Eva Longoria reveals travel tip she learned in France while filming new series

Eva Longoria shares her travel philosophy and a simple packing rule she follows after years of traveling for work and with family.

The 51-year-old Searching for… host, who has spent much of recent years traveling between Spain and Mexico with her husband José Bastón and their son Santiago Enrique, 7, says her approach to packing has been shaped by her experiences in France.

Speaking exclusively to People, Longoria shared that she now travels with a minimalist mindset inspired by French style and practicality. 

“I pack outfits, not clothes,” she said, explaining that she limits herself to versatile staples like two pairs of shoes and one jacket that can work across multiple looks.

A key lesson, she added, came from her time in France — a country she has long been connected to through both her personal life and professional ties, including her previous marriage to former basketball player Tony Parker and her longstanding work with L’Oréal.

“This is something I learned in France,” Longoria explained. “People don’t have a lot of clothes, they have great clothes. 

They aren’t afraid to repeat outfits — they just restyle them. You can repeat the jeans. You can repeat the shirt.”

Longoria’s affinity for France also plays a central role in the current season of Searching for France, which premiered April 12 on CNN. 

The eight-episode series follows her exploration of French cuisine, culture and history, tracing the evolution of the country’s world-renowned culinary identity.

The actress, who speaks fluent French, said her connection to the country has remained strong over the years. “It’s been a romantic connection with this beautiful country,” she said.

Before focusing on France, earlier seasons of Searching for… took Longoria through Spain and Mexico, where she explored similar themes of food and heritage. 

She described joining the franchise as an easy decision driven by her love of travel and culture.

“I always wanted to do a travel show because I really love experiencing new cultures,” she said.