It Girls Collective: The Monthly Edit

The April Edit

It Girls Collective — Mon, 04 May 2026 19:33:34 GMT

I’ve finally packed away my fur-lined winter jackets for the season, Julia is home from her EPIC Italian adventure, and we’re both heads down making client’s summer dreams come true.

In this month’s edit: where we booked in April from Croatia to Kenya, details on our travel pharmacies, and a love letter to Le Siranuse Mare.

What we published this month

This month our most popular item was … this Substack note on a very special spot in Puglia. We also dropped our City Notes: Los Angeles, wrote 5 Content Ideas for Your Next Month of Instagram Posts for our Travel Advisor tier, and talked about how we like Madrid vs Barcelona. Check them out if you missed them!

What we booked in April

April is really pedal to the metal time for summer bookings, and as of now we are both reaching the limits of how many trips we can stack on our respective plates. Definitely reach out if you’re trying to get out of town this summer.

Julia

Girls weekend at Atelier Playa Mujeres
Honeymoon to Italy (Rome, Florence, Tuscany & Ischia; hello, again Mezzatorre!)
Multi-gen family trip to Greece (Paros & Naxos)
Girls trip to London to see Noah Kahan with a stay at Covent Garden Hotel
1st anniversary weekend trip to The Dunlin, Auberge Collection

Bryce

Croatia & Montenegro with a stop at one of the coolest O&O properties O&O Portonovi
A dad & sons milestone trip to Scotland, with a stop at the iconic Gleneagles property
A last minute 6-day Safari in Kenya as an add to to a speaking gig at an NGO
A September visit to Iceland, with a stop at Eleven Deplar Farm

A new beach club for Le Sirenuse - Le Sirenuse Mare

Ok. So we already said not to go to the Amalfi coast this summer. BUT. We might be making ONE exception. This exception is the new beach club by Le Sirenuse, called Le Sirenuse Mare.

This brand new hot spot is located in Nerano, which is a tiny village on the Sorrentine Peninsula, just far enough from Positano that most people never get there. The water is crystal clear, the crowds are far away and the spaghetti alle vongole is the best on the coast. Locals have been eating it here for decades, unbothered.

And now the Sersale family, the people behind Le Sirenuse (the hotel that has been making people fall in love with the Amalfi Coast for generations), have built a beach club there. Sun terraces, a gorgeous restaurant, three bars, and an Emporio Sirenuse boutique. You arrive via boat from Positano in 25 minutes, straight to a private jetty.

It opens April 23rd. It is going to be impossible to get into by June. Book it now and then plan your whole Amalfi itinerary around it.

Beverly Hills Is Always In

As you know, we love LA. And we love Beverly Hills. Maybe it’s the service, maybe it’s the weather, or maybe it’s just the shopping, but we think it’s always a good idea.

We’re here to talk about a brand new hotel opening, one on the horizon, and give a shoutout to our favorite standby. In order: Hôtel Lili, Aman BH, and the Peninsula.

Hôtel Lili opened this month on Lasky Drive, and it is exactly the kind of property Beverly Hills needed. It’s not another grand dame, but a 44-room boutique with the bones of a 1939 private residence and the interiors of a Parisian hideaway that somehow also feels completely Los Angeles. Bronze lacquer, burnt-orange velvet, a sweeping staircase. It is moody and specific and we can’t wait to take a closer look. Palisociety, the group behind it, knows how to make a hotel feel like a neighborhood secret even when it’s steps from Rodeo Drive.

Aman is coming. The 78-suite Aman Beverly Hills is part of the One Beverly Hills development at Wilshire and Santa Monica, set within eight acres of botanical gardens designed by Foster + Partners. It’s tracking for 2027, ahead of the Olympics. If you know what Aman New York did for that city’s hotel conversation, you have some idea of what this will do for Beverly Hills.

