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Celebrity Travel: Go away with Maggie Szabo

By Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on

A. A few months ago, my boyfriend and I took a road trip to Carmel, which was absolutely stunning. We drove along the Pacific Coast Highway all the way there and back and really took our time to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. We went to wineries, ate lots of amazing food and stopped at Big Sur. I’m not going to lie. The way back driving along the PCH was pretty scary, because you’re right on the edge, but it’s definitely an adventure worth taking.

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

A. Over Christmas holidays a few years ago, I spent the week snowboarding in Whistler, Canada. There’s no better place to spend Christmas. Between the mountains, the outdoor heated swimming pools and chocolate fondue, that’s one place that really makes me appreciate the wintertime.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. Amsterdam, Budapest, London, Chicago, Toronto.

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

A. Chicago. Since it’s also on a great lake, it reminds me a lot of back home in Canada on Lake Ontario.

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

 

A. Portable charger for my cellphone, fanny pack and running shoes. One of my favorite ways to work out while traveling is running, because it really allows me to explore a new city.

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

A. The first thing I look up is where the closest gym is! This might seem crazy, but I love visiting gyms when I’m traveling. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn about the culture. People are always super friendly and offer the best advice as far as what places to visit and the best restaurants in town, since it’s always locals that I meet at the gym.

Q. What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?

A. Worst vacation memory (was) missing a flight to New York from L.A. and waiting at the airport for eight hours for the next available flight. Best vacay memory was my very first time to Asia. I was traveling to Thailand for a songwriting trip. Just the feeling of being there for the first time was amazing. I traveled alone, too, and I think there is a very special feeling of being independent while traveling. You learn a lot about yourself.

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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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