Upscale Travel

09/05/2026

Madeira: mild and green year round, perfect for active exploration.

An 8-day guided small-group hike through Madeira's levada trails, coastal cliffs, and ancient laurel forest, capped with a sunrise summit of the island's highest peak (optional). Four-star hotels, a free day in Funchal, multiple dates to choose from.

An easy add-on if Portugal's already on your list, or extend your time on the island with a few extra nights in one of Madeira's seaside communities.

Book this trip through me and a Virtuoso amenity comes with it: $100 toward your pre- or post-trip hotel night.

Ask me about this one.

09/03/2026

San Francisco has always known how to reinvent itself, and the city is in the midst of another comeback. New art trails, illuminated landmarks, buzzy restaurants, and revived neighbourhoods are bringing a renewed sense of energy to the Bay Area's beauty. 🌁🥂

Read on about its new golden age, then let’s work together to plan your next holiday:

📷: Natasha Lee

New restaurants, buzzy bars, and fresh openings – from JouJou and Frankie’s to the Big Art Loop and A Bathing Ape’s new flagship – are fueling a comeback in this Bay Area beauty.

09/01/2026

In the heart of Rome, Hotel Hassler Roma offers a welcome sense of calm, with gracious service, elegant rooms, and aperitivi served just so.

Here are five reasons this storied stay is a must-visit, from its vast w**e collection to its enviable location above the Spanish Steps. 🇮🇹❤️

The Roman standby recently reopened with two refashioned lounges and a facelift for Michelin-starred Imàgo.

08/27/2026

A softer corner of Patagonia awaits in Chile's Lake District, where volcano views, glacial lakes, and peaceful fjords replace the rush to the summit. Discover why slow adventure shines here, then reach out to start planning your escape. 🌋🏞️

📷: Laura Macías Acuña

Puerto Varas, Lake Llanquihue, Reloncaví fjord, and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park reward travelers willing to trade summit fever for a slower pace.

08/25/2026

Exceptional dining doesn't happen by chance, especially at sea. Get an inside look at the cruise lines raising the bar with gourmet cuisine, thoughtful sourcing, and world-class culinary experiences, then reach out to plan your next voyage. 🛳️🍽️

An inside look at how Oceania Cruises, Abercrombie & Kent, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and Silversea serve gourmet meals at sea.

08/24/2026

Power bank rules for flying are getting stricter, and January 1, 2027 is just the starting point.

That's when new IATA rules take effect, but individual airlines already enforce tighter limits today, and more may tighten further before the deadline. Think of the new rules as the floor, not the ceiling.

Swipe through for what to expect, and what's worth checking before your next trip.

08/20/2026

Private appointments, hidden boutiques, and expert guides offer a fresh perspective on shopping in the birthplace of couture. Learn how to experience Paris like an insider, then reach out to begin planning your journey. 🇫🇷🛍️✨

📷: Carole Poirot

Private suites, tucked-away boutiques, and in-the-know guides reveal a more thoughtful way to shop the French capital.

08/19/2026

A new-to-me couple just booked their first cruise, a small-ship expedition to Svalbard, and it's a good example of how much goes into finding the right fit before a single reservation gets made.

They wanted to try cruising, had specific timing, and wanted room for culture before or after the wildlife and landscapes.

I listened first, and knew right away they were great candidates for expedition cruising, even without any cruising experience behind them.

From there I compared regions, lines, and pricing across several options before landing on Svalbard, with pre-cruise time in Norway to give them that cultural anchor before things got wild.

They're now booked in a balcony stateroom on Swan Hellenic, with touring in Norway ahead of it, for June 2027.

If a small-ship expedition is on your mind, let's plan one around what you actually want.

08/18/2026

In Hong Kong, classic and contemporary flavours come together in a dessert culture unlike any other. Discover the sweet treats and beloved bakeries that reveal the city's unique character, then reach out to plan your own culinary adventure. 🏙️☕ 🍰

📷: Andrew Faulk

Bakehouse, Hashtag B, Cheung Hing Coffee Shop, and more beloved bakeries showcase the sweet side of Hong Kong’s food culture.

08/13/2026

Boston’s Seaport district has transformed into a vibrant waterfront destination, blending harbour views, public art, exceptional dining, and stylish shopping. 🦞⚓️🌊

Discover how to make the most of this dynamic neighbourhood, then reach out to start planning your New England escape.

Slurp oysters by the water at Island Creek, shop at The Current, overnight at the Boston Harbor Hotel, and more must-dos on the city’s revitalized waterfront.