Traveling with the Stars: Apolo Anton Ohno

— -- Apolo Anton Ohno, a five-time Olympic speed skating medalist and winner of Dancing with the Stars season four, spent the last month in Salt Lake City training for the 2010 U.S. Olympic short-track speedskating trials, which take place Sept. 8-12 in Marquette, Mich. He shares his travel highlights and tips with Kelly Carter for USA TODAY.

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

A: I went to Vienna for a skating competition. Having traveled extensively throughout Europe, I was in for an unexpected treat. I'd heard about the high quality of life in this capital but one tour of the city and I was sold. This place is absolutely beautiful — from the architecture, stunning churches, rich foods, and a day filled with music, opera and theater. My small experience on Dancing with the Stars allowed me to slowly appreciate the Waltz and Viennese Waltz but to see it in Vienna is something much different. Without a doubt one of my favorite (sights), simply because of the sheer magnitude of its size and location, is St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Growing up in Seattle, a guy comes to expect good coffee and Vienna can produce a cup with the best of them. I'd really suggest visiting the Hotel Sacher and one of the cafés attached to the famous hotel. The Sachertorte is something that you will not forget and you'll probably end up sending a cake back home to your friends or family — which is exactly what I did. One last tip: A fantastic restaurant that will have you praising Vienna is Zum Schwarzen Kamee, with 400 years of history. I suggest bonding with the maître d'hôtel. Not only is he amazing, but the food and attire will please everyone.

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

A: This is such a hard question. I enjoy every place that I visit with each country/city having a unique story and culture. Picking one would leave me no choice but Japan. My father is 100% Japanese and came to the United States when he was only 18 years old. My grandmother still resides in Japan, which has allowed me to travel to the roots of my ancestors with my father. Japan, not only a mega-busy city that thrives on electronics and efficiency, actually has an almost sacred appreciation of nature. One must travel outside of Tokyo to truly experience the "old Japan" and more importantly feel these aspects of Japanese culture.