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A. To be conscious of your surroundings. I use a zip-top, cross-body bag when traveling to hold my wallet and passport for security. When going out in the evening, always be conscious of drinks and bottles not being pre-opened. If in a foreign country, always take some hotel business cards at check-in so that you have it to pass to a cab driver in case you get lost

Q. Which cities that you've traveled to have some of the most fashionable citizens?

A. Paris, France, Florence and Milan, Italy, New York City, Sydney, Australia.

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

A. I'd love to visit Japan and Switzerland to experience the cultures. I have also always really wanted to drive around America and explore this great country!

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

A. I never leave my house without my sketch pad and camera -- usually my iPhone. I'm always taking in my surroundings and doodling ideas and designs everywhere I go, as well as snapping lots of pictures along the way.

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

A. I am always ready for a bowl of spaghetti Bolognese or a trip to the spa!

Q. What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?

A. I do at least a couple of hours of research when headed to a new destination. I use TripAdvisor to research hotel and restaurant reviews. I find them to be the most accurate. I will also try to find local write-ups on new restaurants or things to do in the area outside of the touristy norm.

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

A. The worst was when I was 18 and my bottle of water was spiked with something at a bar on vacation in Queensland, Australia. I was luckily able to make it back to the hotel safely, but was very sick for the remainder of the trip. The best was my first trip to Paris with my husband, Sean, last year. We work together and were there for my appearances on QVC France. Regardless of it being a business trip, it was somehow the most romantic and special trip we have ever had together. It is my favorite city in the world for shopping, sightseeing, eating and everything in between. Now I understand why they call it the City of Love. It's contagious!

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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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