My days have found a new rhythm, with mornings spent immersed in travel planning (I have many pinch me moments each week with some of the things that are in my queue — see below for more on that) and afternoons reserved for park visits, playdates, and as much time outside as we can get. And somewhere along the way, my cortisol levels seem to have finally caught up with this change too, which, if my Oura Ring sleep scores are any indication, are in a place they haven’t been in years.

In this month’s edit: some very fun articles and recommendations, what I’ve been planning and where my clients are traveling in the next 30 days, a FAQ that’s been hitting my inbox frequently, and two openings you should add to your list.

Lindsey

If you’d like a more regular stream of content from me, follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my once-a-month newsletter for Cade Travel Co.

Planning notes

A snapshot of what I’ve been booking in the last month:

• Summer mother-son Amazon expedition cruise and time pre-and-post cruise in Lima

• Summer multi-gen two-week trip across Italy, including stops in Rome, Tuscany, Florence, and Venice

• Spring couple’s trip to Sorrento

• Spring couple’s trip to Florence and Rome

• Fall couple’s getaway to Paris

• Spring babymoon to Greece

• Summer 40th birthday trip to Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

• Memorial Weekend family trip to Palm Beach

• Spring couple’s trip to Napa

• Summer couple’s trip to Cabo

• Business trip to Berlin

Where my clients are traveling in the next 30 days:

• Mediterranean cruise with stays in Rome and Paris before and after

• Couple’s trip to Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC (a personal fave!)

• Cousins’ reunion trip in Washington, DC for a group of 20

• Girls’ trip to 30A in a luxury rental

• Couple’s spring getaway to Rome and Florence

• Milestone 50th birthday trip to the Amalfi Coast and Rome

• Couple’s trip to Napa

• Travel to Germany to visit relatives

• Babymoon to Athens, Santorini, and Crete

Have something on your list? I’d love to help get it booked and elevate your stay. I’ve recently updated my planning services. If you’re looking for perks on a hotel or cruise booking (always complimentary), fill out an inquiry.

Questions from my inbox: How would you assess the current travel landscape?

Well, Q1 of 2026 certainly delivered its share of disruptions in the travel world. I thought maybe my note from last month would conclude them, but it sure did not.

For anyone who has a hard time going all the way back to January: We started the year with Caribbean airspace closures tied to military operations in Venezuela, saw cartel-related violence in western Mexico bring travel to a standstill in a very busy winter destination, and more recently, the war involving Iran has led to airspace closures (and many other types of cancellations) across parts of the Middle East — a critical connection hub for destinations around the world.

As of publishing this, a few things feel important to say out loud.

1. The regions making headlines are vast, and it’s important to treat them that way when making plans and assessing the environment. In Mexico, the areas that were impacted near Puerto Vallarta are nowhere near destinations like Cancun and Cabo, which have continued operating as usual. We personally traveled to the Cancun area for spring break without concern, and more broadly, bookings to Mexico have already rebounded. The same perspective applies globally when considering what’s happening in Iran and the Middle East. Places like Morocco are operating normally. Europe is operating full steam ahead heading into peak travel season.

2. Travel advisors are experts in pivoting, and having someone on speed dial is an excellent addition to your travel strategy. There has been a noticeable increase in press coverage around the value of using a travel advisor to help manage disruptions like these. As much as we all aim for seamless travel, it is not always perfect.

What else can you do to stay informed and protect your investment? A few reminders from last month:

• Register for alerts for the destinations you are traveling to. STEP is a great place to start.

• Prioritize flexible accommodation and airfare when possible.

• Purchase travel insurance, with the understanding that most policies do not cover acts of war. If you need a resource, you can customize a quote for yourself here.

Monthly recommendations

A curated edit of travel stories and little things I loved this month

• Le Sirenuse Mare is opening on April 23rd and is likely the hottest place to be this summer.

• If breakfast sucks, so does the hotel. (First Class Jerk)

• Is the future of hospitality frictionless? (The Stanza)

• 5 luxury resorts where the kids’ club starts at age 3

• Orient Express just opened in Venice (Robb Report)

Notable openings

Capella Kyoto

The opening of Capella Kyoto feels like a meaningful shift for Kyoto, a city that has never lacked for beautiful places to stay but hasn’t always had this particular level of layered, design-forward luxury in its urban core. The hotel brings just 89 rooms and suites, keeping the scale intentionally intimate while delivering an unusually rich breadth of experiences, from private onsen suites to deeply immersive cultural programming tied to the surrounding Miyagawa-cho district. Designed by Kengo Kuma as a modern interpretation of a traditional machiya townhouse, it leans into Kyoto’s heritage in a way that feels atmospheric rather than overly literal, with thoughtful details and craftsmanship at every turn. What stands out most is how complete the offering feels, with a serious culinary focus including the 12-seat SoNoMa by SingleThread counter, a strong wellness component, and Capella’s signature “Culturist” concierge approach

The Vineta, Palm Beach

The opening of The Vineta Hotel marks a moment where Palm Beach shifts into a new era beyond some of its iconic beachfront properties. As Oetker Collection’s first U.S. property, it’s bringing the highly polished European approach to hospitality to a destination that already knows luxury well, but not always in this more intimate, residential way. With just 41 rooms and suites, the scale is very boutique, layered into a historic Mediterranean Revival building that’s been completely reimagined with light, coastal interiors.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Sometimes, even with a seamless plan, the unexpected happens. Here are a few things to consider for your next trip.

• Consider travel insurance. If you’re interested in “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, it typically must be purchased within 10–14 days of placing your initial trip deposit. I’m not an insurance expert, so always read the fine print carefully to understand exactly what a policy covers — particularly when it comes to things like acts of war or medical coverage abroad. Here is a link to explore and customize a policy for your trip.

• Register your trip with the U.S. State Department. U.S. travelers heading abroad can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in the event of an emergency, natural disaster, or civil unrest. It also ensures you receive destination-specific safety alerts while traveling.

• Book flexible travel whenever possible. When available, choose refundable hotel rates and more flexible airfare options. Having flexibility built into your reservations can save significant stress and money if you need to adjust your trip.

Lindsey

If you’d like a more regular stream of content from me, follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my once-a-month newsletter for Cade Travel Co.

Subscribe now

February planning notes

One trend I continue to see across my clients: trips are either coming together fairly last minute (about 45–60 days out) or being planned much farther in advance, especially when they involve milestone celebrations or multi-generational travel.

Right now, I’m actively planning several large European trips through the fall and early winter, along with a handful of warm-weather escapes already on the books for January and February of next year.

Another reminder: calendars for this year’s festive season are now fully open. If you’re hoping for the best room categories, villas, or peak-season availability, it is time to make a plan.

A snapshot of what I’ve been booking in the last month:

• Golf trips to Sea Island, Georgia, and Pebble Beach, California

• Family summer vacation to Sea Island, Georgia

• Multi-gen trip to Paris + Malta

• 10th wedding anniversary to Mallorca + Madrid

• Family spring trip to Grenada

• Anniversary trip to Key West

• Babymoon to Laguna Beach

• Pre- and post-Mediterranean cruise stays in Athens, Venice, and the Dolomites

• Wedding travel to Kiawah Island

• Business travel to Orlando, NYC, and Salt Lake City

Where my clients are traveling in March:

• Riviera Maya for family spring break and a 10th wedding anniversary

• Family spring break to Costa Rica

• Family spring break to Rome, Florence, and Venice

• Business trip to London + the English Countryside

• Family spring break to Park City + Saint Martin

• Cross-country bucket list trip to Chilean wine country, Atacama desert, Patagonia, Santiago

• Family spring break trip to Coronado Island

• Family trip to Amsterdam and Brussels

Have something on your list? I’d love to help get it booked and elevate your stay. I’ve recently updated my planning services. If you’re looking for perks on a hotel or cruise booking (always complimentary), fill out an inquiry.

Notable openings

The Huntington Hotel, San Francisco

San Francisco’s historic Huntington Hotel reopened in early March 2026 after a multi-year, top-to-bottom restoration led by Flynn Properties and Highgate, with interiors reimagined by designer Ken Fulk. The Nob Hill landmark—originally built in 1922 and converted to a hotel in 1924—closed during the pandemic and has now returned with refreshed guest rooms and suites, restored historic spaces, and a renewed focus on classic San Francisco glamour.

