When I plan a trip, I do my research. Tons. Maybe too much. But travel is an investment in time, money and creating memories often to places that are one time destinations. I want to make the most of that. Throughout the process of planning a trip and once I reach my destination, these are the things that matter most to me for creating a memorable jouney:
-Hotels: I care a lot about where I’m staying and try to avoid generic chains. I want to immediately feel the presence of the location when entering the hotel and in the accommodation. My preference is old European boutique hotels, charming inns, and converted historic estates and country homes, though modern properties can be equally evocative when done well.
-Guides: The concierge is often my best resource for securing hard-to-get dinner reservations, museum access, and recommendations for local guides. I start working with them well before I arrive. Once I’m there, I’ll ask drivers, tour guides, waiters, and anyone who knows the area well for their suggestions. They often point me to the best places off the beaten path.
-Food: I’ll make a few dinner reservations throughout a trip but like to leave many evenings open. Once I’ve gotten a feel for the destination, I have a better sense of what I’ll enjoy most—rooftop, outdoor seating, intimate and cosy, casual local spot. I’m confident I can find a good meal, but the ambience has to be equally compelling. Good food is wasted on poor atmosphere and lighting.
-Shopping: When traveling, I’m not interested in shopping for things I can buy online or at home. I prefer to seek out local shops, artisans, and designers and will always scour a flea market if timing allows. For me, souvenirs are mementos of a place to treasure when I return home.
-Free time: I don’t overbook tours. I usually hire a private guide for the first day at a destination for orientation and then prefer to wander on my own. I like the freedom to explore and hit places off the beaten path to take in the vibe of the people and the city. It’s a luxury to have the time to allow for spontaneity.
-Packing: Having a variety of comfortable outfits, especially shoes, is essential. Traveling is not the time to fuss about what to wear. I want outfits that work for long days walking or biking with options for unexpected weather. I’m very strategic and use packing cubes when several hotels are involved to keep myself organized. It makes settling in and packing up effortless.
I’m starting a new series—A NOTE ON TRAVEL. I’ve been considering writing more about travel for years, sharing the details and discoveries from my journeys. I’m obsessively detail-oriented and do extensive research before committing to a hotel, location, or experience. Putting together each post is time-consuming—organizing notes and photos, compiling recommendations worth mentioning, and creating packing guides and moodboards that capture the essence of each destination.
Because this series is more personal than my everyday style observations, I’m reserving A NOTE ON TRAVEL for paid subscribers. If you’re a likeminded traveler who values experience over a bucket list, prefers a relaxed pace, and seeks fabulous hotels that speak to their destination, this series is for you. I hope you’ll enjoy following along.
Looking forward to this new series!
Fantastic! Excited to follow!