Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Lara Spencer

Lara Spencer has a lot on her plate these days. A co-anchor for ABC's "Good Morning America," she's also the host of "Flea Market Flip" on Great American Country. She also has a new book out, "Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures" (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, $25.95). A resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, Spencer says that even though she travels constantly for her work, if the opportunity arises, she will never pass up the opportunity to head out for a few days with her family. Fans may follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/laraspencer.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: I love destinations that combine a little lazy time, a little athletics, a little night life and a little shopping. I have never been to Capri, Italy, but I imagine that is exactly how it must be. As for places I have actually been, I love Paris; Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico; Cabo San Lucas; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. If I have to pick just one, I would say Jackson Hole, because my kids love it so much.

Q. To someone who was going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?

A. If you go to Jackson Hole, I recommend you go during the summer. The landscape is spectacular and a hike at Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Park is not to be missed. I also highly recommend whitewater rafting on the Snake River. There are several companies that will take you. We used Mad River and the instructor we were with was the best. He was fun, informative and terrific at navigating the rapids. I recommend you go in the afternoon when the water is a little warmer. It's still cold, but well worth it!

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it, or not so much?

A. Williamsburg, Virginia. I remember loving it. It was so cool seeing what life was like in 1776, walking through the colonial village and getting rock candy at the gift shop. I brought my kids there last year and took the same picture of them that I have of my brothers when we were very small in the town square with hands and heads in the old-time stockade. It's a classic.

Q. What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?

A. To call ahead and find out if your flight is on time! There's no reason to leave the resort if your flight has been canceled. That has happened to me. I am having the greatest time and reluctantly pack up and head to the airport, only to find out the flight is canceled and there isn't another one until the next morning. Meanwhile, I drove an hour and a half from the resort and could have just continued sipping my pina colada and extended my stay for the night. That was painful.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. Palm Beach is definitely one of them, but I am pretty courageous. Because I have traveled so much for work and had to do incredibly long trips in short periods of time, I am not afraid to go for it. I did a one-day round trip (to London) when Prince George was born. Paris for a weekend? Why not! Los Angeles for two days? Let's go! I don't have a lot of free time, so when I do I try to make the most of every minute!

Q. Where is the most romantic destination?

A. Paris is incredible. I know it's cliche, but it just is the sexiest, most romantic city in the world.

Q. If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A. Maui for Thanksgiving, though it was strange having turkey on the beach!

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. Rome, Paris, London, New York, Miami.

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A. Camden, Maine. It was quaint and the coastline is so stunning. I felt so relaxed and at home when I was there. The town is quaint and steeped in history, and the lobster rolls are to die for.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A. I have always dreamed of lying on an empty beach in Bali or the Maldives. That would be really nice. And while I am over there, I have always wanted to see Australia. The people are the best and I would love to see their friendly, outgoing culture firsthand.

Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A. I bring a cozy coral colored cashmere wrap that doubles as a blanket. I bring it on every flight because I am always cold.

Q. What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?

A. Gummi bears from the airport newspaper stand.

Q. What is your best vacation memory?

A. Best memory is being in Dorado, Puerto Rico, at the Ritz with my family last New Year's. The weather was absolutely perfect. The food was incredible. The ocean was the perfect temperature with great waves. We bodysurfed with the kids for hours. I didn't want it to end.

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Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow "Go Away With..." on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.