Alila Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

Alila Mayakoba marks the transformation of the former Andaz Mayakoba into the first Alila property in Latin America and the Caribbean, following an extensive renovation and full brand repositioning by Hyatt. The 182-room resort has been redesigned with a more elevated, wellness-focused identity, increasing the proportion of suites and introducing spa-inspired bathrooms, natural materials, and private plunge pools in many rooms to better connect guests to the surrounding mangroves and lagoons.

A few favorites from my Instagram

In case you missed it …

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

A few months after our second daughter was born, I became quietly fixated on the idea of spending the following Thanksgiving in Paris. It felt almost symbolic, a way to mark being on the other side of a few big things in our home: a very hard pregnancy layered with an all-time high stressful job season, both girls finally feeling old enough for a long-haul flight, and the desire to return to the kind of travel my husband and I crave. The kind that stretches you a bit and feels indulgent in the best way.

To be able to take this trip felt like a milestone.

It had been pre-pandemic since we were last in Paris, and I’ve always believed there’s something especially magical about returning to a place you love. When you’re not trying to complete a “must-do” list, when you’ve already seen the icons, you get to move differently. You linger longer. You choose what sounds good that day. With young kids in tow, that slower rhythm isn’t just nice, it’s essential.

So, as any rational person would do, I began stalking business class award availability. It became the first thing I did each morning with my coffee. A quiet little obsessive ritual. After a few weeks of persistence, I found round-trip seats on the direct Air France route for 45K each way in business. Bingo.

And just like that, the dream started to feel real. I romanticized it far beyond normal levels.

We spent five nights in Paris after four in the Loire Valley (more on that here), and it was just perfect.

There are moments permanently etched in my memory, but here are a few that stand out:

• Taking in the breathtaking architecture and atmosphere, with my little people somehow always in frame.

• Watching my oldest ride the iconic merry-go-round in the Luxembourg Gardens, clutching her little jousting stick and proudly collecting rings after a playground session.

• My husband carrying the baby and stroller up and down what felt like hundreds of metro stairs.

• My oldest absolutely losing her mind with joy when the Eiffel Tower sparkled and sprinting straight toward it.

• Purchasing an iconic designer bag while my oldest charmed everyone in the store, including informing the saleswoman she would be back one day, when she was a mommy, to bring her a present.

• Slipping out before sunrise to stand in line for croissants, returning to our apartment with warm paper bags in hand just as the girls were waking up.

• Their delight at seeing a Christmas market for the first time, and the squeals during their first sister ride on another carousel.

• Celebrating Thanksgiving in a tiny expat café filled with Americans, including a table of twenty-something au pairs, all of us feeling grateful and nostalgic.

My Paris Recommendations

Where we ate, where we wandered, stayed, shopped, and more

A note for free subscribers: I always put my destination guides below the paywall due to the amount of research involved. An annual subscription is only $30 and helps support my work on this platform and will also give you access to all my prior destination guides, and guides about points + miles strategies.

Read more

Thanks to last week’s winter storm bringing air travel to a halt across much of the US, my planned three-day trip stretched into six. And while being stranded at the beach firmly falls into the “could be worse” category, I was still very happy to finally make it home and hug my babies after 6 cancelled flights.

I’ve been lucky in recent travel memory to avoid major travel disruptions, but this was a timely reminder of how important it is to have the right tools in place when things go sideways. Knowing my Chase card would reimburse up to $500 for delays made booking a real hotel for one of those nights far preferable to accepting an airline voucher. And while everyone queued at the counter after my third cancellation was announced, I’d already rebooked two refundable backup flights for the next day and secured my spot in the airline call queue.

In this month’s edit: what I planned in January, a round-up of what caught my eye, a few hotels from my saved folder, and a few other gems worth sharing.

Lindsey

If you’d like a more regular stream of content from me, follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my once a month newsletter for Cade Travel Co.

Subscribe now

What I planned in January

There’s a reason January is known as “planuary” in the travel world. With a fresh calendar and the promise of a new year ahead, it’s when we naturally start mapping out the milestone trips and travel moments we want to make happen.

• Spring cross-country Chilean adventure with stops in Torres del Paine, Atacama, Santiago, and wine country (a trip I think everyone should take at least once in their lifetime).

• Milestone summer birthday trip to Rome, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast.

• First-time in Italy family spring break trip with stops in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan.

• Family spring trip to Amsterdam and Brussels

• Summer girls’ getaway to Napa

• Multi-gen summer trip to Banff

• 40th birthday winter Dallas staycation

• Multi-gen summer trip to Portugal with stops in Lisbon and the Algarve

• Family spring break trip to Costa Rica

• Spring couple’s trip to Highlands, NC

• 10th wedding anniversary in the Riviera Maya

• Family multi-stop California road trip

• Pre-and post-cruise planning in Rome and Paris

Have something on your list? I’d love to help get it booked and elevate your stay. I’ve recently updated my planning services. If you’re looking for perks on a hotel or cruise booking (always complimentary), fill out an inquiry.

Monthly recommendations

A curated edit of travel stories, standout finds, scroll-stopping moments, and little things I loved this month

• “Stuff” doesn’t signal status anymore.

• The 2026 hotel openings I’m dreaming of booking for you.

• Sent this to my husband because this is a travel vibe we definitely have.

• To understand hotel luxury, look at the bathroom.

• This is the best travel trends report I’ve seen so far.

• My on the road hydration and protein bar combo continues to save the day.

• The Aspen List, curated by one of my favorite travel execs to follow on Instagram.

Recently saved

Something (usually somewhere) I bookmarked

Delano South Beach, Miami Beach

Delano Miami Beach, the iconic South Beach landmark that first opened in 1947, is entering an exciting new chapter following a major, multi year renovation. The refreshed hotel blends its signature Art Deco glamour with a modern, elevated design and introduces a lineup of new dining and bar concepts, enhanced pool and beachfront experiences, and expanded wellness offerings. With reimagined rooms and vibrant new social spaces, Delano is once again set to be one of Miami Beach’s most dynamic places to stay and be seen.

EDITION Lake Como

Edition Lake Como is set to make its highly anticipated debut following a complete transformation of a historic lakeside palazzo into a sleek, design forward luxury hotel. The property blends classic Italian architecture with Edition’s signature modern aesthetic and introduces beautifully reimagined rooms, panoramic lake views, and standout new amenities including a floating pool, private boat dock, destination dining, and an expansive wellness spa.

A few favorites from my Instagram

In case you missed it …

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

As my travel toolkit has matured over the years, I’ve fine-tuned a handful of strategies that elevate trips regardless of budget or destination. These are the moves that make travel feel more comfortable, intentional, and special, even when every element isn’t technically “luxury.”

I do want you to know that even though I’ve stayed in some truly extraordinary hotels, I am still very much rooted in reality, and I do believe great travel is for everyone, not just the elite.

If I think back to my early adulthood, I’ve stayed everywhere from hostels with shared bunk beds to a Florence hotel sketchy enough that we stacked our suitcases against the door at night. And while those were definite lows on the accommodation front, they were highs for memories, and honestly, part of what has made me a better traveler.

As you (or we) plan your next trip, here are the principles I always use to make travel feel elevated, aspirational, and thoughtful.

If you can’t stay at the five-star hotel, experience it anyway

Luxury doesn’t have to start and end with where you sleep. One of my favorite moves is booking dinner, drinks, or a spa treatment at your aspirational hotel, even if you’re staying elsewhere.

For me (and my husband), this has looked like cocktails on the top floor of the Mandarin Oriental in Macau, lunch at The Four Seasons overlooking the rice terraces in Thailand, or oysters and champagne at a beautiful boutique property in New Zealand.

You still get a taste of the atmosphere, service, and setting, and usually know if that place should stay on your list to save for later.

Book the right room, not just the right hotel

If a five-star hotel isn’t in the cards, a beautifully designed four-star property with the right room category can potentially deliver a better experience than the base room at a higher-end hotel.

Instead of the entry-level room, upgrade to something with a balcony or view. In cities where rooms can sometimes be extraordinarily small, an upgraded room type at a four-star hotel can give you the space you need.

One other tip: look at the locations where the top hotels are, then see what more budget-friendly options are close by. Luxury and ultra-luxury properties are very strategic about their locations, and you should be too.

Turn points into comfort

Points are one of the most powerful luxury tools, but only if you use them strategically.

Use them where they’ll have the biggest impact by understanding transfer partner strategies. Flying flat to Europe so you land rested instead of wrecked? That’s luxury. Using your points to get your whole family to a destination (business class or otherwise) so you have more budget to splurge on the hotel and experiences, that’s smart luxury.

