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A. I want to go to Eastern Europe -- Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Croatia. My grandmother came to the U.S. from Lithuania and she was a cool lady. There is something about Eastern Europeans that seems honest, but secretive at the same time. I would like to be immersed in that.

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

A. I have to have water, moisturizer, sunscreen, my notebook and nice bedding

Q. What would be your dream trip?

A. Extended travel. I've never traveled for more than two weeks. I would love to travel for a month. Maybe even live in another country for a while. I'd love to check out India for a bit. Right now I am really into tarot cards, yoga and spiritual enlightenment.

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

A. Spa services. I like to get a massage or a facial, especially after a long flight. I need to have soft luxurious bedding. I have been known to buy sheets for the B&B I rented.

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

A. I research things to do, restaurants, vintage clothes stores, if there will be any comedy or musical acts I want to see, museums. I like to see if there are any town fairs going on or city celebrations.

Q. What is your worst vacation memory?

A. The worst trip I ever took was with my family. We went to Maine. We got there and the hotel was really scary. Light fixtures missing bulbs, people hanging out in the hallways, the rooms seemed dirty. We barricaded the door, but we never made it through the night. We packed up around 2 a.m. and drove home.

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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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