Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Alana De La Garza

After playing assistant district attorney Connie Rubirosa for four years on "Law and Order," reprising the role in 2011 on its spinoff "Law and Order: LA," Alana De La Garza is back on NBC. This time, she portrays Dr. Lena Solis on the new mid-season drama, "Do No Harm." Born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in El Paso, Texas, the 36-year-old actress splits her time between her home in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, where her series is filmed. Fans may follow her on Twitter (at)Alana_DeLaGarza.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. My favorite vacation destination has to be somewhere warm. I love to travel in general, but sunshine makes me happy. There's a good chance I was a lizard in a past life! I love St. Augustine, Fla.

Q. To someone who was going there for the first time, what would you recommend that they do during their visit?

A. St. Augustine is an adorable historic town. It has cobblestone streets, little shops and pubs, art shops and even places to buy candied apples. Lots of history to be explored there as well, like the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse (in the United States), the Castillo de San Marcos Fort and Flagler College.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

A. I loved the Seychelles! I feel like people aren't as aware of these islands. They are located off the coast of Africa (northeast of Madagascar). It's just beautiful!

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it ... or not so much?

A. My first trip was at six years old. We drove from Tucson to Columbus, Ohio in our cream-colored station wagon that we affectionately called Betsy. We drove through the night, with my brother, sister and I lying across the back seats. All I remember is my brother poking me, as I tried to fall asleep. I kept thinking, "I don't like vacations. I'm not so sure what all the fuss is about." I did love seeing my grandparents.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. When we are in California, I love to jump in the car and drive to Santa Barbara or Palm Springs. From Philly, we go to New York City or a quick flight to Bal Harbour, Fla.

Q. What are your favorite hotels?

A. Bed and breakfasts are great. I'm also a sucker for hotels with a great spa.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. New York City, Capetown, Ravello (Italy), Vancouver and St. Augustine.

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

A. Probably Arizona.

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

A. I'd love to visit Greece.

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

A. My skin gets dry, so I have to have my Rosehip Oil by Trilogy, my SPF lotion by Josie Maran, my Aquaphor for my lips and hand lotion for sleeping. It's my ritual.

Q. What would be your dream/fantasy trip?

A. You're going to laugh, but I'd love to rent an RV and drive across the country with my family, stopping at every destination I've never been to.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants?

A. I love food in general, but Crustacean (http://www.anfamily.com/mainsite/restaurants_main.html) in Beverly Hills -- their garlic noodles and garlic crab are so good. And Blue Smoke (http://www.bluesmoke.com/) in New York City. Their dry rub ribs make me happy in my heart!

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

A. Bagels with cream cheese.

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

A. Some of my best friends, Bridget and Moe, are world travelers. First stop is usually a call to them.

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

A. The best was with my husband on our honeymoon. We spent three weeks in Italy and France. The worst was a cruise. I got sick and ended up staying in our room for four days.

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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.