Luxury is well-paced and not about speed

One of the biggest upgrades you can give to any trip is not rushing.

Instead of bouncing cities every two nights, stay longer in fewer places. Leave space for spontaneous café stops, shopping detours, and lingering dinners. Luxury travel isn’t about seeing more, it’s about experiencing better.

The best trips I plan aren’t the most packed ones.

Add one “pinch-me” moment

Every great trip deserves at least one moment that feels slightly outrageous in the best way.

Maybe it’s a private vineyard lunch, a helicopter ride over glaciers, an after-hours museum visit, or a surprise beach picnic arranged just for you. The entire itinerary may not be packed with showstoppers, but pick one or two unforgettable moments that anchor the entire trip in memory.

Where you eat matters

Dining is one of the fastest ways to elevate a trip, and that doesn’t always mean white tablecloths.

That could look like a Michelin-starred tasting menu one night, followed by a tiny neighborhood trattoria the next, or securing that impossible-to-get reservation at the buzzy new restaurant everyone’s talking about.

Take a multi-property approach and save the upgrade for last

If your trip spans multiple stops or hotels, stack it strategically.

Start simple and save your best property for the second half. No one wants to go from a dreamy resort to a basic hotel.

Ending your trip on a high note is elite itinerary planning. Think: city hotel → countryside villa or beach resort. Or boutique stay → splurge finale.

The emotional arc of a trip matters more than people realize and is what often makes people say, “I really don’t want to go home tomorrow.”

Let someone else handle the logistics

There is nothing luxurious about troubleshooting transfers, reconfirming reservations, or wondering if you booked the right room category.

True luxury is seamlessness. Knowing someone else has thought through the timing, pacing, upgrades, backup plans, and tiny details you didn’t even realize mattered. It’s having someone you can text when flights cancel, plans change, or you suddenly want to add a boat day tomorrow.

Have something on your list for 2026? I’d love to help. I’ve recently updated my planning services. If you’re looking for perks on a hotel or cruise booking (always complimentary), fill out an inquiry.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Traveling with young children has a way of sharpening your perspective: what truly matters, what feels worth the effort, and which experiences actually deliver when logistics, jet lag, and nap schedules are part of the equation.

This late-November trip to France—our first extended European journey as a family of four, was equal parts restorative and adventurous. From slow mornings in the Loire Valley to wandering storybook châteaux with our four-year-old and finding pockets of calm at our hotel, this itinerary struck a balance between ease and inspiration.

Below is a detailed look at where we stayed, what we loved most, and what I’d absolutely repeat next time.

Trip overview

We visited at the end of November for 10 days with flights. We stayed 4 nights in the Loire Valley and 5 nights in Paris. We traveled with our two young children, ages 4 and 18 months.

Loire Valley Recommendations

Where we stayed

Les Sources de Cheverny: I really fell in love with everything about this property. It was in such a lovely location (easy to get to the main sightseeing we wanted to do) and certainly strikes the chord of “hotel as destination.” I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Rooms & Suites

• A mix of rooms and suites spread between the historic chateau and standalone cottages, many with private terraces or views over the forest. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite in the cottage area - it was a perfect set-up for a family of four with plenty of space for a crib and pull-out couch.

• Interiors balance modern lines with warm, natural materials, creating a refined but unfussy sense of place. It is worth mentioning that their signature bath products are exceptional.

• The entry to our suite also featured a half bath, a small boot room, an espresso machine, and a minibar.

Restaurants

• The on-site restaurants celebrate seasonal Loire Valley cuisine with a strong farm-to-table ethos. You can choose from the more formal Michelin-starred Favori or the more casual L’Auberge. We loved L’Auberge for breakfast.

• Menus highlight local produce, regional cheeses, and thoughtfully prepared dishes that feel both elevated and comforting.

Spa & Wellness

• The property is owned by the Caudalie family and is reflected in the spa being rooted in vinotherapy, drawing on grape-based treatments and antioxidant-rich rituals.

• Facilities include a beautiful indoor pool and an outdoor hot tub.

Walking Trails & Bicycles

• A network of walking paths winds through the surrounding forest and vineyards, ideal for morning strolls or sunset walks.

• Complimentary bicycles make it easy to explore the countryside at a leisurely pace or ride to nearby villages and châteaux.

What we did

Day 1:
We accidentally slept for fourteen straight hours on our first night, which, it turns out, is a highly effective cure for jet lag. After easing into the morning with breakfast and coffee at our hotel, we set out to explore. With a late start, we opted for the charming town of Blois, where we spent a few hours wandering through the historic center. The main church and surrounding shopping streets are particularly lovely.

Read more

For my first post of the year, I’m borrowing a framework long favored in the corporate world: start, stop, continue. Consider this a lighter, more travel-forward take on the exercise, applied to how we plan, prioritize, and experience travel. It’s often used to sharpen strategy on a quarterly or annual basis, but here the goal is insight without taking ourselves too seriously.

Start

Being intentional about where you travel each year. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: truly transformational trips don’t happen by accident. If there are places or experiences you’ve been dreaming about, why not plan one or two of them this year? A thoughtful annual travel plan makes all the difference.

Challenging your assumptions about cruises and all-inclusives. Some of the most compelling travel experiences today fall into these categories, from ultra-design-forward yachts to deeply experiential, food- and wellness-driven resorts. Even accessible brands are raising the bar in meaningful ways (check on the new SLS in Mexico or The Haven on NCL).

Traveling simply for the joy of it. Gather your people and go have fun. Not every trip needs to be profound to be memorable.

Planning four to six months ahead, or even further when possible. In today’s travel landscape, early planning unlocks the best options and often better value. Destinations like Italy, Japan, Patagonia, and safari regions reward those who commit early.

Stop

Choosing destinations or hotels solely because they dominate social media. They might be wonderful, or they might not. A little discernment goes a long way to make sure it is a good fit for you.

Waiting for your children to be “perfect travelers.” They won’t be. Go anyway. Someday is now.

Saving points indefinitely for a hypothetical future trip. Loyalty programs change constantly, and points are meant to be used. Understanding how to maximize them now is often the smarter move.

Booking trips without an expert point of view. I’m biased here, but knowing what I know, I’d urge you to partner with someone on curating your trips for you, even if just for hotel selection.

Continue

Using travel as a way to create lasting memories with the people you love most. Truly, my favorite part about planning trips with people is this.

Balancing new destinations with repeat favorites. There’s comfort and depth in returning, and excitement in discovering something new.

Embracing the hotel as the destination. A great hospitality experience can be as transformative as deeply exploring a destination.

Seeking out properties with a strong sense of place and a distinct point of view, while steering clear of sterile, interchangeable experiences. The future of luxury, in my view, belongs to thoughtful, purpose-driven brands that are rooted in where they are, not those racing to open hundreds of properties at once.

I’d love to hear if you’d add anything to these lists or if you see any of them differently.

In this month’s edit: a fun giveaway, what I planned in December, a round-up of articles and things that caught my eye, a property from my saved folder, and a few other gems worth noting.

To your next adventure,
Lindsey

Giveaway!

My travel advisory business, Cade Travel Co., recently became part of Fora X, the top 3% of over 10,000 advisors at my host agency. As a way to say thank you to my community, I’ve created a giveaway on Instagram that includes over $750 worth of goodies (and since my Instagram community is small, your chances are higher than in many other giveaways to win). More details here.

Subscribe now

What I booked in December

December was a mixed bag of last-minute festive planning and my Type A planners getting their late spring through summer plans squared away.

I’ve mentioned this on several channels, but if spring break is still on your to-do list, it is time to move it to urgent status.

• A multi-gen summer trip to Lisbon and the Algarve with stays at two iconic properties

• A last-minute festive trip for a family of 10 to Baha Mar

• An epic 40th birthday trip (would like to pack myself) for a family with young kids through the Dolomites, two stops in the Swiss Alps, and Zurich

• Pre-and post-Mediterranean cruise planning in Rome + custom shore excursions

• An Explora cruise ship journey through Greece, Croatia, and Italy

• A couple’s trip to Blackberry Farm

• NYE at the Encore in Vegas

• A bucket-list trip to the Dolomites, Sardinia, and Milan

• A family summer trip to Edgewood Tahoe

• A business trip with a stay in London and Lucknam Park Hotel

Have something on your list for 2026? I’d love to help. I’ve recently updated my planning services. If you’re looking for perks on a hotel or cruise booking (always complimentary), fill out an inquiry. The full list of services is in the post below.

