Airplane Mode: Group Chat
Travel advisors, editors, and writers reveal where they're going in 2026, their best hotel stays, and honest takes on using AI to plan travel
Welcome to Airplane Mode, a series of conversations with people whose taste and style I’m obsessed with.
I’m always asking everyone I know for travel recommendations – where are you going next year, what hotel are you still thinking about, how did you find that restaurant? Since it's January and we're all in planning mode, I did what any reasonable travel obsessed person would do: I gathered people (travel advisors, magazine editors, writers, hotel aficionados) whose travel choices I’m endlessly inspired by into one group chat.
We talked about 2026 wishlist destinations, seasonal favorites, best hotels, packing essentials, and honest takes on everything from airline loyalty to AI trip planning. Turns out, we all love Mexico, the best time to visit NYC is in the winter (???), and Forestis might be the most-recommended hotel on the planet.
Think of this as the group chat you wish you had when planning your next trip :)
Meet the group
Hi! Allison here - I’m a California based travel advisor, film photographer and founder of Sur Collective.
Hi! I’m Julia, an East Coast native turned Angelino and hotel obsessed.
Hi guys! Brandon Berkson here, founder and Editor-in-Chief of digital & print travel magazine specializing in boutique hotels, Hotels Above Par.
Hi! Carly Shea here, I’m a Brooklyn-based writer and the lifestyle editor at Yolo Journal.
Hello! This is Sanchita—writer and founder of HAFH, currently based in Austin.
Okay, jumping right in: where are you dying to go this year?
Julia: MEXICO CITY. It’s been on my travel bucket list for years and for one reason or another…it hasn’t happened. Taking myself there this year even if I’m flying solo. In fact, going to book tickets right now so I will hold myself to this.
Brandon: I’m dying to visit Rio de Janeiro. It feels like one of those cities that’s pure energy—where dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture collide. The image of the city alone is intoxicating: lush mountains rising straight out of the ocean, golden beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana curving along the coast, and the massive Christ the Redeemer statue watching over it all.
Carly: So many places! Trancoso in Brazil, Italy’s Cilento Coast, the Nihi opening in Rote, Wildland’s new Hope Lodge in the Scottish Highlands, and I’d really love to go on safari.
Sanchita: Where to even begin… The number one country on my bucket list is Saudi Arabia. But now that I live in the States, I’m fixated on seeing more of this region. Top spots include Marfa, Sedona, Santa Fe and Big Sky.
Allison: I’m looking forward to visiting Fiji in 2026! Kyoto is also at the top of my list. For hotels: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, Sensoria Dolomites, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto and Experimental Chalet Verbier. I’m attending 12 weddings this year so I have to be really intentional about my “must-visits”. I’ll be heading to France, Mexico and more to celebrate some of my favorite people!
Waverly: 12 weddings?! Insane!! Also trying to get to CDMX this year, Japan and Brazil!! So…see you guys there? Also, Sanchita, you will love Santa Fe.
What are your favorite destinations for different times of the year?
Sanchita:
Winter: England. There’s no place like home for the festive period
Spring: I’m inclined to say Massachusetts
Summer: The American Southwest. The heat is unapologetic, but it somehow makes sense to me to explore more of it in the summer
Fall: Northern California. Autumn belongs to the Bay Area. I can’t get enough of it
Carly:
Winter: NYC, even after the holidays the winter here is magic
Spring: Eleuthera in the Bahamas
Summer: practically any small town in coastal New England
Fall: the Scottish Highlands
Allison:
Winter: I visit my best friends every winter in New York City. Most think I’m crazy given the weather, but as a born and raised Southern California girl, I think New York in winter is magic. I also can’t get enough of The Cotswolds in the winter. I’m eyeing a stay at Cowley Manor and Estelle Manor next
Spring: I love a road trip up the California Coast. Big Sur, Carmel and Marin County are all special places to me
Summer: Anywhere by the ocean! Biarritz, France is a personal favorite along with Laguna Beach. Also, the Dolomites!
Fall: Mexico City in the fall is the best. I also love visiting Kauai in early fall
Julia:
Winter: Australia (because it’s their summer! Does this count as a winter destination LOL I hate the cold)
Spring: South America (Peru!)
