The All My Children star will soon spend more time on the West Coast when production on the soap opera shifts from New York to Los Angeles in January…

But first she travels to Tampa, to launch Susan Lucci by Fila, her new sportswear line, on the Home Shopping Network, Dec. 9-10… She shares her travel tips and highlights with Kelly Carter for USA TODAY…

Q: Where have you been recently and what did you like about it?

A: We were in Rome recently for the first time. Rome has been on my wish list for a long time. There was so much to love about it. It surprised me how accessible its beauty is. It’s everywhere and all around you. The Colosseum is right there. Michelangelo’s Moses is right in a church that you walk in and there’s nobody else and you get to see the sculpture close up. The Borghese Gardens were the biggest surprise. If I lived in Rome I would be there all the time. I hadn’t seen Berninibefore and I fell in love with the Bernini sculptures in the Borghese Villa.

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

A: I used to tell my husband if I’m ever missing check La Rèserve de Beaulieu in the south of France and you might find me there. It’s beautiful, on the Mediterranean and the croissants in the morning are fantastic.

But ultimately I remember so clearly standing on the balcony of our room at Pebble Beach (in California) and seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time. My husband looked out at the Pacific Ocean and Pebble Beach and said, “God surely made this place on a Monday when he was well rested.”

And we spent several wonderful and memorable days and nights at the Amanpuri resort in Phuket, Thailand. Everything there was meant for your senses. Every time we would leave they would put on fresh linens and put orchids on the pillows and towels. Everything was done with a beautiful artistic hand.

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot?

A: For a vacation, for being pampered, wonderful restaurants and free as a breeze, I really like Palm Beach. We stay at The Breakers and I think some of the finest hotels in Europe could take a refresher course from the staff there. It is so well maintained and so beautiful. They spa offers Guerlain products and there’s some of the most wonderful golf courses around. You’re right on the ocean so it’s warm usually and beautiful. To sit outside at lunch is absolutely gorgeous and there are sailboats early in the morning.

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

A: Some of our favorite restaurants in the country are in Palm Beach. Café L’Europe, especially sitting in the bar, is such a beautiful place. There’s a fabulous jazz combo. Chez Jean-Pierre is a wonderful French restaurant. They have Dover sole to write home about and Café L’Europe does as well. None of these places are stuffy. ” (via usatoday.com) by Kelly Carter

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here to read more about Susan Lucci: Traveling with the Stars