ArcaMax

A. Boston, Chicago, Barcelona, Berlin and New York. The possibilities are endless and three of the five for me can be visited for a weekend getaway. And although Boston is my home, I consider New York City and Chicago a version of home, as well. And I have to add a sixth and say Grand Rapids, because my family is there. And I'd take a weekend with them over most anything.

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

A. I always end up traveling with so much stuff -- clothes for filming, knives and food supplies for dinners. I crave the times I can pack a backpack with a couple T-shirts and a pair of jeans. No make-up, nothing nice.

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

A. Not so much a guilty pleasure, but more of a staple: fried chicken fingers, mayo and French fries.

Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?

A. Hahaha. Oh, goodness. Worst wasn't really a vacation, since it was summer sleep-away camp as a kid. I hated them. I was so sad to be away from my mom and dad. So many tears and often I didn't make it because I refused to leave them for more than a night. Anyhow, I went to a couple, but this one particular time I ate blueberry cobbler in the cafeteria and got sick in front of all of my friends, because I was crying so much out of pure homesickness. My parents stuck to day camps from there on out. I remember it like it was yesterday (even though it was) 25 years ago. Best vacation? My first cruise as a four year old. All you can eat buffet for a growing child: fruit sculptures, dessert tables and tons of French fries. I was happy.

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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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