CNN political correspondent John King described the upcoming 2026 midterm elections as having the potential to be historic, during a recent interview from his home in Bethesda, Maryland. With decades of election coverage experience, King noted a heightened level of public engagement surrounding this cycle, although he acknowledged that his perception might be influenced by his personal circle. While refraining from specific predictions, he expressed confidence that significant political shifts are likely, with the scale of change remaining uncertain.
King, who is currently preparing for extensive campaign trail reporting, plans to cover five states over five days in the lead-up to the elections. Despite his demanding schedule, he anticipates some downtime after the midterms, including a return visit to his hometown of Boston, where much of his family still resides. Growing up as the third of seven children in Dorchester, King said he looks forward to reconnecting with siblings and grandchildren and hopes to attend a Celtics or Bruins game during his visit. Among local highlights, he mentioned a preferred stop at Ernesto’s, a modest North End pizza shop known for its large slices.
When asked about his travel preferences, King indicated he books trips independently rather than through travel agents. He expressed a fondness for “unplugged” vacations, favoring destinations that offer scenic walks, good reading material, and accommodations without distractions such as in-room televisions. He recounted one of his most challenging travel experiences involving a Delta Airlines seat mix-up in 2017 while traveling with two of his children, which was ultimately resolved after his daughter found alternate flights, allowing the family to continue their winter vacation without further incident.
Reflecting on his childhood, King recalled family trips to Nantasket Beach as cherished, despite limited financial means. Regarding travel motivations, he described his approach as embracing relaxation, education, and adventure. For his next vacation reading, he plans to bring Kevin Galvin’s “Troubled Times: The Boston Courthouse Bombing of 1976.”
King named the late Anthony Bourdain as a favorite hypothetical travel companion, admiring his curiosity and appreciation for local cuisine. Offering travel advice, he suggested patience and recommended a folding cribbage board as a thoughtful gift for travelers. His usual snacks during flights or road trips include salted almonds and occasionally a pre-flight IPA.
Among memorable souvenirs, King cited a handful of soil from his grandfather’s birthplace in Connemara, Ireland, and a baseball from throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park during its centennial season. Though he relies on travel apps for practical information, he maintains a preference for traditional travel books when visiting new places.
King emphasized key lessons learned from travel, highlighting the continual opportunity for discovery regardless of familiarity, and admitted a tendency to overpack. His best travel tip involves taking time at the end of each day to absorb the surroundings, whether through a walk or simply sitting to reflect on the day’s experiences.