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A. New York. I loved the culture, museums, theatre, food and rich ethnic diversity. To me, it truly represents the melting pot and I enjoy interacting with the locals. There are a million places to discover, and every time I go, I find one or two more. Recently, I took the Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park. It's beautiful going out where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic, cruise past Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, turn around and come back.

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

A. Research where you are going and what you anticipate doing and seeing. Pack lightly, be early, don't rush, do not plan too many things to do, have your travel documents with you and up to date and don't leave anything in your hotel room when you check out.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. I like to get off the beaten path and find small towns that I can drive to. There are a bunch of them in the Midwest that I have discovered for the weekends. One of them is a little art town just south of Branson called Eureka Springs in Arkansas, lots of colorful people, good artisan shopping and food. It has a rich history.

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

A. United Arab Emirates. I don't know too much about it, but from the photos I have seen and the people I know who have been there, it looks like a place (I want) to visit.

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

A. Toothbrush, swimsuit and workout clothes.

Q. What would be your dream trip?

A. I would love to cruise the Mediterranean for a month in a large yacht during the springtime, stopping and visiting small islands and countries along the way.

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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.)

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