Traveling with the Stars: Natasha Bedingfield

— -- British pop singing/songwriting sensation Natasha Bedingfield traveled extensively through North America in 2008 to promote her latest album Pocketful of Sunshine, whose title track was one of the year's top 10 selling digital tracks, according to Nielsen. She recently returned from New Zealand, where she's inspired to write. She shares her travel highlights and tips.

Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?

A:Recently I went to Montreal. I liked it because it reminded me a little of Europe. Something that struck me is there are so many good-looking people there. Everyone is very fashionable. I've been all around North America twice (in 2008). It's incredible to see so much variation from coast to coast. I love that being a singer/songwriter includes lots of travel.

Q: What's the best place you've ever visited and why?

A:New Zealand is my favorite because it's where my family is from. I go there every year for Christmas when it's summer there. It's a good way to get a tan while everyone in Europe is still in winter. I also love places like Italy. I went to an island called Ischia once (which) was so stunning with vivid blue ocean.

Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you've ever visited and why?

A:I was invited to the island of Bermuda to do a show there. I was really surprised to find a place so close to New York that was sunny and tropical. We hired scooters and drove all over the island.

Q: What's your favorite vacation spot and why?

A:I like to be somewhere that feels like home on vacation, somewhere where I can let it all hang out. My house in London definitely is a good place to go when I have time off. Then I can hop on a plane to somewhere in Europe like Switzerland or the south of France for a crazy fun weekend with friends. Actually if it's sun I need, I like the Bahamas. If it's a more adventurous vacation, then I like to go skiing at Beaver Creek in Colorado. I love snowmobiling.

Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?