Celebrity Travel: Go away with Crystal Hana Kim

Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on Apr 16, 2024

A: As a writer, I’m always working even when I’m on vacation. Even if I’m not actively in front of my computer, I’m always listening and looking and absorbing the details around me. If I overhear an interesting conversation or see a particularly striking image, I like to write it down in my notebook. You never know where that inspiration will take you.

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

A: In real life, I’m a planner. I have a to-do list every day. But when I travel, I like to keep an open mind. I won’t schedule too much. I’d rather see where the day takes me. I also think it’s important to travel with people who have similar styles and interests. Also, seek out the local, hole-in-the-wall dining spots!

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

A: Oh, that’s a tricky one. I’ll go with the food truck because I like to get messy!

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: Korean was actually my first language. My parents immigrated to the States in the 1980s and when they had me, they taught me their mother tongue first. I only learned English once I started school. I know a little bit of French from my high school days, but I’m very rusty.

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

A: There are so many places! The Azores. Thailand. Greece. India. Bangkok. Antarctica. Somewhere where I could hike and see the Northern Lights. I am also a water spirit and love swimming, so anywhere with a beach appeals to me. I’ve always wanted to swim around in the Maldives.

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

A: Eye mask for sleep, headphones for music, a notebook and pen for writing down my thoughts and my phone for capturing photos, of course. I don’t drink coffee. I find that sometimes it’s hard to get a good cup of tea, so I always bring my own sachets too.

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

A: This isn’t quite a guilty pleasure, but I love to bring physical books, even when they are heavy and cumbersome. I have yet to switch to an e-reader because I love the feeling of turning pages and underlining favorite passages.

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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.)