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A. I love being in New York for Christmas. The decorations, the snow and the holiday spirit all make the city feel so alive. I love that you're able to walk everywhere and you can't help but get caught up in all of it. I feel like you can't be a Scrooge in New York.

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

A. I feel mostly at home in Europe and I believe that has to be because I spent so much of my youth there, exploring with my sister. I see now that it gave us such a sense of independence at an early age -- being in another world, speaking another language. I want to go back and bring my daughter and my husband to show them the places that I experienced as a kid. I feel very lucky that I had that experience. I want to give that to my daughter as much as possible.

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

A. South Africa. After having visited East Africa, I wanted to go right back and see the south. Talk about being in a country and feeling small. My sister was also born in South Africa, so I feel like I have a tiny little tie to the country.

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

A. Sunscreen, bug spray, dry shampoo, lip balms and a good book.

Q. What would be your dream trip?

A. Anything that would involve flying on a private plane and visiting at least three countries. Staying in houses where the locals are and feeling like I'm not a tourist.

Q. What is your best vacation memory?

A. One of my best trips was when, on a whim, I took my best friend to Thailand and flew first class with miles. We had one night in Bangkok, stayed in Chiang Mai at the Four Seasons and then went to the Amanpuri in Phuket. We got a chance to explore the city, the countryside and the coast. I am so grateful for that trip. We didn't think about it, we just went. The only thing I miss about being single is the ability to just get up and go anywhere anytime.

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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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