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Multilingual recording artist Miist has had a busy couple years, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I just came back from an amazing trip to Italy and France, and this past weekend to Los Angeles for recording a new single, ‘I Think I Lost a Day,’ with the incredible Tayte Nickols and the local band, Familiar Faces, at Apogee Studio,” said the California-based musician. “Tomorrow I leave for Maui. I love being there. It is so incredibly beautiful and exotic and inspires me. Maui is also the home of multi-Grammy winner Kalani, who will record the Hawaiian version of my song ‘Could You Lend Me a Smile.'” Her latest single is "The Bruises Won't Ever Understand," a personal song meant to honor the survivors of domestic violence. Miist is active on social media, where fans may follow her @Miistthesinger.

Q: What are some of the places you’ve visited that you’d like to return to?

A: Singapore is an amazing place. So beautiful and eco-friendly. The Maldives, Bali, Bora Bora … but it seems my go-to place is Hawaii or Southern France along the Riviera. We spent a week in Antibes recently, but any of those amazing Mediterranean cities are so full of history and charm. And, of course, there are the croissants, baguettes and cheese. I just can’t help myself. I think it is the pace of life that appeals to me in those regions. People tend to slow down and live more. I like that. I aspire to do that.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: My family and I spend a lot of time in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. It is one of the most pristine and stunning places that I’ve ever seen.

Q: Did you travel a lot as a child?

A: When I was five years old, I was put in a boarding school and didn’t leave for many years, so I can’t say there was a physical trip that stood out to me. But I used to daydream a lot about being in a different place. As an adult, I now get to experience that in real life, so I think that counts? Other than that, there were one or two occasions that my mom came to see me and did something with me for a day or two, usually just at her work. I suppose those memories are precious to me because it was so rare.

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

A: That people are generally kind, generous, and just like me. We all want to smile, to laugh, to have friends, and feel loved. Some cultures express that better than others, like Italy, and that difference makes me want to be more like them.

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

A: Food truck, every time! I love tasty, unpretentious food. Pho is always a good option, and it’s fun trying to find the best pho in every place I visit around the world.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Wherever we are, we love to go on walks in the forest or along the ocean. As long as it’s not too hot, if I’m with my family and there is nature, I’m good.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?

A: My first language is Mandarin. I speak English fluently, and I took Japanese and a bit of Korean. I’ve sung and written songs in Spanish, but I can’t say I speak it.

Q: What are your favorite cities?

A: Vancouver, where I lived for many years before coming to the U.S. [And] Paris is so much fun!

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

A: My husband wants to take us to Africa on a safari. Not sure I want to tempt all those animals. I want to see everything. Actually, I want to touch everything. Especially animals and plants, so wherever I can do that, I’m in!

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

A: Ha, shoes! But I don’t bring many, given that I like to use carry-on luggage only. [So] a cute hat, my dog, my husband and my daughter.

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

A: Donuts. Or in Europe, beignets or any tasty pastry. I have discovered I have a sweet tooth. Who knew?

Q: What is your worst vacation memory?

A: I don’t think I have a worst vacation memory. Well, OK, I had 20 mosquito bites in the first hour in Bora Bora. But I would still go back.

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. You can reach her at www.jaehakim.com, follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae, or read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).)

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