The Weekly Travel Edit
Travel propaganda I'm not falling for, two European hotel properties, + how curiosity rewires your brain
Welcome back to The Weekly Travel Edit: a leisurely letter packed with travel news, hidden gems, and more from my travel desk.
Ramblings du jour
I started writing this note from the airport lounge last weekend after a special time away in Sedona without kids. And as travel inevitably goes, a series of delays and events led me not quite to have the time to get this out the door. This was the first time we’ve been away without our kids since our second daughter was born (thank you, grandparents!), and it was incredible to feel so free with our schedule each day.
Beyond the weekly edit, I have a few pieces planned for The Travel Desk over the next few weeks that I am excited to share with you, including a mini-guide to Sedona, a post on my approach to spending points, and some practical guides for travel planning for paid subscribers. Just a note that an annual subscription is only $30 (or $2.50 a month).
Since we missed last week, this week’s edit is packed with links, a trending on social media list, and two European hotel properties I’m drooling over.
To your next adventure,
Lindsey
Weekly recommendations
I am in the process of planning five (!) trips to France this fall for clients (and one for myself) and loved this roundup of other destinations to consider instead of (or alongside) Paris.
Four Seasons is launching its first yacht. Here is a preview.
It's not travel-related, but this landed in my inbox on the topic of urgent vs. important. It was timed perfectly during a time in my life when a swirl of urgent fire drills seemed to constantly be taking place. It is a needed reminder of the discipline it takes to keep your priorities straight.
How curiosity rewires your brain for change.
A nicely curated list of NYC hotels, eats, and more.
Where to eat and drink in Copenhagen.
Travel propaganda I’m not falling for
You know what I mean by travel propaganda, right? The stuff floating around online that tells you what’s hot, what’s in, and what you absolutely must do or book. But here’s the thing—just because it’s trending or popular doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Sometimes, it’s worth pausing to ask: Does this destination, hotel, POV, or experience actually fit what I want?
ChatGPT as a substitute for curated research: You know what ChatGPT is good for? Inspiration, pulling together a bunch of disparate info into one place, narrowing down destinations, and starting points for the actual work. I regularly use it to check when big events are taking place in a city that I may want to attend or avoid, and figure out ideal airline routing. You know what it’s not good for? Planning an entire trip that is truly personalized for you. Don’t let all of those Instagram reels made to attract attention fool you.
Prioritizing new hotel openings over the classics: Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE love a new hotel. However, the industry often prioritizes hot lists and openings over the classics. There is a reason they are classics (keep reading for two below), and they should perennially remain on your visit list.
Planning your trip based on advice from someone who is on a paid influencer trip: There is a difference between an influencer and an expert. That girl who keeps going to the same resort over and over again may be able to show you a peek into a singular experience, but let’s not confuse them with an authority on what it means to travel well. There is nothing that makes me want to go somewhere less.
Booking a flight that has you up in the middle of the night to save $50: We are all programmed to grab the lowest fare at all costs. Showing up at the airport before the sun comes up to save a few bucks is something I am not falling for.
Getting a badge for packing light: You know what is worth it? Having everything you need to make yourself comfortable on your trip. I am all about fitting everything in a carry-on when possible, but some trips warrant checking a bag to elevate your experience.
The hotel is just a place to sleep: No explanation needed. Do not fall for this.
Skipping a “touristy place” because it feels cliche: If it is the first time you’ve been somewhere iconic, you will regret not seeing the iconic thing. Make time in your itinerary for the must-see places and balance them with the things that will make your trip feel unique to you.
Hotels on my radar
Hotel Splendido, A Belmond Hotel
Hotel Splendido in Portofino has reopened in stunning fashion following a multi‑year renovation by Martin Brudnizki’s design studio, breathing fresh life into its 16th‑century charm while preserving its cinematic hilltop legacy. New openings include Baratta Sedici, a refined social bar with botanical murals and an elevated cocktail program, as well as Italy’s first permanent Dior Spa set amid Portofino’s breathtaking surroundings. Adding to the allure, Villa Beatrice—Belmond’s private palazzo with original frescoes, terraces, garden, pool, and private beach—is set to debut June 29, offering an ultra‑exclusive residence just a short stroll from the main hotel.
San Clemente Palace Hotel, Venice
Big news out of Venice: Mandarin Oriental is taking over the iconic San Clemente Palace Hotel, set on its own private island in the Venetian lagoon. Just an eight-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square, the property offers the best of both worlds—serene seclusion with easy access to the city’s cultural heart. Think sweeping lagoon views, manicured gardens, and historic charm in spades.
Mandarin Oriental will manage the hotel through the 2025 season before closing it for a top-to-bottom, three-phase renovation. When it reopens in April 2026, it will officially debut as Mandarin Oriental, Venice. Who wants to go to Venice next summer?
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.
Hotel Splendido pictures courtesy of Belmond and Travel + Leisure.
I love reading The Travel Desk and I really want to go to Italy and France now. Particularly Italy, but I must see France too.
Your tips are truth and so helpful.
Yess to numbers 4 and 6 on the propaganda list! Also that hotel shot- chef's kiss.