Summer: East Coast US; nothing compares to an East Coast summer IMO (Cape Cod, New Jersey, Outer Banks, etc.)
Fall: Anywhere in Europe & SoCal (Sept/Oct/Nov is local summer)
Brandon:
Winter: Todos Santos, Mexico (90 min drive from Cabo!)
Spring: Milan, Italy - I’m a strong believer in shoulder season. People love to dismiss Milan as Italy’s “too modern” city, but it’s one of my favorite destinations in Europe. Fondazione Prada is always my first recommendation
Summer: San Francisco - say what you will about San Francisco’s post-pandemic struggles, but after two recent visits, I’m convinced the city is on the upswing. Also, don’t call me gloomy, but I love some moddy fog
Fall: New York City - unbeatable!
Waverly: Okay, clearly winter in NYC is an under-rated experience and East Coast summers are also essential. As a CT girl who goes to Martha’s Vineyard every summer, I cannot agree more :) I am a SF hater but Brandon, after my most recent trip I’m actually coming around to it (it helped that it was very warm and sunny).
What's somewhere you love that feels a bit more under the radar?
Brandon: Jacumba Hot Springs, 90 min from San Diego. A group of friends purchased not just the hotel but much of the surrounding town, reimagining it into a spiritual, Southwestern, boho-chic retreat.
Allison: I caught the end of the season in Menorca on a short solo trip this year and absolutely loved it. To me, Menorca feels like a blend of Mallorca, Ireland and Biarritz all wrapped up in one (aka my dream combination!). Think sheep-filled fields, the bluest water you’ve ever seen, local, family-run restaurants and design-forward boutique hotels.
I stayed at Menorca Experimental and had an incredible stay from start to finish (including yoga with this view!).
Julia: Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico…I can’t believe more people don’t go here. It’s a wine region like Napa, but half the price and you get tacos with your wine. Some incredible Michelin starred restaurants. The only true luxury hotel is Banyan Tree and I’ve rented some awesome houses here. Tip: Hire a driver to take you around to the wineries for the day, really cheap! 2-3 nights is perfect.
Sanchita: People are sleeping on Michigan. Detroit is vastly underrated, especially creatively. And the Great Lakes are properly stunning.
Carly: Eleuthera in The Bahamas and the North Shore of Massachusetts. They are both really beautiful and unpretentious.
Waverly: I totally agree. One my close friends is from Detroit and we went for the 4th + her bridal shower, it’s actually so stunning there. And I LOVE The Cove Eleuthera. Easily the most relaxing place I’ve ever stayed.
I always love hearing this one: what’s the best hotel you’ve ever stayed at?
Carly: I can’t pick just one! Some favorites are Palazzo Daniele, São Lourenço do Barrocal, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and Killiehuntly.
Julia: Forestis; everything was next level. Service, food, spa. It should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Waverly: I hear about this hotel NON-STOP!! I neeeed to go.
Allison: Gosh, this is tough! I stayed at Collegio alla Querce this summer and that property is really, really special. It’s a 19th-century boarding school that has been converted into a luxury hotel with sweeping views of Florence (I could see the Duomo from my window). A few other standouts: La Fantaisie, Forestis, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Ojai Valley Inn.
Brandon: Casa Angelina on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It’s a whitewashed, contemporary stay overlooking the sea in quiet Praiano, a small fishing village that’s ten minutes by car from overcrowded Positano.
Sanchita: Without a doubt, Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. It holds a sentimental place in my heart, and I can’t think of a more soothing ambiance.
When you’re planning a trip, where do you usually turn for recommendations?
Allison: I’m constantly saving recommendations and ideas...Instagram, Substack, books, conversations with friends. I’m always inspired!
Sanchita: Reddit. I love a good Reddit thread. It’s unfiltered in a way that I trust. I’ll cross-reference any glossy listicle with what’s being said there to get a clearer read on what’s actually worth visiting.
Waverly: very recently became a Reddit user - surprisingly helpful.
Brandon: As a self-proclaimed media junkee, I’m obsessed with independent titles. I love The Spaces, Monocle, and Yolo Journal. When it comes to looking for hotels, I’ve always gone to Mr. & Mrs. Smith—people sometimes think that since they were bought by Hyatt, they sold their soul. I don’t believe that at all—the brand has oodles of cool boutique hotels on their website that don’t feel corporate.
