Celebrity Travel: Go away with Loren Escandón

Q: What was a childhood trip that stood out?

A: It wasn't until I turned 15 that I boarded a plane for the first time. In our culture, the quinceañera is a significant tradition with elaborate gowns, escorts, lavish parties and towering cakes as the standard. But when I turned 14, I expressed to my parents that I didn't want any of that. Instead, I wanted to travel to a destination that required a plane journey. So they surprised me with a trip to the pristine island of San Andres, a Colombian territory despite its proximity to Nicaragua. The vacation was nothing short of epic.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: I've been retreating to Big Bear for weekend getaways for quite some time now. What I love about it is the versatility it offers with experiences for both winter and summer. The locals are incredibly friendly and the culinary scene boasts a diverse array of options. With live music always playing somewhere, the town radiates a lively atmosphere that I adore. Another favorite of mine is Valle de Guadalupe. The region boasts fantastic restaurants, exquisite wines and the option to either relax on the nearby beaches or immerse oneself in nature through hiking.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: In the U.S., New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, Anchorage, San Francisco. For the world, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Rome, Santiago de Chile, Cali (Colombia).

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

A: So many places! Kyoto is at the top of my list, followed closely by Marrakesh, Paris, Bangkok and Cusco (Peru). Honestly, the entire world fascinates me. There's something captivating about every place.

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

A: My vitamins are non-negotiable, along with my camera to capture every moment. I make sure to download must-visit places on my maps app for easy navigation. Comfort is key, so I always pack two pairs of comfy shoes. I'll be walking until I can't anymore and switching shoes every other day helps with the swelling. For a nice night out, a cute outfit is essential. In colder weather, a cozy jacket to keep me warm and in a good mood, while in summer a crisp linen white shirt does the trick. Other than that, I try to keep my suitcase light so I can bring back little presents for my loved ones and share a piece of the experience with them.

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

A: Our vacations have always been amazing. Of course, like any adventure, we've encountered our fair share of challenges along the way, but I see those as part of the experience. Dealing with airlines can be particularly stressful at times. One memory that stands out is from the first time I took my husband to Colombia. It was meant to be a vacation mixed with some errands. On our last night, with an early flight home the next day, we hit a snag when we tried to check in and discovered our flight had been canceled. No delays, just straight-up canceled.

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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.)