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Five Miles Up: Sanaa Lathan reveals her favorite trip and male souvenir

Sanaa Lathan

When The Best Man Holiday opens Friday, audiences catch up with Sanaa Lathan’s character, Robin, from the film’s precursor, The Best Man. Fifteen years later, Robin has discovered her passion for being a chef, is still with Harper and nine months pregnant. Says Lathan, “During a holiday weekend reunion, once again, Robin’s thrust into the world of Harper’s friends, where she’s an outsider.” Being an outsider in uncharted territory is something Lathan thrives on as a traveler. She loves nothing more than meeting the locals, experiencing the culture and savoring the cuisine. The things she avoids – faulty engines and crocodile.

What’s something you never fail to pack in your suitcase?
Underwear and my mini flat iron, which goes with me everywhere.

Carry-on or check-in?
I always prefer carry-on, but if it’s more than three days it has to be check-in, because I need options.

Window or aisle?
Definitely the window; I like looking out. And when I fall asleep, I lean my pillow against the side of the plane as opposed to the seat.

What’s your idea of the perfect vacation?
I’ve always loved the beach. It also has to be a place with great food, great company, and where you can see the culture of the town, meet local people and get an idea of what their lives are like.

Tell us about a vacation you’ve taken that’s come close thus far.
Years ago, I went to Jamaica to a hotel called Jakes, on Treasure Beach. We had to fly into Ocho Rios, then drive a couple of hours south. Jakes is very rustic with low-key, beautiful villas in a fisherman’s town. The food was to die for. They served traditional Jamaican food made with fresh fish caught right there. We biked through town to see how the locals live.

What’s the worst vacation mishap you’ve experienced while traveling?
A different time when I was on the islands, I took a tour on a local boat. It was a little too late in the day, and the winds picked up. We went really far out into the ocean. We were on this tiny boat and the water was really choppy. The engine went out and we thought we were going to have to swim a mile back to shore. It was terrifying. Luckily, the boat owner got the engine to work.

Where’s your favorite destination for filming on location?
I spent five months in Prague shooting Alien versus Predator. It’s a beautiful city with great architecture and wonderful people. I also shot New Orleans a couple of years ago and really loved the city, culture, music and food. The food was kind of dangerous when trying to keep fit for a role.

What's the most decadent souvenir you’ve ever brought back from a trip?
A man… well, a boyfriend… um, a friend with benefits. I went to South Africa a couple of years ago and met someone and we started dating.

Ever try a food you wished you hadn't?
I’m such a foodie that I have a pretty open palate. Years ago, somewhere in the South, I tried crocodile and did not like it. Bleehhh! It tasted like fishy chicken.

Favorite resort you've ever stayed in?
I really love Amanyara, an Amanresort in the Turks and Caicos. And I love the Trump Hotels.

Favorite restaurant you’ve discovered while traveling.
I loved the restaurant at Jakes because it was so fresh. I gained seven pounds on that vacation. And, I did a play in London for six months and always went to Nobu.

The one thing you're willing to splurge on when traveling.
Where I’m staying, and great restaurants.

Whom would we find on your travel playlist?
It’s always changing, depending on my mood. Nina Simone, Robin Thicke’s older albums, Miguel, John Legend, Michael Bublé… It doesn’t feel fair to pick just three.

Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
Hiking. I live in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and I love going on hikes with my dogs. There are a couple of canyons around here that are just gorgeous. You can see the city, be in nature and it’s a great workout.

You only get one more trip in your lifetime. Where will it be?
That’s not fair! St. Barts; I’ve always wanted to go there. Italy; I’ve been to Paris and London, but never Italy. And I want to see more of Africa.