Monthly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this month

• To my point about the cruise landscape changing considerably, I enjoyed this article on new luxury cruise ships debuting this year, and this complimentary article on some of our favorite hotel brands bringing the yacht experience to their portfolios.

• The CN Traveler Gold List has been published. Stand-outs to me include: Sterrekopje Farm, Huka Lodge, Beaverbrook, and Castelfalfi.

• Taking this sentiment into this year.

• The travel industry has great expectations for 2026.

Recently saved

Something I bookmarked while scrolling and researching

Zannier Ile de Bendor, French Riviera

Zannier Île de Bendor, debuting in May 2026, is the thoughtful revival of an iconic private island just off the coast of Bandol, reimagined not as a single hotel, but as a living Riviera village. The seven-hectare island is anchored by multiple dining and gathering spaces, from refined seaside tables to casual all-day spots, cocktail bars, a crêperie, artisan boutiques, and wellness areas, all designed to encourage slow days, long lunches, and social evenings by the water.

What makes this opening especially compelling is the Zannier approach itself. The portfolio is intentionally small and globally diverse, with each property designed to feel deeply rooted in its setting rather than branded—think handcrafted interiors, locally driven gastronomy, and an emphasis on emotion and atmosphere over flash.

A few favorites from my Instagram

In case you missed it …

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

I know not all of you are like me. My personal 2026 travel priority line-up is already mostly booked and accounted for. If you’re looking at your 2026 travel calendar and it is still in its nascent stage, don’t panic; you haven’t missed the boat.

In this post, I’ll go over:

• The big picture questions I ask myself when considering upcoming personal travel plans

• Lists I keep to remind me of places I want to see and hotels I want to prioritize

• My recipe for how I look at the calendar and types of trips I like to account for over the course of the year

• How miles and points influence my planning

• How a travel advisor (me!) can help you think through your travel wish list (both big and small)

Questions to get you started

These questions are a mix of inspiration and practicality. Open up a draft email or Google Doc and take 5-10 minutes to list them out.

• Are there certain types of experiences you want to have in the next year? Are there ideal destinations or hotels that would make them come true? This could be anything from wanting to prioritize a fine-dining experience to a specific sporting event to the Northern Lights (which are slated to be epic next year) to a bucket-list destination.

• Are there certain types of experiences you want your kids or family to have next year? If you need some inspiration, this post has ideas for every stage of childhood. I also like to think about whether there are any multi-gen trips we want to take and when the ideal timing of those could be. Want to spend the 4th of July at the beach with family? Thanksgiving somewhere cozy?

• Do you or someone you love have a personal or professional milestone you want to celebrate? This could be a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, babymoon, or job promotion.

• Is there a group you want to travel with somewhere? This could be a group of friends, a work group, a girls’ getaway, a reunion, etc.

• Are there dates or time periods you want to be away? If you are dependent on a child’s school calendar, this is typically the starting point for identifying travel times. This is also the place to list milestones or event-specific dates.

• Are any of your top wishlist items dependent on using points or miles? If so, it starts to become very helpful to know when points calendars open up. It is typically about a year in advance, and you can often snag deals if you stalk calendars as they open. I’ve gotten some of my best redemptions this way.

  ---

Resources I keep on hand as helpful reminders

• List of 100 dreams: One of my absolute favorite life planning exercises came from a book called 168 Hours (a time management book). You essentially give yourself 10-15 minutes to rapidly list as many things you may want to do, spend time on, have, experience, or learn in life, with the goal of getting to 100 or more. I keep one in a Google Sheet and edit it at least once a year, and add to it as ideas inspire me. It is, of course, packed with lots of travel-related experiences (screenshot of a snip of mine above). I like looking at it when planning our travel year to see if it might be time to check a few ideas off. My husband also has one, and it is a great way to delight someone you love.

• Instagram “saved” folders: My Instagram has folders organized by country with saved inspiration on everything from perfect playgrounds in Europe to dreamy restaurants, hotels, beaches, and more. I also visit these folders when I am planning client trips to see if anything is a perfect fit.

• Saved articles and websites: I’ve referenced it before, but I have been ripping articles out of magazines since middle school and keep them in file folders organized by geographic area (I know — signs I have loved planning from the very beginning). I similarly bookmark articles and hotel websites.

My planning recipe

Now that you are both inspired and have a wireframe of timing or milestones you may want to be away, it is time to start to shape a strategy.

• Start with your “anchor” trips that are longer than 5 nights: For us, this typically begins with our big summer trip, and one other larger-scale family trip in the spring or fall. For 2026, we decided, “We want to go to Northern Italy sometime in July or August when we need to evacuate the Texas heat.”

• Fill in with shorter 2-4 night trips: Once we have an idea of what our big trips look like, it makes it much easier to prioritize long weekend destinations. For example, when I know our bigger trips include mountains and cities, I like to sprinkle a beach getaway or two into this category.

• Striking a balance in your plan: I also like to think about where we are splurging vs. saving, where I need points (see below) to stretch the experience further, and where a hotel or home is the preferred accommodation type. I like to see a little bit of everything in my plan for it to be well-rounded and balanced.

• Make a short list of ideas for your anchor and short trips (or better yet, fill out an inquiry and have your travel advisor do the heavy lifting).

• Allow for spontaneity along the way: We all need flexibility. I like leaving some open doors where we may travel, but aren’t sure yet. These are typically shorter trips where we have time off from work or school.

How credit card points influence my planning process

• If you want to be able to use points, they have to already be in your account. Having a spending strategy that maximizes points earning is essential, and once you have one, you enter autopilot mode.

• For our “anchor” trips, we may take a long-haul flight, which for us means finding business class availability at a favorable redemption rate. When this is the case, we try to be as flexible as possible with the timing of the trip to maximize the probability of making it happen. We may also add or subtract a day or two from our target trip length if the redemption is there.

• Very occasionally, I find a hotel points redemption that is so good we end up planning a trip around it. This happened for our spring break trip next year (excited to share the property later).

How I help you bring it to life

Can I let you in on a secret? Making your travel dreams come true does not just happen. One of my greatest joys is chatting with clients and friends about their goals and desires and then mapping out a plan to bring them to life. When I see the big picture of the major milestones combined with the small weekends away, we can make an annual travel strategy that will thrill you.

Using a travel advisor like me is like having an in-the-know, well-connected SME that can connect you to the best hotels, experiences, and plan for your wishes and budget. It saves you time, gives you extra perks, and makes sure your investment is well spent. The digital world is overcrowded with opinions and algorithms. Why not make something perfectly personalized for you?

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

There’s never a bad time for Europe, but being there during the holidays reminded me just how magical it is this time of year. Paris was completely decked out; everything felt cozy and beautiful. We wandered through a Christmas market, soaked up all the festive energy, and, of course, got into a little trouble shopping.

Speaking of shopping: after seeing the price difference between the US and Europe, I made a mental note that a trip over there can easily make up for the cost of the flight if you’re planning to shop for luxury goods or just do a lot of shopping in general. I saw a 30–40% pre-tax difference on a few brands, which naturally led to me texting friends asking if they needed a price check. Always here to do the hard work.

I absolutely love this season and fully lean into my homebody tendencies at Christmastime. The family traditions, the meals, the Santa visit, the lights, decking the halls, making the magic happen, it fills me up. Signing off this first weekend of December with a full calendar and a full heart.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Subscribe now

What I booked in November

November was a combo of last-minute festive trips and those planning much further ahead as Travel Tuesday deals began rolling in. For those planning to travel January - March of next year (especially for Spring Break), I’d encourage you to get your plans lined up before the panic booking of the new year begins. I am already seeing limited availability at many popular destinations. If you have a big idea for next summer, I’d love to chat — I am already booking up for full-service planning in July and August.

• An early summer girls’ trip to The Dunlin

• A December business trip to London + Bristol with stays on both ends at Rosewood London

• A festive season home rental in Grand Cayman

• A family summer trip to the Russian River Valley at the most charming property

• A girls’ trip in a luxury condo to 30A

• A multi-family spring break trip to San Miguel de Allende

• A family summer trip to Munich and the Dolomites

• A last-minute couple’s getaway to a stunning villa at One&Only Mandarina

• A family spring break trip to the iconic Hotel del Coronado in a 2-bedroom villa

• A corporate incentive trip to Cancun

• A family summer trip to Lake Tahoe

Have something on your list for 2026? I’d love to help. I’ve recently updated my planning services. If you’re looking for perks on a hotel or cruise booking (always complimentary), fill out an inquiry. There are still many EOY deals to be found.

