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A. Los Angeles is where I live, work and play. It's my home and it holds a special place in my heart. I love New York and its food and entertainment. It's fun to experience such a fast-paced environment with so much to see and do. Paris is where I feel like I belong. The sights, the sounds, the people, the food, the music, the art -- everything about Paris is absolutely magnificent. Venice, Italy, is at the top of my travel wish list! That city is literally a place straight out of a dream. Lastly, Tokyo is insane! It's a true adventure navigating through it.

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

A. I really would love to explore New Zealand. I think most people would agree that it's one of the most beautiful, peaceful places on Earth. With its stunning landscapes and friendly people, it's the ideal location to rest and rejuvenate.

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

A. When traveling, I definitely need my phone, not necessarily for communication but for taking tons of pictures. I also must have ChapStick. Besides those two things, excluding obvious necessities of clothes and toiletries, I'm good to go! I love traveling light so I can bring back souvenirs.

Q. What would be your ideal trip?

A. My dream trip would start in Paris with my family and possibly a close friend. We would spend two full days in Paris Disneyland and then spend a couple days exploring the city. I would try hot chocolate, croissants and macaroons in as many cafes as I could. And we would have a picnic beneath the Eiffel Tower and tour museums. Then we'd spend a week in Venice and take as many gondola rides as we could.

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

A. I love reading teen romance novels when traveling. I honestly don't know why, but I appreciate them more when I'm on a plane.

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

A. I think the number one thing I research about the destination I'm about to travel to is the weather. I always want to be dressed appropriately so I'm not freezing or dying of heat.

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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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