Julia: …Substack. Asking people who’s taste I trust or align with. I did a whole write up on strategy for how I find restaurants here.
Carly: Yolo Journal is always my go-to, but I also love Monica Mendal’s Substack So There’s This Place, Outliers Guide, the AmiGo app, and whatever looks interesting in print at Casa Magazines or Hudson News. The best source is always someone who actually lives there, so if I don’t have a friend there yet, I’ll talk to the barista or shopkeeper or whoever and try to make one.
What’s your take on using AI to plan trips?
Sanchita: If your AI knows you well enough, its recommendations can be unnervingly accurate. I can’t quite decide whether to be impressed or concerned. But it’s here to stay, so resisting it feels pointless.
Allison: Do I think AI can be a helpful starting point to map out an itinerary or explore a new destination that feels overwhelming? Yes. Will it uncover the place your parents still reminisce about from their honeymoon, or the restaurant your friend swears was the best meal of her life? Highly unlikely. With that said, I think AI can be a useful tool here and there, but it’s not a reliable, trusted guide. If you’re looking for the touches that make a trip feel intentional and personal, a travel advisor or trusted friend will take you much further.
Julia: I think it can be a helpful starting point! But I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a client a few months back who used ChatGPT to plan their trip to Greece this past summer; she was 1.) appalled at the number of Americans on the island and 2.) found it funny that all the Americans were visiting all the same places ChatGPT told all of them to go to. You’ll just never get the same expertise, service and matchmaking that an advisor can do.
Brandon: No bueno. I rely on Substack writers and media brands I trust, which, in my view, do far better curation than ChatGPT ever could. AI has its place—drafting an admin email about inventory or handling something purely calculative—but when it comes to journalists writing stories for us, it’s a hard no. The human element matters, and AI flattens it; it’s usually obvious when something was written by a person versus generated by ChatGPT.
Carly: I’m so anti AI for planning a trip. LLMs do not have discerning taste (yet) and a truly special website-less trattoria run by someone’s nonna, or a secret hike to a beach that a fisherman told you about won’t make it into whatever itinerary ChatGPT slaps together for you. So much of what makes hospitality special is the human element of it—like a bartender overhearing that it’s your birthday and bringing over a plate of olives with a candle in it, which happened to me in Lake Como this year and was so touching and memorable. AI doesn’t get how those moments feel, and (as of now) can’t really help you find them.
Waverly: Agree, agree, agree.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your city when people visit?
Brandon: Oh, hands down—take them to Gupshup. It’s a Gramercy Park restaurant serving some of the best Indian food I’ve had anywhere in the city, with décor that feels straight out of buzzy Mumbai. Their Chicken Tikka Masala is unforgettable—I love it so much I’ve celebrated my birthday there twice. Honestly, my love language is people trusting (and loving) my travel recommendations, whether it’s a restaurant, a hotel, or an entire destination.
Waverly: Gupshup is phenomenal!!!
Carly: Go for a long walk in Prospect Park then take them to my favorite pizza place in Brooklyn, Table 87.
Sanchita: Austin is known for its food scene, but what I really value are places that allow for good conversations. Este, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, Flo’s Wine Bar, Strangelove and Craft Omakase are some standouts.
Allison: Los Angeles can be one of the trickiest cities to visit in my opinion since it’s so spread out (and you don’t want to spend more time sitting in traffic than actually enjoying the city). With that said, I usually pick one area to focus on when friends come to town. If it’s the Westside - Flo for coffee in Venice, Jyan Issac for bagels and Cobi’s or Gjelina for dinner. If it’s the Eastside - Maru for coffee and All Time for breakfast.
Julia: I actually love getting visitors because it means I get to do the touristy stuff I always say I’ll do…but never actually get to!
Universal Studios
Malibu day trip: lunch at Malibu Farm (touristy but I love it)
Shop on Abbot Kinney & brunch at Gjelina
Visit Erewhon
What’s your travel setup? Need to know it all…luggage, airport outfit, and what’s in your carry-on?
P.S. are we… dressing up at the airport now? ;)
Allison: I’m a Beis loyalist for my checked and carry-on bag! I also love the Patagonia Duffel Bag – I’ve had mine for so many years. I like to keep it simple when I travel. I’m usually in a matching sweat set and a baseball cap, or linen pants, a tee and a sweater. For shoes: sneakers all the way.
