travel isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the feeling you bring home with you. “You never book a trip, go, and then think, ‘Oh, I wish I didn’t go.’ You’re always happy you made that decision. It’s the memories — that’s what life’s about.”
