ArcaMax

A. When I was a kid, we would not stop when we traveled down south all the way from Michigan to Georgia. We wouldn't stop at diners, because you knew the way you were going to be treated as a black family. So we would pack all these things in the back of the trunk -- chicken, sandwiches, drinks -- and stop at rest stops to eat. What is wild is that as I became an adult, the older blacks still felt like they could not go to diners. I remember traveling with my parents or grandparents and they didn't want to go into restaurants. I said, "We can. I want to show you it's OK." It's the deep cultural problems that are deeply set in and you don't even know why you're doing it anymore.

Q. It sounds like traveling isn't just a pleasure for you, but a mission in a way.

A. Yes! When I travel, I feel like I am doing it for all the people who couldn't. Years ago, people like me could not do this, so I need to do this on their behalf. And it feels good. My wife and I held hands and walked around Sun City with our kids. It feels like vindication going to places that blacks couldn't go to in the past.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. I love L.A. It's the home of dreamers. New York City is fabulous; London, of course. Maui is where I chill. And the fifth would have to be Rio de Janeiro, because they treat me like I was raised there. Old Spice is gigantic there and "Everyone Hates Chris" did well there. They treat me as if I was born there and people hug me and treat me like royalty.

Q. What do you always make time for in a new city?

A. One of my big things is visiting museums. I basically spend a day in a gallery or museum wherever I am. I went to London and visited the Design Museum. It's something I wouldn't do with the whole family, because the kids get tired. It enriches me. It's my alone time and I feel really at peace.

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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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