In my carry-on bag: my film camera, copious amounts of film, a cashmere sweater, snacks (I’m supposed to be gluten free so plane food can be tricky), Beekeeper’s Natural Throat Spray, my kindle, hair clip
Sanchita: I don’t believe in expensive suitcases. Airports cure you of that quickly. But a Rimowa carry-on I’ll happily defend. When it comes to what I’m wearing, it’s comfort over anything. I love Varley, especially for their soft wide leg trousers and sweatshirts. For the most part, I’d say I pack pretty minimally (check-in is another story). I’ve got my laptop, my camera, a book and a small edit of toiletries—I like to look somewhat put together when I land, and multitasking products are my friend.
Julia: Still using my Away Bigger Carry-On + Calpak Luka bag, but once the Away kicks the bucket, word on the street is that Rimowa is worth the investment so I’ll be putting that to the test.
We’re dressing cute! Or at least bringing a change of clothes so we can look cute on arrival (this is because I’m usually headed on a work trip). Go to outfit is a pair of loose jeans or black pants, a white t-shirt, a cardigan or sweater over my shoulders and a pair of sneakers.
Carly: The July carry-on is my go to right now, I like that there’s tracking built in if I end up needing to check it. And you will never catch me at the airport in leisurewear—I don’t even think I own sweatpants! I always wear jeans (these Madewell ones are so comfortable), a t-shirt and sweater, and loafers or some flat, close-toed shoes. Toes out in the terminal is crazy.
Brandon: My July carry-on is hands down the best bang-for-your-buck piece of luggage I own. It’s purple, it fits everything I need, and it proves that I’m not an overpacker—just an efficient one.
Is anyone still doing airline loyalty or have we all given up? Any tips for booking business class or using credit card points?
Julia: I’m a Chase Sapphire Reserve + United Explorer Card combo gal. All my points go to United flights and I’m United loyal.
…outing myself here but I have yet to fly business class…
I used to just stick it out in Economy. Now I mostly fly Premium Economy on points or cash. Sometimes I’m booking economy, then upgrading with points to PE. It’s worth the investment for me to show up to a work trip feeling well rested, or flights longer than 10hrs to be comfortable.
Carly: I’m by no means a pro at this, but I very rarely pay cash for a flight—I use miles for everything—so yes, it’s worth it to play the game. That said, I hardly ever fly business unless I get a free upgrade. I’m 5’2” so I’m content with economy and just grateful that I get to fly anywhere at all.
Allison: I traveled to so many different places this year that I’m not loyal to one airline currently. I tend to focus on the best route and balance of convenience and price rather than brand loyalty. I have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card and use points for flights whenever I have them! If you’ve built up a meaningful amount of points, prioritize these for flights first, hotels second.
Brandon: Delta, Delta, Delta.
Sanchita: Say what you will, but I’ll always choose British Airways where I can for international flights. My loyalty is emotional, not logical. My husband and I recently switched over to Chase Sapphire, and I think I’m a fan? But time will tell.
How do you stay healthy and maintain routines when you travel so much?
Sanchita: I’m still figuring this out! I try to stick to my at-home schedules as closely as possible. That includes sleep schedules, morning routines and evening routines. I also like to walk everywhere if I can. But realism over perfectionism.
Carly: At the end of 2024 I started running (at least) a mile every single day. Even if I only have 15 minutes for a workout I make sure to do it to stay in motion. I also love to try out workout classes on the road and have a very dialed-in travel wellness kit with all sorts of panaceas if the wheels really fall off.
Brandon: I honestly wish I had a good answer for this. I often neglect self-care because I travel about three out of every four weeks. I come up with too many excuses. But for 2026, that’s my resolution: to work out more, whether there is a hotel gym or not; to eat healthier (I could use more greens); and to take some more time to do absolutely nothing (I’m one of those people who feels they have to always be doing something).
Allison: It can be a struggle! I’ve learned to be flexible with my routines when I’m on the go. These are a few things I do at home vs. traveling to keep me sane.
Pre-Trip: Organizing and simplifying my space so I come home to less overwhelm.
