Celebrity Travel: Go away with Jadah Marie

Actress and singer Jadah Marie will turn 16 years old later this spring, but she’s already got a loyal contingent of fans, due to her work with filmmaker and choreographer Kenny Ortega in “Descendants 3” and Netflix’s “Julie and the Phantoms.” The performer said she’s looking forward to being able to travel again when it’s safer. “My family and I planned a trip to Hawaii last summer and had to cancel due to COVID,” said the Los Angeles-based teen. “We were also supposed to fly into Canada to continue shooting (a project), but that also got canceled.” Fans may stay in touch with the actress via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thejadahmarie/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057676766157).

Q: This pandemic has made everyone think differently about how we spend our vacation time. What have you been up to?

A: Since the pandemic started, my family and I have taken a different approach to having fun. We’ve started taking outdoor walks at the park nearby, short trips to the beach and hiking. Lately, what I’ve learned through these times is that what you do with your time is what matters most. You don’t have to be super busy all the time, but as long as you are happy with what you’re doing, nothing else should matter as long as no one is being harmed. Spending time with those who show you the same love back matters the most.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: I immediately fell in love with Vancouver’s cold weather and friendly people. I loved that you were able to be in a city and nature whenever you wanted. Travel by boat or plane to Vancouver Island, visit Victoria Island and many other great sites there.

Q: Where do you often visit?

A: I have family in Arizona, so we visit a few times a year, except for 2020. Another is Las Vegas. It is so close that we visit many times each year and definitely go on the roller coaster rides and zipline.

Q: What was the first trip you took?

A: Flying into Atlanta to shoot “Mann and Wife.” I was able to experience a plane for the first time in first class.

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

A: Stick to your itinerary and always take time to check out famous landmarks.

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

A: Except for 2020, we visit Big Bear, where my grandparents have a cabin. Or Moreno Valley to stay with my grandparents. We visit every winter. My cousins and I go snowboarding, which we love.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: My dad and grandma speak Spanish, so I understand a few words, but I am making it a goal to fully learn Spanish.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Nevada and Riverside (California).

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

A: Arizona always reminds me of home because we visit family. Also, New York City, because of all the traffic.

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

A: Brazil, because “Julie and the Phantoms” had a large fan base there. I would love to visit the beaches in Ubatuba.

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

A: My portable charger, moisturizer, lip gloss, tweezers and a good book. Oh, and some seaweed.

Q: What would be your dream trip?

A: I’ve seen pictures of Bora Bora and Dubai and I immediately said I want to vacation with family and friends there! Another dream trip would be to one day visit Africa.

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

A: Tons of snacks!

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

A: I like to look up great food spots and tourist attractions. I like to be able to experience what each city has to offer.

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

A: Best vacation memory was a 2018 Carnival Cruise with my family for two weeks. My brother and I were able to bring our best friends. Worst vacation would have to be when I was 10 in Las Vegas and our air conditioner in the room went out in the middle of the night. So, we had to move rooms at 2 a.m‬. The next day, we moved again, because we had another problem with our air conditioner. We ended up changing rooms a total of three times.

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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.)