Exclusive Interview: Jack Maxwell Talks Traveling Round the World for Travel Channel's Booze Traveler

A brand new travelogue-series begins on Travel Channel this Monday night at 10pm. The show however has a twist, with actor Jack Maxwell fronting each episode, visiting countries around the world and exploring the drink culture in that country. Jack, begins his journey on Monday in Turkey, here he looks at how the country's deeply religious roots affect the drinking culture - as well as looking as trying some Raki - a local booze infused dish, that is delivered home-to-home.

Can you explain the concept of the show?

On Booze Traveler we explore and celebrate the people, places and cultures of the world ..through the lens of a cocktail glass.

Are you surprised that this concept isn't something that's really been done before?

Well, it's never been done like this that's for sure. Some of the beautiful places we bring you to, the fascinating people we meet and the drinks we try, make it special.

How did the show come about, was you approached or did you approach the network?

My background is in acting and I just auditioned. However, I've been getting ready for this ever since I was a little kid shining shoes in the bars of South Boston. I would be regaled with wonderful tales of adventure, travel and excitement. It was then I learned about the almost magical socializing effect of alcohol. Figured if I could combine the two I'd have the world's best job.

Do you think people will be surprised to see you front this type of show?

People who know me understand that I've always had a natural curiosity about what's out there in the world. Everyone will be surprised at what happens on the show.

Do you prefer acting or making a show like this?

Both of them can be exciting. However, our first season of Booze Traveler has been such a thrill ride I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Are you a big drinker away from the show?

I'm not even a big drinker ON the show. It's a show about drinks, not drinking. Did I sample some drinks along the way? Absolutely. I certainly have an appreciation for a good cocktail.

If you walked into your local bar and asked for your regular drink, what would you be served ?

Depends on the season. In the summer it might be a true Mojito or a refreshing gin and tonic. In the winter, something heavier, something spicy.

Did you have much say in the locations you visited?

It's one big team effort.

How long did you have in each location?

Anywhere from 10 to 20 days, depending on the location.

And how many days did you spend drinking in each place?

Depending on when and where we found what that country was drinking.

Was you worried about drinking too much at all whilst filming?

Not really, because it's more about the people. What they drink, why they drink it and the stories they tell when they do.

Did you refuse to try any of the drinks you are offered?

No! Maybe I should have. (laughs)

Do you only get hungover when drinking certain drinks?

I think if you drink too much of anything you'll get a hangover. That happened very few times in the 13 different countries and two different states we visited.

What's the furthest you had to travel whilst hungover?

Right down the street to the local hangover cure. Everybody's got one. Thankfully, they weren't far away.

What was your favorite drink/location from throughout the series?

I had favorite places and favorite drinks for different reasons. The Two Worlds cocktail, which we named on the spot in Iceland, was fantastic - one of my favorites for sure. South Africa was so gorgeous. Wild animals running around always gets my heart racing.

And your least favorite?

Not one sticks out. How lucky am I?

As well as drinking a lot in the show, you get to try local delicacies, what was your favorite meal whilst making the show?

Spain had some amazing food. A fresh cod dinner in Iceland is one I'll never forget. The ostrich omelette with the ostrich steak breakfast in South Africa is certainly up there on the list.

What is the strangest thing you experienced whilst filming the show?

Found a primitive tribe after cruising the Amazon in Peru. They fed me piranha, taught me how to shoot poison darts and then I drank spit beer with them. That was pretty mind blowing. Really cool.

Is there anywhere you wished you'd of got to travel to, that you didn't get to this time around?

That's the thing about travel, you learn that every place on earth can be fascinating for different reasons. You just gotta know where to look.

Did filming the show change your attitude to drinking at all?

Sure. It helped broaden my horizons and understanding of different people and their drinking customs. I have a newfound appreciation for that. It taught me that we all drink for the same reasons ­ to celebrate, to socialize, to take the edge off at the end of a long day.

Is there plans for a second season of the show if the first performs well?

I would certainly be up for that. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Have you got any other projects coming up?

Hard to make plans when you might be jumping on a plane any minute and traveling around the world.

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The show begin's it's 15-episode-run this Monday night in Turkey. In the series Jack also visits Peru, Spain, Uganda, South Africa, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Belize, Armenia, Mongolia, Japan, Iceland, Austria and 2 US states.

Catch 'Booze Traveler' every Monday from Monday 24 November, 2014 at 10:00 pm ET, on The Travel Channel.