Traveling: I swear by the Beekeeper’s Natural Spray for keeping colds away. I keep one in all of my bags. I use The Pilates Method for quick workouts and meditations on the go. Walk, walk and walk!
Post-Trip: Unpacking immediately when I return from a trip. A no frills, post-flight massage - I love Vela Massage in Santa Monica.
With that said, I feel my best mentally when I travel! I’ve learned to go with the flow which helps keep things stress-free. There is always a Plan B and travel hiccups usually lead to good stories along the way.
Julia: Ladder !! It’s a gym coaching app with various coaches and keeps me accountable at home + on the go.
Make healthy breakfast choices; even if the pancakes look reallyyyy good, I’m going for simple eggs or yogurt. It’s an easy way to start the day right, and leave room for (inevitable) treats later in the day.
Waverly: My mom has literally been telling me to download Ladder for a year. I finally did and I’m obsessed. It’s so great.
What’s your current hot take about travel?
Carly: This is hardly a hot take, but I think my generation is too concerned with over-optimizing travel in a way that leaves little space for discovery and connection. Roll the dice and go somewhere that none of your friends have been! Take a trip and don’t post anything about it! Put down your phone and talk to people! Not everything needs to be optimized by and regurgitated for the internet.
Waverly: LOVE this take so much.
Sanchita: ‘Hidden gem’ has become a meaningless term. Also, you don’t need to travel everywhere to travel well.
Julia: Fast travel is still real travel. If you’re visiting a destination you may never return to, it’s ok to hit several cities or landmarks in a short period (we don’t all have the luxury of slow travel or the opportunity to “go back next time”). Covering a lot in a short period of time can still be meaningful and memorable, just make sure you’re calling your travel advisor to help you maximize your time ;)
Allison: Travel is never a competition. Go where you want to travel, not where everyone else is going. Every trip you take can have a different purpose! Sometimes you want to lie on the beach all day and do nothing, other times you want to be on the go all day. There is no “right” way to travel as long as you stay true to what feels best to you and what your focus is for a particular trip.
Waverly: PREACH!!!
Last question! What are you working on or excited about right now?
Brandon: Lots of exciting updates ahead. We’re focused on growing our readership, which currently hits around 450,000 monthly readers across our platforms, while continuing to bridge old and new media in meaningful ways. That means expanding our digital presence without losing the depth, curation, and credibility that define us—and leaning further into tactile experiences as well. You can expect more print products in the mix, alongside thoughtful collaborations and new ways for readers to engage with our work both on- and offline.
Allison: I’m launching some exciting projects in the new year: a new website, fun merch and a greater focus on Substack. I can’t wait to share more!
Julia: My travel agency is working on a rebrand…and I am giddy just thinking about it. The past two years have been huge years for growth, and I want my branding to reflect where I am at now and hold true for the next ~5 years. Otherwise, I’m probably traveling even more in 2026 than I did in 2025; soaking up my final few years as LA as my base before my partner and I relocate to Australia.
Sanchita: The past year has been very go-go-go, and I’m ready for things to slow down a little. There’s also a lot I’m excited about with HAFH. The priority is depth over momentum, but I don’t want to reveal too much for now.
This was so fun!! And like wow, what a gold mine of tips, recommendations and inspiration. Thank you Julia, Brandon, Carly, Allison and Sanchita for imparting so much wisdom <3 If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.
A few things that became very clear in this conversation:
Where to go in 2026: Mexico (CDMX, Valle de Guadalupe, Todos Santos), Japan (Kyoto), Brazil (Rio, Trancoso), the Dolomites, Scotland, and don’t sleep on NYC in winter
Favorite hotels: Forestis in the Dolomites, Collegio alla Querce in Florence, Casa Angelina on the Amalfi Coast, La Fantasie in Paris, Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, São Lourençco do Barrocal in Portugal and Palazzo Daniele in Italy (gosh everyone has such good taste)
Less touristy spots to add to your list: Menorca, Eleuthera in the Bahamas, Jacumba Hot Springs, Detroit and the Great Lakes, Valle de Guadalupe
Credit card consensus: Chase Sapphire Reserve is the unanimous favorite
Wellness hack: walk everywhere
And my favorite section, the hot takes, reminding us there is no “right” way to travel.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, xx.
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Thanks for having me Waverly - so fun!
This was so fun—thanks for having me!🤍