Special teams standout Matthew Slater may be one of the New England Patriots captains, but he is also a leader off the field, inspiring teammates to do and be their best and volunteering countless hours to community service. The Southern California native, who played at UCLA before being drafted by the Patriots in 2008, lives in Norfolk with his wife, Dr. Shahrzad Slater and their 8-month-old son, Jeremiah. Slater, the son of Hall of Famer Jackie Slater (who played offensive tackle for the Rams for 20 years), said he is itching to visit Fiji, but can’t get enough of Newport Beach, Calif. We caught up with Slater, 30, after a practice last month at Gillette Stadium, to talk about all things travel.

Favorite vacation spot?I love going back home to Newport Beach, Calif. I was born and raised in Orange County, and getting back to Newport Beach just reminds me of home, with its sunshine and the beach. . . . It’s tough to beat.

Favorite food or drink while vacationing? There’s a restaurant in Newport [Beach] called Javier’s that serves Mexican food and it’s my favorite. Growing up in Southern California, I love Mexican food. When I go back home, Javier’s is number one on the list.

Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? I’ve never been to Fiji. My wife and I would love to get there one day when we get the time. Now that we have our family, it may be a little bit tough, but I’ve read a lot about it and looked at it online. It looks beautiful, so I’d like to get there one day.

One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? My [Philips] Sonicare electric toothbrush. My wife and I have got to have them with us.

Aisle or window? I like the aisle. I don’t like walking over folks, and when you’re on the aisle, it’s just easy access to the restrooms and [you can] kind of throw your leg out in the aisle for extra room.

Favorite childhood travel memory? Going to the Pro Bowl with my dad and going to Hawaii. That was a pretty special time and fun for our family. I don’t think I understood the magnitude of it. There was Eric Dickerson, Randall Cunningham . . . all these guys, but I just wanted to run around and play with the other players’ kids. We also used to go to Mississippi every summer to see my family down there. My parents are from Mississippi and we were the only ones out West, so it was great just getting back there, connecting with my family, and learning a lot about my family’s history. Plus, there’s lots of good food down there.

Guilty pleasure when traveling? I’m a big doughnut fan. So wherever I go, I always look out for that local doughnut spot. I don’t want that on record with Ted Harper, our nutritionist, but you know, I’ve always loved doughnuts since I was a kid. I guess it’s because I’m an offensive lineman’s son so . . .

Best travel tip? I’m a big stickler on the way I pack, and I’d rather have too much than too little. It’s nice to have what you need so you can just enjoy yourself. My wife and I will go someplace for three days and we’ll pack for three weeks. Make sure you have what you need.

JULIET PENNINGTON