Celebrity Travel: Go away with Rachael Ray

Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on Sep 7, 2021

A: The first trip I remember (was) going to New York City and it literally looking like the inside of a snow globe. Going to the old FAO Schwarz – it was five stories high, and you could play with everything. They had a salon and a tearoom where you could get your hair done and get tea and then go play with literally everything in the world. My mom would let us pick out one toy as our Christmas present.

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

A: Humility. Perspective. And to take a breath. When I’m in another country, especially Italy, I feel like it’s OK to not be, to not do, to not achieve something. To just exist. I guess what I’ve learned from travels is grace.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you choose a casual meal at a street cart or fine dining?

A: Neither. Casual food at a table with air conditioning. (Laughs) I pick trattoria-style dining where I know I won’t get funny looks if I laugh too loudly or want to put my elbows on the table. I enjoy a good street cart for a snack. But if I’m going to have a meal, I far prefer to sit at a table, but I want this place to be filled with life, good for people watching, and filled with different points of view. I want the room itself to be a dish that’s layered with all kinds of flavors.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: I attempt to. I studied French for six years. I’m not great at it, but I have an easier time watching movies and TV shows that are in French. I’ve also been trying to study Italian for gosh knows how many years now, but I have a very patient, lovely teacher and coach now. I do well when I’m with him, but then I go to Italy and I get very nervous. Everyone speaks so fast. I really don’t know what they’re saying. But I’m trying. I hope I get there.

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

A: Everything. I over-pack every bag and I want to bring all of the things I love to all of the places I love. I’m not an efficient packer. I’m an over-packer. I literally got asked at the Italian airport, “Why are you bringing Italian food to Italy?” It is ridiculous. I constantly look like I’m moving in to wherever I’m going.

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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.)