How to Savor

These are some general parameters on how I travel, research new places, and decide where to go

Food

I eat mostly pescetarian (including shellfish and not too strictly) which impacts which places I like.

I find the Michelin Guide and World’s 50 Best lists helpful, although have had the most success with places that appear on both lists. I also love getting recommendations from friends and family, as well as extensively bookmarking on Instagram.

Google Maps reviews I find to be more hit or miss – and more generous than other platforms (e.g., Yelp, Beli, etc.). I tend to make reservations in advance and balance local food with higher end eats.

Shopping

I’ve found shopping a tougher one to research online. This usually requires sleuthing and saving places I see on social media as often as possible (particularly to get a sense of actual assortment). For places I’ve been before – I’ll share the brands I’ve found the most success with.

Packing

As a reformed consultant who spent significant time on the road – one of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten is to have an extra set of everything for the road so that you never find yourself without it in transit.

I keep a dopp kit (this one from Muji is excellent) packed with a double of all cosmetic and hygiene items in my carry-on at all times, and store it this way at home. I’ve found that this is a great way to have the comforts of home on the road without having to think about packing the essentials each time you travel.

I am also fastidious about planning my outfit for each day of a trip. I’ll write down what I intend to pack for each day of a trip and have been experimenting with Indyx, which makes it easier to pack and make sure I have all items accounted for on the way back. I measure successful packing by having worn every item on the trip – anything I did not was extraneous.

I’m quite strictly a carry-on only person and will pack an empty duffel to take purchases I’ve made back home on any trip I suspect will have a lot of shopping. I particularly like my Away Travel Standard Carry-On and the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (which really does hold a lot).

I also keep an empty, flat folded tote in my carry-on that can be used to carry last-minute souvenirs, and has come in handy many times in a pinch for schlepping things to the beach, a change of clothes mid-day, or just having a larger day bag when needed.

Stays

I’m predisposed to spend on food and shopping over fancy hotels, and will typically choose places that are located close to public transit and in walking distance of attractions. I value safety, cleanliness, and safety. It’s really worth reading the Google Reviews before booking and searching the text any red flags (like bugs).