Traveling with the Stars: Carmen Electra

— -- Carmen Electra heads to Las Vegas to guest star in MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris, a topless French cabaret, July 8-13. The show in Paris is in its 58th year while its Sin City production is in its eighth year. Electra's film, Oy Vey! My Son is Gay, hits theaters this fall. She shares her travel highlights and tips with Kelly Carter special for USA TODAY.

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

A: Fort Lauderdale. I was doing a commercial and had a couple of days in Fort Lauderdale because that's where we were taking off to the Bahamas. We walked down to the beach, not knowing what to expect. The only other time I had been there before was for MTV spring break, but it was so crazy you couldn't see anything. There were kids everywhere and you don't even feel like you're at the beach. It's a madhouse.

I was really surprised. Rob (Patterson, her fiancé) and I laid out for a little bit and enjoyed the ocean. I wasn't expecting it to be so nice and it's really beautiful. I never had a chance to see the ocean before. People jogging. Beautiful bodies. It was really relaxing.

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

A: New York City. My favorite thing to do is go to Fashion Week and support the designers. It's crazy — the energy, the parties, the people. I love to people watch. I love shopping when I'm in New York. I always go to Barneys New York or Pat Field. There's a cool store called What Goes Around Comes Around where you can find really special vintage rock T-shirts. I love the pace. I love the people. I love to go and get a slice of pizza and feel the whole New York vibe. But Fashion Week is special.

Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you're ever visited?

A: Just a few days ago I hosted the second anniversary of the nightclubs Aura and Cain at The Cove pool lounge located at Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. I didn't realize how much there was to do (at the resort). They had everything from clubs and pool parties to the aquarium, which was absolutely amazing. They also had a Nobu, which is my favorite sushi restaurant. On my day off, I spent most of my time on the lazy river.

Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?

A: Maui, Hawaii. I went there about a year ago with my fiancé Rob. We decided that we wanted to rent our own car. We stayed at a friend's condo and did our own grocery shopping. We just wanted to feel like one of the locals. It was the most relaxing, beautiful experience. It was fun to drive around and get lost and pull over on the side of the road. You're standing on a cliff looking at the ocean. He's way more romantic than I am. I actually felt like being romantic. It brings out another side of me. Hawaii has always done that. I feel very connected to it.

When I was 12 years old, my mother won a trip to Hawaii through Publisher's Clearing House. And that was both of our first flights anywhere. We went to Honolulu and stayed at the Prince Kuhio. We did the whole tourist thing and went to see Don Ho and to a luau. I've been to Hawaii about eight or nine times and ever since then it's the only place in the world where I cry when it's time to go. Now that she's passed away, it has even more meaning to me.

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

A: On Maui, rent a car and just drive around. You end up getting lost but you find yourself in the coolest places. Rob and I would drive around and find little flea markets, where people would make their own jewelry.