Monthly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this month

• We have officially hit list season — some of which I love, some not so much. On the yes list: this one from the team at SmartFlyer of 2026 most anticipated hotel openings has me drooling. One of these picks is where we are headed for our spring break!

• How unplugging became luxury’s most valuable currency.

• Gifts for every type of traveler on your list.

• These were our vibes for our Paris trip. Forever saving our miles for a little bit of in-flight sanity.

• We ate here in Paris and it lived up to every bit of the hype.

• This list of soon to open hotels in the Caribbean is a great one to save for later.

• Exploring Chile’s Atacama Desert.

Recently saved

Something I bookmarked while scrolling and researching

Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, opened this month on Mexico’s Emerald Coast in Riviera Nayarit, set within the ultra-private 920-acre enclave of Nauka. As part of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, an exclusive collection of nature-immersive retreats known for exceptional privacy, cultural depth, and highly personalized service,Siari offers just 91 suites and villas along with 34 private residences, all designed to blend seamlessly with jungle, mangrove, and ocean surroundings.

A standout feature is the 28,000-square-foot Hā Yeka Wellness Center, a holistic spa inspired by indigenous healing traditions, weaving together hydrotherapy, native botanicals, and restorative rituals.

A few favorites from my Instagram

The magic of Paris at Christmastime.

Highlights from a very special stay in the Loire Valley.

One of my top picks for Spring through Fall trips next year: The Boca Raton.

A little love letter to my girls.

In case you missed it

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

A refined roundup of travel and travel-adjacent gifts that are sure to inspire wanderers of all kinds.

A pre-planned trip

A meaningful, joy-sparking gesture for the traveler who values experiences over anything wrapped in a box.

I can’t think of too many things that are better than a confirmation email in an envelope under the tree.

With Travel Tuesday coming up, and many hoteliers already offering some of their best rates of the year, it is the perfect time to make a plan to surprise and delight someone you love for the holiday season. Another easy idea? A staycation and a spa treatment booked at a top local hotel (a pro tip if you’re shopping for a mom).

Two of my favorite hoteliers, Rosewood and Auberge, have already launched their exclusive sales (Rosewood is only available to travel advisors), and there are some incredible deals, especially for some of their beach and European properties. I will also have access to a few others soon before they go live to the public.

If you have an idea on your list, drop me a note. Let’s plan something fabulous and get you perks and VIP treatment.

To remind them of their favorite places (and people):

Sentimental, display-worthy gifts that bring their best trips and travel companions back into focus.

Framed magnetic world map

A coffee table book with some of the world’s greatest places

The chicest travel books

Framed pictures of vacation memories

Aura digital frame (we’ve given 4 of these, they are so fun!)

For the person who travels for food and wine

For the friend whose itineraries are built around great meals, memorable bottles, and delicious discoveries.

7-layer Southern Caramel Cake (a perfect ending to any holiday meal)

A meal from one of their favorite restaurants

Fancy olive oil trio

A gigantic tub of the world’s best salt

An inspiring new cookbook

To delight a Michelin star impersonator

For the wine nerd

Travel uniform essentials

Elevated basics that make every airport sprint, red-eye, or road trip feel a little more comfortable (and stylish).

Black kick flare pants

Stylish sneakers

The perfect oversized button down

The does-it-all backpack (great for work trips + mom essentials)

A chic and practical oversized carry-on (I can fit a backpack, small purse, and toiletry case in mine)

Stocking stuffers

Small but thoughtful upgrades they’ll actually use on the road

Best of masks kit (a perfect secret Santa present btw)

Live translation AirPods

So you never lose your luggage

Pill organizer

Vitamin organizer

For your traveling mini-me

Kid-approved travel treats to keep little explorers happy, cozy, and entertained along the way.

Bluetooth wireless headband

A cheeky Croissant purse

Kids’ quality rollerboard

Plush sleep masks

The best sticker books

In case you missed it

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

As I plan what’s next, I’d love your feedback — what parts of this newsletter do you most enjoy reading? What do you want more of? The internet can sometimes feel one-sided without your input, and I’d love to tailor this space to what inspires and helps you most. I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a comment on this post.

Starting this month, I’ll be moving The Travel Edit to a monthly cadence so I can spend more time on other kinds of posts I’ve been dreaming up. Getting one of these out weekly has stretched my bandwidth, and I have too many ideas to make room for them.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Subscribe now

What I booked in October

October was packed with spring break planning, anniversary getaways, and a few last-minute surprises. Here’s a peek at what clients booked this month:

• A spring break ski + sun trip to Park City and St. Martin

• Business trips to NYC and Vegas

• A winter family trip to Oahu

• An 8-night Bahamas cruise

• A couple’s summer trip to Milan

• A last-minute anniversary trip to Sedona

• A family’s 2026 summer trip to San Diego

• A cousin reunion in Washington, DC

• A girls’ weekend in Memphis

Have something on your list for 2026? I’d love to help. I’ve recently updated my planning services. If you’re looking for perks on a hotel or cruise booking, fill out an inquiry.

Monthly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this month

• Yes, you can still go to the 2026 Olympics. (SmartFlyer)

• Live footage of my 4-year-old. (Instagram)

• For my skiing friends: Epic Pass prices increase on November 16th, and new for this year is Epic Friends, which allows passholders’ friends to get 50% off lift tickets up to six times throughout the season, and apply that cost towards an Epic Pass for the following year.

• Carbone has a mini-yacht. (Vanity Fair)

• Start your next vacation with a food tour. (Eater)

• So high on my list for travel with kids. (Instagram)

• Landed on this classic camel coat for our upcoming France trip. Plus these gloves.

Recently saved

Something I bookmarked while scrolling and researching

The World’s 50 Best Hotels list was just announced, and as is my usual reaction to lists, I’m equal parts intrigued and skeptical. I see lists like these as a pulse check and way to stay in tune with what properties are trending, while remaining alert on who’s behind the votes or sponsorships. (Occupational hazard after a decade managing large-scale research projects.)

This list stands out because it’s voted on by a global panel of 800+ anonymous travel experts, from editors to travelers, offering a uniquely broad perspective.

My takeaways:

• Rosewood continues to be a force (and for good reason).

• About a quarter of the properties are independently owned — proof that travelers crave experiences that don’t feel copy-and-paste.

• The U.S. continues to trail hospitality powerhouses in Europe and Asia.

• It’s refreshing to see a few newcomers in the mix.

Where I most want to go (or send clients):

• Raffles Singapore (#5)

• Claridge’s London (#16)

• Belmond Maroma (#33)

• One&Only Mandarina (#39)

• The Fifth Avenue Hotel (#75)

A few favorites from Instagram

In case you missed it

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Last night, I gave my husband a quick week-by-week rundown from now until early December, and I’m certain the rest of the year is going to fly by. Between Halloween festivities, several social events, a big transition in my corporate role, a quick trip (where I’ll be previewing a stunning new hotel), and a major family vacation, December will be here before we know it. I’m doing my best to get organized now while we still have a few weekends that aren’t completely packed. Excited, but also trying to stay ahead of it all.

In this week’s edit: a few recent purchases in preparation for an 11-hour flight with young kids (if you are a praying person, we will accept your prayers now), hotel notes from a recent stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach, and a new Caribbean property worth knowing about.

If you like occasional reminders about great hotel offers and what trips to start planning now, my newsletter for my travel planning business is going out soon. You can sign up for curated seasonal hotel deals, trip-planning insights, and more.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

P.S. If you enjoy reading The Travel Desk, please take a moment to give this post a heart. It helps my content get discovered. Thank you for reading!

Subscribe now

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this week

• 15 editor-favorite resorts to add to your list.

• A curated list of London favorites.

• For my chocolate-obsessed 4-year-old, we will be visiting this insane place on our upcoming trip.

• PSA: Rules for traveling to Europe are changing. Sign up for alerts to stay on top of the latest.

• These inventive kids’ headphones are perfect for younger children who have trouble keeping traditional earphones on. We tested them out, and they are a winner!

• Other recent kid purchases in prep for our big trip:

  • This busy board

  • Magnetic doll play-set

  • Holiday-themed sticker books

  • A few books on the theme for our trip

Hotel Notes: The Breakers, Palm Beach

Trip context: My husband and I were traveling with his company for this trip (a treat, I know). This was our second time staying.

