Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Zoe McLellan

Best known for her roles on "JAG" and "Dirty Sexy Money," Zoe McLellan stars as Meredith Brody in the hit CBS series "NCIS: New Orleans." The actress, who was born in California and raised in Washington, is based out of Louisiana, where her series is filmed. "I currently reside in New Orleans and have never felt more at home anywhere in my life," McLellan says. 'It's in my blood now." Fans may stay in touch with her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/zoe_mclellan.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. Tuscany, Italy. I love the Italian culture.

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

A. Eat! I'm a big fan of a great glass of red wine and a delicious bowl of pasta made from scratch. You can feel the love in the food there.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?

A. Big Sur, California, is one of the most magical places in the United States. I've camped there, stayed in cabins and I dream of visiting the Post Ranch Inn at some point. The Henry Miller Library is so cool and the hiking is incredible! I've seen some magnificent rainbows in Big Sur.

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

A. As a child, we visited the San Juan Islands during the summer. Kayaking, big family meals, playing on the beach -- great memories!

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

A. To pack lightly! Very rarely do I wear 50 percent of what's in my suitcase.

Q. How is it working in New Orleans?

A. New Orleans is definitely incorporated into my work. Brody is new to the city -- as am I -- and we are equally enamored by the beauty and vibrancy NOLA carries.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A. Right now, I'm really craving a weekend getaway to New York. I lived in New York City for a while and miss it like it's a person. Although I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, I'm a New Yorker at heart. A stroll through Central Park, a visit to the MET, a show on Broadway. There is no other city like it in the world!

Q. What are your five favorite cities?

A. New Orleans, New York, Siena (Italy), Prague and Barcelona.

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

A. I'm still trying to figure out where home is. I am hoping to be in New Orleans for a long time.

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

A. I've never been to Greece. Next on my list, the Greek Islands!

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

A. Good sunscreen and a juicy book.

Q. What would be your dream/fantasy trip?

A. It would be something that is planned and organized for me. I just get on a plane and go with everything already taken care of in advance! A great surprise. It's hard to surprise me, so I'll be amazed if anyone can ever pull this off.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants?

A. I've been blessed to be busy working so, unfortunately, I haven't eaten out in a very long time. In Los Angeles, I love Cafe Gratitude. In New Orleans, I get takeout from the Green Fork and my son likes Pizza Delicious.

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

A. When I travel, there are no rules with my diet. I eat whatever looks good, but in small portions. Food is such a rich part of the travel experience. There is no way I would cut that out! When in Rome. ... Speaking of Rome, I haven't been to Rome yet. That's on my list, too.

Q. What is a great place to spend a holiday?

A. Andrew Molera State Park (in California) is a great spot for a New Year's Eve toast.

Q. Do you scope things out prior to your trips or fly by the seat of your pants?

A. I love research. I do as much as time allows prior to a trip.

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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.