And then there is the Peninsula, which needs no announcement and no moment. It is simply the best hotel in Beverly Hills, full stop — and one of the best hotels in the world. The service is the kind that makes you feel like a regular on your first stay. If you haven’t been, stay for a night or visit for their iconic daily afternoon tea. If you have been, you already know.

Our Travel Pharmacies

We have perma-packed toiletry bags, and smaller travel pharmacy bags inside them. Here’s what is always in them:

Bryce

Sleep and jet lag: Unisom (half a tab) this is the “big guns” I can use if I’m not sleeping at all, it will knock you out but not make you groggy. Melatonin gummies and Magnesium are also always with me for the same reason. Between the three of them I have not had a truly terrible jet lag experience in years.

Pain: The Advil/Tylenol combo pills. One pill, both covered.

Stomach: Zofran for motion sickness on boats, winding roads, small planes. If you’re prone to motion sickness and you’re not traveling with Zofran, talk to your doctor and change that immediately. I also have some Pepto chewables and a few Tums just in case something I eat isn’t sitting well.

Mosquitoes: Citronella bracelets. They may look funny, but I welt from bites so these are a necessary evil.

Just in case: Benadryl. You never know.

The basics: Bandaids. Tweezers. Neosporin.

On hand always: Fresh chapstick, Byredo hand creme, and several extra hair ties.

Misc. Links

Where is the dollar strongest this year? Check out the list here (and spoiler: this could be your year to go to Japan!).
Best Glamping Spots in the world (shoutout to Clayoquot!)
Spirit Airlines is shutting down. Read about it here.
Would you take a shower at the airport? You can in many of these far-flung cities.
Conde Nast gave us their take on travel trends for 2026, back in January. Do these trends still seem accurate?

We’re booking for summer 2026 trips right now, as well as already into Festive and 2027. Submit an inquiry here – we’d love to work on a trip with you!

If you enjoyed this, would you be kind enough to give it a little heart? We hope you have a nice week!

—Bryce | It Girls Collective

The March Edit

It Girls Collective — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:26:21 GMT

It’s officially spring (and also Spring Break for my three kids) and I for one am thrilled about the lack of snow out my windows these days. Every single year it seems like I’m wowed by the event of the sun’s warmth returning and this year is no different. I’m going staycation-style spring break this year. The kids and I are hitting up a bunch of museums (hello Hudson River Planetarium, Storm King and The Frick) and probably I’ll get talked into taking them to the new Super Mario Brothers movie. Julia’s headed out for another marathon travel extravaganza to Italy & London, she’ll keep us all posted on her trips via notes! In any case, on to the travel stuff!

In this month’s edit: where we booked in March from the Dominican Republic to Champagne, France, details on the luggage we personally travel with, and a giant list of new hotel openings in Italy.

What we published this month

This month our most popular post was a tie between our opinion piece on not going to the Amalfi Coast this summer and our Japan 101 guide. We also talked about Luxury Wilderness Lodges and Safari 101. On the business side of things we talked about how maybe You’re Doing Too Much and gave our opinion on rebuilding supplier proposals. Check them out if you missed them!

What we booked in March

We’ve both been juggling some super last minute spring break bookings alongside summer bookings, from where we sit Europe is still going strong, but French Polynesia is also having a good showing this season! We’ve also started getting some big bookings for festive already, it’s not too early to think about it!

Julia

Honeymoon through San Sebastián & Biarritz
4 nights in Tuscany for a 10 year anniversary trip with a focus on food & wine
Tuscany, Florence & Lake Como (Grand Hotel Tremezzo!) for a birthday celebration
60th birthday multi-gen Caribbean cruise for February 2027

Bryce

Sprawling villa booking for festive in the Dominican Republic for two families traveling together
Mediterranean cruise booking on Ritz Carlton Yachts for a couple
France for a couple with a focus on wine: they’re visiting Champagne and Bordeaux!
Wading into group travel - considering a booking for 75 people!