Vibe: Iconic, timeless

Who should go here: The Breakers has something for everyone, but I think it is especially suited for groups and families.

Highlights:

• In my opinion, the best part of The Breakers is the grounds and amenities. There are four different pools, a private beach, golf, and extensive paddle facilities. Although Palm Beach has plenty to explore, you never need to leave the property. However, should you want to leave the property, their fleet of Maybach house cars certainly fits the bill.

• The spa has been a highlight on both trips as well. They have a lovely relaxation area, and when you book a treatment, you have access to the facilities throughout the day. They use Tata Harper or Guerlain products for facials, which I love.

Notes:

• Like any historic property, you can expect standard rooms to be on the cozy side. If you are traveling with a group or family, it is worth looking into suites.

• If you have children who will be disappointed if they aren’t spending lots of time in the ocean, consider a different location — the water can be rough here.

If you are interested in planning a trip to Palm Beach or staying at The Breakers with perks, drop me a note!

Saved this week

Something I bookmarked while scrolling and researching

The Grand Hyatt, Grand Cayman

I’ve been researching stays on Grand Cayman and other islands in the Caribbean for several clients lately and have been floored by the pricing at many places, especially along Seven Mile Beach. The upcoming Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, which is taking reservations from April 2026, feels like a welcome addition.

From a points perspective, this property will be especially appealing for Chase cardholders who can transfer Ultimate Rewards to World of Hyatt. With rates climbing across Grand Cayman, the ability to redeem points for a stay at a brand-new resort offers meaningful value.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Photos courtesy of Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman

In it, Peter’s guest, Dr. Paul Conti touched on a subject that was new to me — the concept of a generative drive. Your generative drive is described as the desire to create, build, and contribute to the world in meaningful ways, and to appreciate the process of doing so. Like most things, it goes much deeper than that explanation, but we will keep it brief for the purposes of this note today. The concept isn’t overly complicated, but during the podcast, the part of that definition that was shouting in my face was the appreciating part. Yes, most of us who have vision for our life create and contribute, but the appreciation part feels brave and rare.

As I plan trips for clients, I feel both deeply connected to and genuinely responsible for helping orchestrate experiences that turn into lifelong memories with the people they love most. There’s something profoundly meaningful about knowing I get to play a small role in moments that will be talked about for years — dinners that become family stories, adventures that expand our ways of thinking and navigating the world, and places that forever hold a piece of someone’s heart. It’s a responsibility I carry with immense purpose and care.

I’ve even thought of my role in helping support the discovery of small businesses. Local restaurants, family-run hotels, tour operators that go above and beyond, and my favorite places to shop. It feels purposeful.

Over the past month, several of the most meaningful trips I’ve planned to date have unfolded in real time. With each Instagram story, elated text message, and even the occasional hiccup to troubleshoot, I’ve felt the same rush I get when I’m traveling myself — that mix of wonder, anticipation, and joy that I’ve helped make something happen for someone. I’ve even found myself waking up in the middle of the night, doing a quick mental timezone conversion and thinking, “They should be at Versailles by now. I hope they’re having the best time.”

If you have something on your list you’d like help planning, send me a note.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

P.S. if you enjoy reading The Travel Desk, please take a moment to give this post a heart. It helps my content get discovered. Thank you for reading!

Subscribe now

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this week

• A new haven for expats in New Zealand.

• Why the Dolomites should be your next big adventure (also, see more below).

• Michelin’s list of three key hotels (save for later).

• London recommendations from Julia and Thomas Berolzheimer.

• The case for gatekeeping (loved reading this).

• Where to go in 2026 (yes, the lists are already beginning).

Paris Packing List

Our much anticipated trip is rapidly approaching, and I am in the middle of planning for our girls and myself. A few new purchases for each of us (mostly the girls, per usual), plus some tried and true fall faves from our closets.

For the girls

• A red beret (I had to!)

• Matching navy coats

• Quilted pink parka

• Pink equestrian sweaters

• Pointelle sweater sets (the Gap sale right now is outrageous! Next few things from there.)

• Velour ballet flats

• Velour bow top

For me

• Sezane Clyde trench

• Veronica Beard Valentina sneaker (one of my best purchases last year)

• For the long flight: Varley pullover, Donni kick-flare in black

• Aligne long-waisted blazer

• VB sweater cardigan

• Madewell perfect vintage jean (own in 4 colors)

Saved this week

Something I bookmarked while scrolling and researching

We have landed on our major family trip next summer being the Dolomites in Northern Italy. I went almost 15 years ago with two girlfriends shortly after graduating from college before anyone knew where it was and we were truly the only Americans there. Oh how times have changed.

The vibes will be different this trip in just about every way and I have been down numerous rabbit holes looking at family-friendly resorts, and Sonnwies caught my eye.

Sonnwies Family Hotel Dolomites

Sonnwies Family Resort is a luxury, family-focused retreat that blends high-end comfort with the charm of a working mountain farm. Designed exclusively for families, it offers spacious suites and chalets, farm-to-table dining, and thoughtful touches like on-site childcare, pony rides, and nature-based activities that make both parents and kids feel at home. Its sweet spot is families with younger children, who can roam safely between the farm, playgrounds, and pools, while parents enjoy the spa, panoramic views, and a slower pace of mountain life.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Sonnwies

This week I took my first business trip in a long time. For anyone who’s worked for a large corporation, you know that corporate travel policies rarely prioritize comfort.

On my flight, I found myself in a packed economy cabin next to a passenger whose seat didn’t accommodate her, which meant I spent the flight sharing my already tiny space for nearly four hours. The plane also had a maintenance issue that, according to the pilot, “prevented it from flying full speed (!?),” stretching an already long flight even further. When I reached out to American afterward, I learned there’s no policy for handling cases re: seat invasion, which is a situation I imagine has become increasingly common.

My company’s headquarters are in the downtown area of a mid-size city with a lineup of 3 and 4-star chain hotels that are… fine. Perfectly adequate, albeit a bit soulless. Over the years, I’ve tried six properties in the area, and while some are marginally better than others, they are only memorable for what they lack. Call me a hotel snob, I’ll own it. I just want to feel comfortable when I’m away from home.

After 15 years in corporate America, I’ve developed a handful of tricks to make business travel more tolerable, which is perhaps a good topic for a future post.

This week was a good reminder: even for someone who lives and breathes travel, not every trip is an adventure worth photographing. Some simply remind you why the good ones feel so special and why there’s nothing better than coming home.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this week

• This one is not travel-related, but it is one of the best things I’ve read this year. Thoughts on the epidemic of wasted talent.

• A local’s guide to New Orleans.

• The 2025 Michelin Key hotels were announced this week. I increasingly like this rating to find hotel properties I am aligned with. Check out this roundup of top key recipients in Italy.

• A list of amazing conversation starters if you want to make it past the state of the weather.

• An excellent interview with Erica Pindar of SmartFlyer.

Saved this week

Something I bookmarked while scrolling and researching

Laqua by the Lake, Lake Orta

This week, when researching properties for an Italy trip, I was reminded about this gorgeous property in a less touristy area of Italy and jumped at the opportunity to include it as an option.

Tucked away in Northern Italy’s Piedmont region, Lake Orta is a serene alternative to the more famous Italian lakes. Its quiet charm comes alive in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio, where cobblestone streets lead to lakeside cafés and views stretch toward Isola San Giulio. Along the shore sits Laqua by the Lake, a contemporary retreat from Michelin-starred chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo that blends sleek design with understated Italian luxury. With its calm water views, tranquil spa, and elegant restaurant showcasing modern Piedmontese cuisine, Laqua offers the perfect base to experience one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.

A few favorites from Instagram

Saved for my upcoming Paris trip.

One of my biggest regrets from when we went to Japan a few years ago was not making a vintage purse purchase (the Japanese take excellent care of things, and the vintage options are phenomenal). Saved for next time I make it there.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Photos courtesy of Laqua on the Lake

In that spirit, we’ve been chatting about where next summer’s big trip should be, and it didn’t take long to land on the Dolomites in Northern Italy. With that decided, my points-stalking strategies have been in full swing to figure out how to get us there.

I’m not sure what it says about me that I get an adrenaline rush from finding great award availability, but this week I finally pieced together the puzzle and scored some incredible redemptions to make our dream trip a reality.

