'NSYNC Alum Joey Fatone on Crazy Fan Encounters and the Two Things He Never Leaves Home Without

Joey Fatone can do it all. The former 'NSYNC singer is an actor (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” “Dead 7”), a dancer (he finished second on “Dancing With the Stars”) and the owner of a new foodie franchise, Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, which recently opened its first shop at The Florida Mall in Orlando. And this jack of many trades travels often. Here, Fatone spills about his best and worst trips and the crazy things fans will do to get close to him on the road.

Got any good packing tips?

I usually fold things up super small to try and fit everything in a small bag. Rolling your clothes helps a lot.

Are you a points guy?

I save my points or miles until I really need them.

How often do you fly?

Sometimes every other week, sometimes every week.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

There are too many to mention. I did river tracing in Taiwan, which was awesome. We went to China for the opening of the new Shanghai Disney World Resort with my kids.

Any travel horror stories?

One time I went skiing in Utah but my bags had decided to take a trip to Vegas. I waited two days without ski clothes and I had just bought new gear prior to the trip.

What’s your secret to a successful trip?

Good company.

Where have you always wanted to go but haven’t yet?

Russia, Egypt and Dubai.

What is the longest flight you have ever taken?

Australia.

What items can you not travel without?

My mother always told me to make sure I have clean underwear, so that and my backpack.

Where is the last stamp from on your passport?

Punta Cana [Dominican Republic].

What’s your favorite weekend getaway and why?

If I am in Los Angeles, Vegas is my weekend getaway because I enjoy gambling and seeing the shows. If I am in Orlando, Miami is my weekend getaway because of the beaches.

Do you usually check your bag or carry it on?

Depends how long I am traveling. If it’s more than a week, I will check a bag.

Favorite Airline?

Delta or American.

Favorite Airport?

I don’t think anyone has a favorite airport. They’re all a pain in the ass. If I had to choose my favorite, it would be a private one where I drive straight up to the plane.

What's the most outrageous thing a fan ever did to get close to you while you were on tour?

I remember we ('NSYNC) landed in Germany one time and there were women trying to go through the luggage belt to get to us.

Favorite VIP travel perk?

Priority boarding.

Favorite hotel?

That’s a tough question. Vegas has great hotels. One of my all-time favorites though is a place called Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos.

What's the biggest surprise a fan ever pulled at a hotel?

A maid came and knocked on my door very early in the morning and I answered in my underwear. She had her daughter with her and they wanted an autograph. Also, two fans once hid under a room service table to try to get into my room.

Window or aisle seat?

Window.

Daytime flight or red-eye?

Red-eye.

Are you TSA pre-approved?

No, but I am going to be. I just haven’t done it yet. I am CLEAR-approved though.

Will your new franchise, Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice, go national?

I hope so. I’m thinking within the next year or so would be great.

What’s your dream acting gig?

Something fun in a crazy, amazing sci-fi world would be great. But I would just enjoy working with good people.

What's up next in terms of music?

I just did a Christian song for a Christian movie coming out next year called “Youth Group.”