Is it safe to travel right now?

It would feel strange to send our monthly edit without addressing what’s happening in the world — so here we are.

As you’ve likely seen in the news, tensions in the Middle East have led to temporary airspace closures across parts of the Gulf region. Airlines have rerouted flights and issued waivers, and the US government currently has Level 4 advisories (do not travel) for Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, and Level 3 (reconsider travel) for Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Oman, and Cyprus. The most updated advisories are always here.

One thing worth saying clearly: the Middle East and North Africa are vast. Morocco is operating completely normally right now, with travelers on the ground having incredible experiences. It has also become a popular alternative for travelers reconsidering Gulf itineraries. Geographically, Morocco and the Gulf are about as far apart as New York and Los Angeles.

And a quick note on travel insurance: we always recommend it, and moments like this are a good reminder of why. That said, acts of war are typically excluded from standard policies — worth knowing before you assume you’re covered.

So, the net net is we’re still traveling, our clients are still traveling, but we are watching and listening closely to geopolitics and making decisions accordingly.

New Hotel Openings in Italy

Italy is opening A LOT of hotels this in the next three years. Like a full-on, every-region-at-once wave of openings that’s been years in the making. Venice alone has seven properties opening this year. Lake Como is getting its first Ritz-Carlton and its first Raffles. Milan is getting Rosewood and Six Senses in the same calendar year. Sicily, Puglia, Florence, Rome, the Dolomites — there is literally nowhere in Italy right now that isn’t getting something worth paying attention to.

We made a list (and maybe a spreadsheet). Here’s what’s coming, region by region.

VENICE

Airelles Venezia — The French luxury group’s first property outside France opens this spring on Giudecca island, inside a 16th-century Palladio-designed complex with private gardens, three pools, and a restaurant partnership with Nobu. It’s only five minutes by boat from Piazza San Marco.

Eight Hotel Venezia — A beloved Venetian boutique returning after an extensive renovation; watch this one.

Four Seasons Hotel Danieli — The oldest continuously operating hotel in Venice, a 15th-century palazzo steps from Piazza San Marco, reopens this August under Four Seasons management after a €30 million renovation by Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Mandarin Oriental San Clemente Palace — Mandarin takes over the San Clemente Palace on its own private lagoon island. 136 rooms, four restaurants, a spa, and a boat to bring you to and from the city.

Orient Express Venezia — The legendary travel brand’s second hotel in Italy opens this spring inside a 15th-century Cannaregio palazzo, designed by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman with 47 rooms and suites and a Wagon Bar that’s a direct nod to the golden age of rail.

Rosewood Hotel Bauer — The iconic Bauer, between the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco, returns late 2026 as a Rosewood. 110 keys, mostly suites, with a rooftop Italian garden and an eighth-floor pool with panoramic views of the city.

The Langham Venice — Opening on Murano island inside the restored Casino Mocenigo, this one is for those who want Venice without being in the middle of Venice.

MILAN

METT Torre Velasca Milan — A boutique opening inside the iconic Torre Velasca, one of Milan’s most recognizable postwar buildings. Ideal for design obsessives and architecture nerds.

Rosewood Milan — Opening in two connected 19th-century palazzos on the edge of the fashion district, only steps from Via Montenapoleone. 70 rooms, Asaya spa, and a courtyard bar that’s already generating buzz.

Six Senses Milan — Landing in the Brera arts quarter late 2026, directly across from the Pinacoteca di Brera. 69 rooms, a sky pool, rooftop bar, and a Six Senses spa in the middle of one of Europe’s most creative neighborhoods.

LAKE COMO

Ritz-Carlton Bellagio, Bellagio — The first Ritz-Carlton in Italy, opening inside the restored 1850 Hotel Grande Bretagne. 105 rooms and suites, a spa with indoor and outdoor pools, and a private dock for arriving by boat, as one does in Como.

