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A. So many places, but the one that is at the top of the list is Reykjavik (Iceland). I've never been there and that makes me really sad. I really want to go. I feel like I've been to so many places and I don't have regrets about not having traveled more. But that's the one place that I have to go.

Q. What is the best way for you to get a feel for a new city?

A. Just walking around and taking the time to soak it all in. You get a real feel for a new place when you're walking, even if it's just going to the neighborhood grocery store and seeing what the specialties are. I went to New Orleans and went fishing. We pulled over to this little grocery store and there were pieces of pig fat that were cut into 1-1/2-inch chunks that were deep fried and sitting underneath a warming lamp by the checkout counter. My guide bought them and scarfed them down. I tried it and it was awful -- like eating butter on a stick.

Q. Speaking of food, are you pretty adventurous when it comes to trying new food?

A. Yes. I like to eat and will try it all at least once. That's not to say I like everything I try. (Laughs) In Japan, they have this fermented (soybean) called natto that is horrendous. I love fermented food like kimchi. But it gets to a point where fermentation goes from good to bad. I don't need to eat the 1,000 year old egg in Hong Kong or the fermented fish that seems to sit in a box for two years before being served in Norway. But I'm glad that I tried them.

Q. Can you name a few places where you have enjoyed some of your favorite meals?

A. Tokyo. I love Japanese food. It's healthy and delicious. The food in Italy was so good and I could eat it every day.

Q. What's the most unique hotel you've stayed at?

A. We went to this place in South Africa called Kruger National Park that was so beautiful. We stayed at the Lion Sands Game Reserve and it was miraculous. The coffee was so good and we ate antelope for dinner, which was delicious. They have a thing there called the (Chalkley) Treehouse, where you sleep in the open air. I stayed there overnight. They drop you off with a walkie-talkie and that's it.

Q. What is your worst travel memory?

A. It's not the worst, but it is still on my mind. I was in Italy in Venice and went out on the terrace for a while. When I walked back in, I must not have shut the door completely. I woke up from my sleep with mosquito bites everywhere. I looked like I had a disease. I don't like to take medicine often, but I was looking for anything that could help relieve the pain from those bites.

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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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