Five Miles Up with ... Margaret Cho

Catch Margaret Cho doing stand-up comedy, impersonating a North Korean dictator on "30 Rock" or on an episode of Lifetime’s "Drop Dead Diva" and one thing’s for sure – the lady has chutzpah. When might you find her being demure? Having tea with Tibetan monks.

What’s something you never fail to pack in your suitcase?
Lip balm goes in the carry-on. It's depressing when you’re on a long flight and realize you don't have lip balm. I’ve actually taken the butter off of the in-flight meals and used that for lip balm.

Carry-on or check-in?
Carry-on. Check-in means your bag will be lost; that's been my experience, and I don't have time to wait after the flight for my bag. I'd rather get into the city!

Window or aisle?
Aisle, always.

Where was your best vacation thus far?
I love working vacations where I can spend weeks touring a new country. Australia’s been my favorite working vacation  – it has all different fruits and vegetables, seasons and style – it's like a new world. And I love Tim Tams, which are cookies I can only get there.

What's the silliest/most unusual/decadent souvenir you ever came back with?
A bowl made from a human skull purchased in Tibet. Although I didn't end up bringing it back because I thought it wouldn't make it through customs.

Ever try a food that you wished you hadn't?
Yak butter tea in Tibet – because you can't refuse anything given by a monk – I couldn't anyway. It tastes just like the weird chicken soup that’s a selection from a coffee vending machine.

What's your favorite hotel, resort , or yurt you've ever stayed in?
The Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. They have amazing food and masseurs that come to your room and walk all over your back. It’s insanely great.

The biggest regret you've ever had while on vacation?
I lived under the pyramids in Giza for weeks while attending a worldwide belly-dance convention in Cairo and never visited them. I was simply too exhausted from belly dancing!

The one thing you're willing to splurge on above all else while traveling?
Shoes!

Three songs on your travel playlist?
On the Bound - Fiona Apple
Hold On - Alabama Shakes
Most People Are DJs - The Hold Steady

Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time so they could see what you love most about it?
I’d take them to Everlasting Tattoo in San Francisco, my beloved tattoo Mecca. The greatest artists are there.

You only get one more trip in your lifetime. Where will it be?
Paris just once more, for a baguette and a really funky cheese.