Corinthia Lake Como, Menaggio — A new entry from the Corinthia brand on the western shore, adding another strong option to the lake.

Miralago Luxury Apartments, Cernobbio — For those who want a longer stay or a home base, these are private residences with lake views in one of Como’s most beautiful villages.

LAKE GARDA

Le Graal Lake Garda, Desenzano — The Le Graal brand brings its design-forward sensibility to Garda’s largest city, our favorite spot for travelers who want the lake without the Lake Como crowds.

FLORENCE

Borgo Pignano Florence — Sister property to the beloved Borgo Pignano in Tuscany, this one opens on Montughi Hill in a restored 15th-century villa with 12 acres of grounds. It has more garden space than any other hotel in the city.

La Réserve Firenze — The French luxury brand comes to Florence; expect the same intimate, house-like feel that made La Réserve Paris a word-of-mouth favorite.

Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel (reopening) — One of Florence’s most beloved properties, a former 15th-century monastery on the hillside above Fiesole, returns after a long closure.

ROME & SURROUNDINGS

Le Graal Private Club, Rome — A members-club concept from Le Graal, adding a more intimate, access-driven option to a city already full of grand hotels.

Mandarin Oriental Rome — Mandarin’s Rome debut, bringing the brand’s signature wellness focus and service standard to a city that’s been waiting for it.

Rosewood Rome — Already generating serious buzz, Rosewood Rome is a converted palazzo with interiors that feel more like a private home than a hotel.

Borgo Lavinium, Lavinium — A coastal escape just south of Rome, for travelers who want the city but need a beach day built in.

Casa JK Roma — From the JK Hotels family, a boutique addition to Rome’s design hotel scene in the spirit of JK Place in Florence and Capri.

CAMPANIA

Rocco Forte Palazzo Sirignano, Napoli — Rocco Forte comes to Naples, which has been criminally underserved by luxury hotels given how much the city has to offer — a long-overdue arrival.

PUGLIA

Four Seasons Resort Puglia, near Ostuni — Four Seasons’ first resort in Puglia, opening near the white city of Ostuni — masserie-style architecture, olive groves, and the Adriatic just beyond.

Belmond Puglia, Ostuni — Belmond plants its flag in Puglia with a property that will almost certainly become the benchmark for the region the way Belmond always does.

SICILY

Rocco Forte Palazzo Castelluccio, Noto — Rocco Forte’s third Sicilian property opens in the heart of Noto’s UNESCO-listed Baroque valley, inside an 18th-century palazzo. This one is for anyone who fell in love with San Domenico in Taormina and is ready for the next chapter.

UMBRIA

La Badia, Orvieto — A restored medieval abbey overlooking the dramatic cliffs of Orvieto — one of those properties that earns the word “breathtaking” without trying.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

Le Graal Cortina — Le Graal’s mountain outpost in one of Italy’s most glamorous ski towns, for the après crowd who wants design and discretion in equal measure.

Mandarin Oriental Cristallo — Mandarin takes over the legendary Cristallo, one of the grande dame hotels of the Dolomites — a full-circle moment for a property that’s been on the wish list for years.

Our Personal Luggage Picks

Luggage is always on our minds. We each have our standbys, and both of us are usually carry-on-only girlies (rare in the industry actually!). Here’s our list of what we actually travel with:

Bryce

Ok so I have two rolling carry-ons that I use, both from Away. The standard is the bigger carry on HERE. I have it in a charcoal color that I’m not seeing anymore. I’ve had it for over 7 years now and actually have ordered (and replaced DIY!) their wheel replacement kit. It was super easy to do. When I’m going on a shorter weekend I prefer this one HERE. It’s smaller and aluminum. I have it in black.

When I’m traveling somewhere long-haul, to multiple climates, bringing my drone, or honestly when I’m traveling with a bunch of other advisors I know I will be waiting at baggage claim anyway, so I’ll pack up my medium Rimowa for those trips. It’s really sturdy and beautiful. You can find that HERE.

