Five Miles Up with ... Haley Reinhart

Y! Travel shares an armrest for a chat about magnets, breakfast sushi, and all that jazz.

Haley Reinhart’s soulful voice first captured the world’s attention on Season 10 of "American Idol." After finishing third in the competition, she’s been blazing a musical trail ever since with tour dates at events like Lollapalooza, and the release of her debut album "Listen Up!" And if Reinhart’s hula hoop skills say anything about her, the girl’s got some moves, too. Look out Hawaii – she’s got her sites set on hula lessons and you!

What’s something you never fail to pack in your suitcase?
I start off with one suitcase and come back with three. There are a million things I pack: a pair of shades, ID, jewelry.

Carry-on or check-in?

Both. I carry-on and check-in as much as I can.

Window or aisle?
Aisle. It’s a nice feeling knowing you have the option to get up whenever you want without waking anyone up.

What’s your idea of the perfect vacation?
Putting the cell phone away, unless you’re taking pictures on it. And being with people you love.

Tell us about a vacation you’ve taken that’s come close thus far.

For 11 days, my high-school jazz band traveled to Switzerland to perform in the Montreux Jazz Festival, and Italy, to play in the Umbria Jazz Fest. The sights were breathtaking.

What’s the worst vacation you’ve taken?

My family goes to Lake Geneva (Wis.) every year, as it’s close to where we live. It’s always an amazing getaway, but there were three years in a row when something dramatic happened, like my dad falling off a dirt bike one year. And I had unexplainable back and chest pain on another visit.

Where’s your favorite place to perform?

As far as cities go, I really enjoy Nashville. As for venues, I enjoy playing smaller, intimate theaters like the House of Blues.

What's the silliest souvenir you ever came back with?

I’m a magnet collector. I go a little crazy. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on some stuff, but then ended up buying a million magnets from Vegas.

Ever try a food that you wished you hadn't?
I recently came back from Vegas where I had sushi from the breakfast buffet. I kind of regretted it.

Favorite hotel/resort you've stayed in/on?
The Mirage Las Vegas. It’s a whole lot of fun, especially The Beatles "LOVE" show playing there, which brought back memories.

Biggest regret you've ever had while on vacation?

I like to take a lot of random photos to remind me of everything, so… not having a camera or enough space on my phone for photos. That happened this year at Lollapalooza, which was a bummer.

The one thing you're willing to splurge on above all else?

Clothes. If I’m around a mall or boutique where clothes are, I’ve got my eagle eye out.

Three songs (or artists) on your travel playlist?

The Beatles, Corinne Bailey Rae and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time so they could see what you love about it?
Cob Chins, a restaurant just outside of Wheeling (Ill.) that has amazing surf and turf.

You only get one more trip in your lifetime. Where will it be?

Hawaii. I’ve never been there and would really love to see it. I’d take hula lessons, and because I hula hoop a lot, I think I might be halfway there.