The one I have to brag about: our return flight. Four seats in Air France business class from Venice to Dallas, averaging just 43K points per person (!!) thanks to a well-timed Amex transfer bonus and Air France’s discounted award rates for children. For context, the other flights on the same plane and route for the remainder of that month were 150K points per person.

If you’re still figuring out the best ways to earn and use your points, the two posts below are a great place to start. If you are looking for a more personalized approach to points, drop me a note and select “points consultation” to schedule 1:1 time with me.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Subscribe now

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this week

• 2026 is the year for a Northern Lights trip.

• This Safari playbook is in my saved folder. I’ve never been on one and know when the time comes there will be a lot to consider!

• Take me here, please.

• The famed Oetker hotels is headed to Palm Beach for its US debut.

• A report from the frontlines of Disney World parenting.

Saved this week

Pendry Park City

While researching a spring break ski trip this week, I earmarked Pendry Park City as an excellent option for groups and families looking for a 5-star option that still scores a reasonable price point. Pendry Park City is a stylish, ski-in/ski-out retreat in the heart of Canyons Village that blends mountain luxury with a modern decor. The resort offers direct access to the slopes, a rooftop pool with panoramic alpine views, and a range of thoughtful amenities, from the serene Spa Pendry to a lively après-ski scene. Dining is a highlight, with several on-site options including the sophisticated KITA steak and sushi bar and cozy lounge spaces perfect for unwinding after a day on the mountain.

If you are interested in a complimentary hotel booking with added perks, I’d love to help you.

A few favorites from Instagram

After planning a few epic NZ trips recently, I went into the archives to share some highlights from my favorite trip ever.

A quick reminder: hotel and cruise bookings are always complimentary, and I often get great added perks and upgraded service just for booking through me. II haven’t had a single client travel yet who hasn’t received either an upgrade or something extra just for booking with me!

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Photos courtesy of Pendry Park City

Fall is my favorite season, and as we round the corner into the last quarter of the year with all of the fall and holiday vibes, I’m eagerly anticipating all the fun ahead.

As I often write, children have a way of amplifying every experience in life, and things like fall carnivals, trick-or-treating, and watching football games on the patio feel bigger than before.

In this week’s edit: a game-changing tool for tracking miles redemptions, a Tokyo icon now accepting reservations after an extensive renovation, what I booked in September, and my thoughts on the unfortunately I love Instagram trend.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Subscribe now

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles, finds, and other things that I enjoyed this week

• My thoughts exactly

• Loyalty in the hospitality space is operating on a trip-by-trip basis. (Sidenote: I see this every week with clients.)

• If you are constantly on the hunt for good miles redemptions, I can’t recommend a paid subscription to Roame enough. I just bought one this week, and it is already a game-changer as we zero in on next summer’s big adventure.

• In researching Paris restaurants, I stumbled upon Café Verlet (near the Louvre) and it looks so charming.

• I’m working on my packing list for two upcoming trips to Florida. I love the style and fit of this Shoshanna dress (on sale) and also grabbed these simple nude sandals.

Saved this week

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Park Hyatt Tokyo, the iconic Shinjuku hotel showcased in Lost in Translation, will resume operations on December 9, 2025 following an extensive renovation. When we stayed there several years ago, it felt iconic in every way (but we did notice our room was ready for a refresh). The service was flawless and we loved the central location.

The redesign by Paris firm Jouin Manku introduces lighter, modern interiors, hinoki soaking tubs in select suites, and new room layouts. Dining is also being refreshed, with Girandole reimagined under Alain Ducasse, while beloved spaces like the New York Grill & Bar, Kozue, and the Peak Lounge & Bar remain at the heart of the experience.

One of the things I love about Hyatt properties is they make for a great Chase points redemption. If you have Tokyo on your list for next year, go check out rewards availability before it’s gone.

What I booked in September

A monthly round-up of some of my favorite bookings from the past 30 days

Looking back, I am in awe of how busy September was! I am primarily booking 2026 travel, with a few fall and winter trips still being planned. Reminder: hotel and cruise bookings are complimentary! If you have something on your list, drop me a note.

• A 14-day honeymoon to New Zealand, with stops in Auckland, Queenstown, and Mount Cook.

• A multi-gen cruise for 13 to Bermuda, with over-the-top suites for the whole family in The Haven on NCL’s new Aqua ship. Check them out.

• Business trips to London, Bermuda, Charleston, and New Orleans.

• Girls’ weekend at Omni Barton Creek in Austin.

• A rental home for an annual guys’ ski trip to Big Sky.

• A 10th wedding anniversary in Italy, with a stay at Castelfalfi.

• MLK weekend couple’s trip (I am going on this one) to Mexico.

• A Plaza Hotel moment for the festive season in NYC.

📰 In case you missed it…

A few favorites from Instagram

I jumped on the Instagram bandwagon this week, with my own version of the unfortunately I do love trend. What’s on your list?

Want views like this next summer? Availability for summer 2026 has opened across Europe. If you want the best choices and room options, now is the time to start planning your trip!

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Images courtesy of Park Hyatt Tokyo and Castelfalfi

One of the top questions I get from clients with young kids is: “What do we actually need to pack?” when it comes to essential (and let’s be honest, not-so-essential) kid gear. My own philosophy is a mix of practicality and preparedness, fine-tuned over years of trial, error, and more humbling moments than I care to admit.

Let me just say it outright: you might think you’re a seasoned pro at travel, logistics, and planning — but parents traveling with little kids are in their own league. Read: superhero status.

If you’re a new parent, you’ll quickly learn that some ages are easier than others. We found that after our oldest hit 2, it has been pretty darn easy to travel with her. However, ages 12–18 months are peak wiggle-and-wild mode, and they have absolutely no sense of logic or rationality. Which begs the question: why are we bringing our youngest to Paris at exactly 18 months?

This list is tailored for parents with children aged 0-5. I’ve given descriptions where they are warranted. We own and use each of these. I did not recommend anything that isn’t road-tested.

At the very bottom, you will find my list of completely random advice that you likely won’t find on most traveling with kids lists.

Travel strollers, carseats, and other big apparatuses

• Slumberpod: This is my #1 travel item. It is a lifesaver in a variety of scenarios, including sleeping in the same room as your child, two children with different bedtimes sleeping in the same room, making sure the room is always dark enough (read: less likely for early wake ups), and enabling the use of living rooms and closets as appropriate places to put a pack and play or crib. Make sure to buy the fan, too!

• Slumberpod toddler bed: Same story as above, but for a child who has outgrown the crib. Our daughter thinks she is camping (a thrill!).

• Doona: Worth the hype and allows you to skip packing a separate stroller and car seat in many scenarios.

• Travel strollers

  • Nice: I don’t love splurging on a travel stroller unless you use it in other day-to-day scenarios. We had this one until United broke it, which is how we ended up with the budget combo below.

  • Budget (combo): (1, 2) where one nests inside the other. Surprisingly game-changing at the stage we are right now.

• Sound machine

  • Full size: Snooz (we discovered these at the Four Seasons Austin, and have one in each bedroom of our home)

  • Travel size: Yogasleep Rohm

• Hiking backpacks (for carrying your child)

  • For 6-18 months

  • For 18 months - 2.5 years

Travel day essentials (which are not all that different from what I always have in my bag)

• Portable changing station

• Portable wipe holder

• Lululemon backpack (for mom)

• Change of clothes (for the whole family)

• Kids’ sippy cup or water bottle

• Antibacterial wipes, normal wipes

• Insulated water bottle for hot water (so helpful if using formula and not wanting to pack a bottle warmer). I always ask a coffee shop for some hot water.

Travel day and on-the-go entertainment

I’ve mentioned this in the past, but I love to be “on theme” with a new set of travel day items that our kids don’t see until they are on the plane. It keeps them occupied for much longer and gets them more excited for our destination.

• Amazon Kids Fire tablet: I activate the subscription before we travel and then download a bunch of things so it works without WIFI. We only use the tablet for travel, which means our daughter is very excited for unlimited screen time.

• Kids’ headphones: Many kids’ headphones don’t go loud enough to actually hear over the noise of the plane (a really not-fun lesson to learn). These work great.

• Sensory boards

• Sticker books: We go through 3-4 of these a month, and I always love picking a few that are on theme with our trip or the season.

• Mess-free coloring books

• Snacks: I bring literally as many (both quantity and variety) as I can fit.

Other random things we pack

• Kids’ cutlery and Kids’ plates: We’ve learned that having a plate or two and a few utensils they can actually use is helpful throughout our trip (especially in a house rental). Takes up minimal room and is worth it!

