Celebrity Travel: Go away with Tasha Franken

Born and raised in Spain, Tasha Franken started modeling when she was 15 years old. Working in an industry that focused on her looks was difficult, she said. The model was told that not only was her skin tone too dark, but that she needed to lose weight. After battling an eating disorder, Franken focused on becoming the healthiest version of herself possible. She developed an online app where she shares her love of staying fit with Pilates (https://www.tashafranken.tv). Currently based out of Los Angeles, the avid traveler shares her adventures on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tashafranken/).

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: I’m biased, but I love going to Spain for a vacation. I grew up there. Ever since I left, I realized how amazing it is and wish I appreciated it more while living there. The best part about Spain is the food. Everything has so much flavor. I would recommend trying the traditional olive oil, red wine, paella and tapas.

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

A: I’m half Norwegian, so spending Christmas in Norway is the best. It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than that.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: Yes, I speak English, Spanish, Norwegian and some Dutch. I can understand German and French.

Q: How have you spent your free time during this pandemic?

A: I’ve always loved walking, especially when I travel to new cities. I find it the best way to explore and get to know the place and people. Since moving to L.A., I’ve tried to take advantage of it. There're so many places you can take quick trips to. I love driving to Malibu for the beach, Mammoth for skiing and Joshua Tree for desert activities.

Q: Many celebrities have told me that after these past couple years, they will never complain about having to travel for work again. How about you?

A: While I do miss it at times, I’ve actually been enjoying not traveling as much for work.

Q: If you had to cancel travel plans due to the pandemic, where were they to?

A: I had to cancel a lot of jobs at the beginning. But the worst part was not being able to go home and see my family in Spain for over two years.

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

A: To adapt to your environment. I always try to eat like a local and try new things that are unique to each place, which I wouldn’t necessarily do elsewhere.

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

A: I'm a fine-dining-at-a-nice-restaurant sort of girl, as long as the food is good and it’s a fun vibe, not stuffy.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: If I’m flying, Miami or Mexico would be my go-to for a quick weekend getaway.

Q: Where is the most romantic destination?

A: I have to say Paris is one of my favorites and (it’s also one of the) most romantic cities I’ve ever lived in.

Q: What are your favorite cities?

A: New York, Paris, Barcelona, and Singapore.

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

A: Thailand and Japan.

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

A: I am very particular and like to keep my routine while traveling, so I always bring noise-canceling headphones, my skincare products, jump rope and ankle weights, sunglasses, vitamins and healthy snacks.

Q: What would be your dream trip?

A: I would love to do another safari trip. I went with my parents when I was younger and it was the best experience I ever had.

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

A: I play really loud music and always need lots of snacks!

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

A: I don’t love researching, but I always save everything I see on my Google maps with a specific note. That way you know exactly where everything is and what you saved it for.

Q: What is your best or worst vacation memory?

A: I don’t think I could pick my best vacation memory. But the worst ones are when you get sick on holiday.

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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.)