Exclusive: Tom Brady on the NFL Player He'd Choose to Sit With on a Long-Haul Flight—and One Destination That Stuck With Him

Travel + Leisure

07-07-2025

Tom Brady has always traveled with purpose. For more than two decades, the seven-time Super Bowl champion jetted from city to city locked into game plans, team meetings, and tightly scheduled NFL road trips. These days, he's still traveling, still tied to the football world, but with a bit more flexibility and perhaps a deeper appreciation for the journeys themselves.
Now entering his second year of retirement from playing, Brady remains firmly rooted in the game. He's set to call 11 marquee matchups this fall for FOX as part of the network's top NFL broadcast team. His schedule will take him from Philadelphia to San Francisco to Dallas, all familiar destinations. But, between the flights, football, and other endeavors, he's carving out new space for meaningful travel on his own terms.
'These days, I'm really drawn to places that offer something totally different from my day-to-day... whether it's a new culture, a different language, or just a vibe I've never experienced before,' Brady tells Travel + Leisure . 'During my playing days, I was always hopping from one U.S. city to another with barely any time to look around. Now, I try to slow it down a bit. I love being able to actually explore, soak it all in, and share those experiences with my kids.'
That shift from tight timelines to thoughtful immersion has given Brady the freedom to pursue the kind of travel he perhaps previously put on hold. Japan was one such recent trip that stuck with him. Posing with the sumo fighters in Japan after watching them in action.
'I went recently with my kids, and it was unforgettable,' he says. 'The culture there is just so rich and thoughtful, everything from the way people treat each other to how traditions are honored. There's this amazing concept I learned about called ikigai , which basically means your 'reason for being.' That really stuck with me... it made me think a lot about purpose and what truly brings meaning to life. Experiencing that with my kids, and seeing it all through their eyes, made the whole trip even more powerful.'
Whether he's on a broadcasting assignment or traveling for leisure, Brady keeps things streamlined and intentional. 'I'm pretty simple when it comes to packing: my AirPods, wallet, and lip balm. Gotta have the basics,' he says. 'But something a little unexpected that's always in my bag? Electrolytes. Staying hydrated is a big deal for me, especially when I'm flying or bouncing around a lot. It's not the flashiest item, but it makes a huge difference.'
Aisle or window seat?
Window.
Go-to plane snack?
My GOAT Gummies, of course. And a bottle of water.
Past or current player you'd choose to sit next to on a long-haul flight?
It'd have to be Rob Gronkowski or Julian Edelman… actually hang on—I'd get no sleep. Let's go with Mike Evans.
City with an NFL team you'd choose to vacation in for a month?I've gotta go with my Raiders in Las Vegas!
Not surprisingly, food remains a priority, too. Known for his strict diet throughout his playing career, Brady still keeps it clean—at home and on the road—when he can. 'I usually stick to clean eating, lots of whole foods,' he says. 'So my typical [Gopuff] order looks like veggies, some lean protein, stuff to throw a quick meal together. But when I'm craving a snack, I'll grab a bag of almonds, and yeah, maybe some fresh fruit for something sweet. It's all about balance.'
That search for balance is part of what led to his recent collaboration with Gopuff to launch GOAT Gummies, a vegan, organic fruit snack made without artificial ingredients. 'I wanted a snack that actually tastes good, doesn't have any junk in it, and is something I'd feel good about giving my kids, too,' he says. 'It's fun, flavorful, and just something you can enjoy without feeling guilty or overthinking it.' GOAT gummies in Sour Burst, Sweet Rush and Tropic Fusion.
Even with his global adventures and brand partnerships, Brady's not done dreaming of new domestic experiences. His travel list includes a nostalgic, slow-paced trip across America—one that connects the past with the present.
'I've always wanted to do a big cross-country road trip with my kids,' he says. 'When I was growing up, we used to drive through places like Tennessee, and I still remember how magical the Smoky Mountains felt. There's just something about being on the road and seeing how different and beautiful each part of the country is. I think it'd be an awesome way to bond with my kids and show them how much there is to explore right here in the U.S.'
For Brady, travel is about more than just scenery or sightseeing. It's about perspective. 'Travel has taught me so much,' he says. 'It's helped me see the world from different angles, and it's given me a ton of appreciation for people and cultures that are nothing like my own. Stepping out of your comfort zone like that, it changes you.' Travel photos of Tom and his family on a recent trip to Japan.
That lesson is one he hopes to pass on to his children, whether they're traveling abroad, crisscrossing the U.S., or watching their dad call games from the broadcast booth. 'As a dad, that's something I really want to pass on to my kids,' he says. 'I hope they see travel as this huge opportunity to learn, to grow, to stay curious. Some of the most important life lessons don't come from a classroom. They happen when you're out in the world, asking questions, trying new things, maybe even getting a little uncomfortable. That's where the magic happens.'
Brady may no longer be under center, but he's clearly still on the move. With a headset in the booth, a suitcase by his side, and a broadened sense of purpose, he really is writing the next chapter of his playbook a journey at a time.