Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Alyshia Ochse

Based out of West Hollywood, Alyshia Ochse enjoys keeping busy. Her latest series, "#FreeRayshawn" is featured on Quibi. She had authored the self-help book "Life Letters: Key to Your Soul ... A Journey into the Self" (Starz Alyghn Inc., $12.99). And Ochse also hosts the podcast "That One Audition," profiling fellow actors such as Laurence Fishburne, Lucy Hale and Jason Momoa. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Ochse traveled frequently for work. But the actress said she's doing fine staying at home and exploring the world creatively. "I have been time traveling through research and books that I am indulging in," she said. "I am allowing my mind to view this pandemic as a reset button on my life." For more information, check out her website (www.alyshiaochse.com) or follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/alyshiaochse/).

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. Italy and Israel. I'm Italian. Every part of that country exhilarates my soul. My husband is from Israel and I find it the most peaceful (country). When we travel to Israel, we stay on a kibbutz. Kibbutz life for an American is the best vacation from stress you can ever imagine - a paradise of landscaping and pure simplicity.

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

A. We didn't travel much outside of Kentucky and Missouri. The first trip I really remember taking that blew my socks off was (to) New York City. That city invigorates my soul with so much vibrancy and creativity. It left me with a taste for more. I've been trying to live there for years.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. Anywhere I can drive. We are spoiled in California. You can travel two hours in any direction and be in different climates or seasons. Joshua Tree, Ojai, Big Bear or Big Sur have been at the top of my weekend getaways as of late. I enjoy podcasts, so a driveable location brings the joy of zoning out and great conversation.

Q. Where is the most romantic destination?

A. Cabrera, Dominican Republic! My husband and I got married at midnight in this magical place. It authentically infuses the culture of the community and preserves the majestic lands to allow you to be intoxicated with the beauty. The food, the beaches, the jungles and the animals allow you to be romanced back into what matters - connection and stillness.

Q. If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A. Hawaii! I am so fond of Kauai and Maui -- both present their best for different reasons. I love the rustic, authentic, untouched vibe of Kauai. Maui's waterfalls and all-inclusive hotels make the trip so easy. Hiking up a waterfall on Christmas Day really feeds the spirit of Mother Nature blessing you with the gifts she's created.

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

A. New Orleans. The Southern food and hospitality instantly made it feel like home. I've shot several series and films there. I would say half of my career has been spent shooting in the cities of Louisiana. Some of my favorite shows that I filmed there are "True Detective," "The Purge" and "#FreeRayshawn."

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

A. Running shoes, so I can explore the city by foot, and a book that takes place in that area.

Q. What would be your dream trip?

A. A month or two in Europe taking the train to various cities with no specific agenda. I would love to live nomadically for that time.

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

A. Going to watch movies by myself. No matter where I am, I indulge in this experience. Usually I love doing this in my hotel with extravagant room service.

Q. What is your best vacation memory?

A. Hiking Mount Sinai in Egypt. It was beyond a divine experience. We hiked the mountain in the middle of the night and felt (like we were) so close to the stars that I could reach up and touch them. After we reached the top of the mountain, the sun rose and we could see a man many mountains away meditating. On the descent, we rode camels back down.

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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.)