Celebrity Travel: Go away with Malea Rose

Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on Dec 26, 2023

Q: What is your worst vacation memory?

A: Years ago, I was invited to Buckingham Palace to have tea with the Queen and attend an event Taylor Swift was performing at. I spent months searching for the perfect gown and all the elaborate planning and security measures that go along with this. I missed my flight to London that night! My photoshoot in L.A. ran late and I just barely missed the flight! I took the next one out, but at that point I had missed meeting the Queen, having high tea with her and the event. That Alaia gown still needs to find her fairytale evening. It would have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And I still haven’t seen Taylor Swift perform. I, of course, enjoyed London because it's amazing, but I will never forget the tears rolling down my face as I missed that flight.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: All summer I would spend the weekend in Malibu with the dogs and it was the coziest thing in the world. It was just a nice time to reset, be still and catch up on sleep. Cabo is a wonderful getaway, too. It's super close and I love it there. They are super dog friendly, have the best hospitality and such great food.

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

A: I have probably had some of my most fun New Year’s Eves in Cabo with lots of friends, living our best lives at the beach for winter break. Or Kauai. I do love my trips home where I get to see all my childhood friends and family. We always start at the local bar Tahiti Nui, then end up at some psychedelic silent disco in the sand. That actually may have been one of the most fun New Year’s Eves – dancing in the sand all night with the stars overhead, 80-degree weather, all my childhood friends and the most beautiful scenery and good tunes.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Hanalei, London, Los Angeles, New York, Santorini.

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

A: Japan! It looks so futuristic. There's nature alongside crazy cities. Possibly better sushi than Kauai, but doubtful. Plus, I love the Harajuku fun girly culture.

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

A: A broader perspective. It's very easy to get wrapped up in a bubble. Traveling breathes life and adventure in you. It helps with empathy and creativity. It's taught me I am such a small particle that exists with so many other moving things. The world is a big and tiny place all at the same time. I've also learned I'm an insane over- packer, so they say.

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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.)