• Crib sheet and crib blanket: We’ve found that linens provided by hotels and house rentals are all over the place, as is the quality of pack-and-play and crib mattresses.

Kid medicine, first-aid, toiletries

• Infant/Kids Motrin

• Welly's first-aid kit

• Coritzone cream

• Portable nasal aspirator

The unglamorous, unsolicited advice you didn’t know you needed:

• Bring a pull-up: If you have a child who has been somewhat recently potty-trained, I highly recommend either bringing a pull-up or having them wear one. You never know when you might be stuck on the tarmac or without access to a bathroom. I read a story from the Bucket List Family where her very much potty-trained child had an accident while sleeping on a plane, and soaked the mom and child. Not worth the risk!

• Always, always have a fever reducer in your carry-on. And always, always have a change of clothes for everyone.

• Email your hotel before your arrival: If you’re arriving before check-in and your child will need a nap, let the hotel know the day before. Hotels can be surprisingly accommodating when they know you have a little one in tow.

• You don’t have to lug a car seat everywhere: Sometimes it makes sense to just rent the car seat from the car rental company. It is one less thing to bring.

• Gate check: It is not well-advertised that you need to go to the gate agent to get a tag for your stroller or car seat before boarding. This is the first thing I do after we make it through security.

• Lounge access: Figure out a credit card where you have the opportunity for lounge access. Many lounges offer play areas for children, and they often provide a much more comfortable and clean place to hang out prior to departure. We have also saved so much money by being able to eat an airport meal in the lounge.

• Airport amenities: Many airports offer family rooms and other family-friendly amenities. It is worth a quick stop at a kiosk to see what might be helpful during your travel day! If you have an extra-long travel day with kids, meet and greet airport services can also be a game-changer.

Have a family trip in mind? I’d love to help you plan.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

She had been on an ultra-luxury, small-ship Mediterranean cruise, with stops in places like Capri, Amalfi, and Portofino. The headline: she was deeply disappointed that it felt more like Grand Central Terminal than the image of Italy she had envisioned. She even made an analogy to feeling like she was on a cattle drive on every stop. I’ve actually had this experience — the Amalfi Coast and Santorini were both stops on a cruise I’ve been on, and the entire time I found myself wishing we could be whisked into one of the stunning cliffside hotel properties instead of stuck in line with hordes of other daytrippers.

Thankfully, my crown of foils hid my facial expression, but I couldn’t help but think, “What did you expect?” The truth is, these postcard-perfect ports simply weren’t designed for the daily influx of cruise passengers. Infrastructure is limited, square footage is minimal, and the result is an experience that feels more theme park than authentic Italy.

These destinations are absolutely worth visiting, but only if you do it the right way: by staying, not just passing through, and choosing your accommodations wisely. When clients tell me they want these destinations, but might not have the budget to experience them this way, I often point them toward alternatives that deliver the same magic with more breathing room—Garda over Como, Ischia over Capri, Puglia over Amalfi. These swaps allow you to take your dollar farther and somewhat escape the crowds (especially if a $2,000/night hotel room isn’t on your bingo card).

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles and other things that I enjoyed this week

• I’m not always a fan of a list, but the Goop team did us all a solid by curating this one (talk about some once-in-a-lifetime properties)

• How the elite are giving their children a global education.

• In praise of traveling in the off-season.

• Agree with this sentiment about traveling with babies.

• The 25 essential dishes to eat in London.

• Rebecca Gardner’s Savannah List

Saved this week

Domus Stay - Luxury London Homes + Apartments

Traveling with kids often means that we prioritize homes and apartments over hotels for our longer trips. So when Domus Stay crossed my screen this week, I immediately added it to my bookmarks for when we decide to take the girls with us across the pond. It is a small collection of gorgeously furnished homes and apartments in London at a variety of price points.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Photos courtesy of Domus Stay

The world has been heavy this week, so I am keeping things light in hopes of giving your inbox and brain a reprieve.

The idea behind The Weekly Travel Edit is simple: a small pause in your day (ideally with a coffee in hand) to browse a few stories, pick up an idea or two, and maybe even spark a new way of thinking about how you travel or move through the world.

In this week's edit: book suggestions, shares of a few Substack newsletters I enjoyed reading this week, a friendly holiday season PSA, and a family-friendly resort in Austria.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Subscribe now

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles and newsletters that I enjoyed this week

• Systems and suggestions that make life run smoother.

• I started Dan Brown’s new book, The Secret of Secrets, earlier this week (set in Prague), and so far it has me intrigued in the same way his prior books always have.

• And speaking of reading recs, The Academy (written by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter) will be next on my list.

• A great travel insider Q&A with Yolanda Edwards, of YOLO magazine.

• When to book your holiday flights. PSA: only 15 weeks until Christmas!

• Heading to Paris? Some great tips on shopping at the flea markets.

• I am a big Melissa Wood Health fan, and her recent two-part Q&A on her podcast was very grounding.

Saved this week

Moar Gut Family Nature Resort

I am sure we each have a certain type of hotel property that stops us mid-scroll. Mine are almost always in the mountains, and there is an even better chance they are somewhere in the mountains in Europe. This week I saved Moar Gut, a family nature resort near Salzburg in Austria. Families can spend their days exploring the riding stables, animal farm, kids’ club, pools, and play areas, while adults retreat to the spa or enjoy mountain hikes right from the doorstep. With just 46 suites, the resort feels like a haven for active families seeking a resort designed with them in mind.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Some of the links shared in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

Images courtesy of Moar Gut

This week, a theme kept showing up in the newsletters, articles, and posts crossing my screen: why not treat September — not January — as the moment to pause, reflect, and reset? I love the ritual of the beginning of the calendar year planning, but there’s something equally appealing about September. The summer haze has lifted, routines click back into place, and it feels like the perfect time for a quiet check-in with yourself.

I’ll admit: I take all forms of planning (short and long-term) quite seriously (Type A much?). I genuinely love the thoughtfulness that goes into orchestrating our little life.

One email I saved this week came from an editor at Intelligent Change, the makers of my favorite planners and journals. She wrote:

“Maybe it’s not about catching up, performance, or hitting targets. Maybe it’s about beginning again, and not in January, but now. There’s still time to finish this year in a way that feels meaningful. Not impressive. Not productive. Just something that excites you or nourishes you, or makes you feel like you’re living, not only managing. So I’m asking you (and myself, too): What would feel meaningful to live, feel, or begin before the year ends?”

For me, that means resisting the urge to sprint into each day, being more intentional about self-care, spending unhurried time with my husband and kids, cooking nourishing meals, and planning a few special memory-makers — including some fall and spring trips. It also means holding firmer work boundaries and keeping my real priorities front and center.

In that spirit, I’ve swapped this week’s usual “on my radar” hotel feature for something a little different: a list of travel-planning questions to spark your own September planning moment.

To your next adventure,

Lindsey

Subscribe now

Weekly recommendations

A curation of articles and newsletters that I enjoyed this week

• Insights on what’s trending from Virtuoso Travel Week (a great read for anyone who loves to follow what’s new)

• 6 dude ranches where you can saddle up and unplug

• Do you know which country is the world’s most visited?

• White Lotus Season 4 heads back to Europe (!)

• How Kristin Davis travels

On my radar: planning your travel year ahead

Looking ahead, we’ve already started mapping out our own travel for 2026 — with a dream trip in 2027 even marked on the horizon. Part of the beauty of travel lies in leaving space for spontaneity, but I’ve learned that the bigger journeys rarely fall into place without intention.

Take 10–15 minutes to dream through the questions below. You may be surprised by how much clarity they bring to your priorities and future travel dreams.

And if you’d like a hand shaping any part of what’s ahead, I’m always here to help.

1. What is one destination that is on your wish list that you want to prioritize visiting in the next year?

2. Who do you want to travel with this year?

3. Are there personal milestones or celebrations you want to travel for? Ideas: Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, job promotions.

4. Is there an experience that has been on your list that you want to make happen? Ideas: traveling for a major sporting event, a concert, a dream meal, a certain season in a place (e.g., London at Christmastime).

5. What are the core memories I want to make with my family or those I love?

6. How can my points and miles help bring my travel dreams to life?

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Drop me a note in the comments and say hello (I read every one!). And if you enjoyed reading The Travel Desk, give it a heart to help others discover it, too. If you’d like help planning your next trip, you can send me an inquiry here.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Taormina