Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Adam Lambert

After a successful residency last year in Las Vegas, Adam Lambert and Queen will reunite again this summer for their Rhapsody tour across North America. Lambert says being on the road is made more pleasurable by bringing along a few must-haves. "My iPad is my saving grace," says the Los Angeles resident, who grew up in San Diego. "I load it up with shows and movies to pass the time. There's so much great entertainment out there right now -- Netflix, HBO, Showtime, Amazon ..." Fans may interact with the musician on Twitter (https://twitter.com/adamlambert), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AdamLambert/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/adamlambert/). For updated tour dates, check out Lambert's website (http://www.adamofficial.com/).

Q. Having spent so much time in Las Vegas, what are some of your observations about the city?

A. I feel like I had a much more relaxing experience this time, maybe because this was the longest I've ever stayed there. The accommodations were very private and peaceful, so that added to the experience. I think Vegas is whatever you want it to be, if you know where to go. The live entertainment is the heart of the city. See as many shows as you can. "Le Reve" was spectacular. Absinthe was hilarious. Also the dining options are countless. Lakeside at the Wynn is wonderful. Also at the Park MGM, Bavette's immediately transports you to a sexy, dimly euro bistro the very second you enter. I didn't feel like I was in Vegas inside.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

A. I remember going up to Lake Tahoe as a kid. It's a beautiful place. I think we saw David Copperfield's magic show. I also swallowed too much lake water while wakeboarding and developed a bacterial infection in my stomach. Good times. Another memory is my first trip to New York City. I was 14 and went with my mother. As a theater kid, I was thrilled to take in four different Broadway shows. The one that had the biggest impact on me was "RENT," which had just opened a few months beforehand. My Mom and I have some hilarious memories from our time there, including getting caught in a downpour while strolling in Central Park.

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

A. That people are people. Language barriers can be broken with good eye contact and a smile. I was in Paris a day before a friend once and so I just wandered around for about five hours and felt so enchanted by the architecture and sights around every little corner and down every alley. I purposely let myself get lost before I finally called my Uber to take me back to my hotel. I feel you can absorb a lot of cultural energy by simply walking around with open eyes and ears. When my friend arrived, we went to museums and had the more traditional tourist experience. Paris is truly beautiful. I think the cliche that the French don't like Americans tends to be more true when we act like we are still in America.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. Amsterdam, Berlin, Sydney, Barcelona and home -- L.A.

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A. Sydney has a real Southern California feel, but the people there are friendlier and the quality of life is higher. There's a simplicity to it that keeps people more humble, I think.

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

A. Egypt. I want to sail on the Nile and visit the pyramids. I've always been fascinated by the history of ancient Egypt. I would also like to see Rome for similar reasons.

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

A. My Ultimate Ears Megaboom speaker; it sounds really good -- great undistorted bass -- a great candle like Tom Ford Oud Wood or Japanese Amber by Byredo or Champaca by Votivo and when I'm flying, I always have mint-flavored liquid chlorophyll drops for my water.

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

A. I always go for the dark chocolate. I also love to book massages in the spa. But I feel more guilty about the chocolate.

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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.)