As far as duffels go. I have an inherited vintage Louis Vuitton which makes me feel very fancy, but TBH it is really sturdy. The new version is HERE, but I adore the patina mine has on it, so if you like that too I’d look at secondhand stores! I also have a Very Troubled Child bag that I adore. I bought it at a sample sale years ago and it still looks brand new. Check it out HERE.

Julia

I’ve been an Away stan through and through for the last few years; I’m on the Away Bigger Carry On (linked above), and Away Large Checked Suitcase. Once those kick the bucket, I’m going for the Rimowa. I’ve heard they are absolutely worth the splurge, and since I’m traveling ~2x/mo these days, I think the ROI will pay off.

For a personal item, I’m brining my Calpak Luka Duffel. It was the luggage piece that changed me from a checked bag for every trip to a carry-on only gal. My only complaint is that when I don’t have a roller carry-on, it can get very heavy to carry around by the straps (and I’m currently on the hunt for a great backpack option if anyone has recommendations…).

Bits & Bobs

United launched “United Relax Row” - which is genius and perfection and I cannot wait to take my kids on a trip to utilize this. It will make long-haul trips so much better if you can’t get into First Class. It also makes the case for me to travel out to EWR instead of LGA or JFK.
National Geographic opens its long-awaited Museum of Exploration in Washington D.C. this June — 100,000 square feet of immersive technology, wildlife photography, and explorer storytelling, right at the Society’s historic headquarters.
Auberge is bringing its mountain luxury to Steamboat Springs with The Stockman — a ski-in, ski-out resort at the base of Steamboat Resort breaking ground in 2026 and opening in 2030, with 59 rooms, 95 residences, and true Champagne Powder access.
This delightful thread of all incredible kids amenities that luxury hotels have. Read on to hear about kid-size wellies, a lego-butler, and remote-controlled cars delivering stuffies.
A list of the best road trips in the U.S. South.

We’re booking for summer 2026 trips right now, as well as already into Festive and 2027. Submit an inquiry here – we’d love to work on a trip with you!

If you enjoyed this, would you be kind enough to give it a little heart? We hope you have a nice week!

—Bryce & Julia | It Girls Collective

The February Edit

It Girls Collective — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:59:20 GMT

Hi hello from snowy New York (and Julia waving from Japan)—

We’ve gotten so much snow in New York that my children have had an extra three days of winter break and I’ve spoken to two clients this week in Salt Lake City that wish I could transfer snow to them (so do I!). While I’m de-icing my steps (again), Julia is off in Japan making bonsai tree art and eating matcha ice cream (and making me jealous!).

In this month’s roundup: where we booked in February, our personal travel bucket lists, spring break islands in the Caribbean and is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?

What we published this month

This month our most popular post was The 5 Weekend Trips from LA We Recommend Again and Again - so many good long weekend gems in that one. We also did a little hotel matchmaking with an article about sister hotels. One to bookmark for those times you’re looking for inspiration! On the business side of things we talked about the 3 Things We Would Do If We Were Starting Over, an awesome breakdown of DMC vs Wholesaler vs Tour Operator vs Rep Company—something we know can get really confusing.

What we booked in February

Planuary has somehow transitioned seamlessly into Febru-Where-y? We’re both seeing so many trips coming in across the board - from last-minute spring break trips to Safari’s in 2027 and of course lots of summer European trips for 2026.

Julia

30th anniversary trip to Croatia, June 2026
Honeymoon to Italy, May 2026
Family trip for Grandpa’s 70th birthday to Banff
Last minute getaway to Palm Springs for a couple celebrating a career milestone

Bryce

Safari for 6 in 2027
Couples trip to Madrid (for the Bad Bunny concert) and then Marbella, May 2026
Four Seasons Yachting in Dubrovnik, June 2026
Family of four first timers to London and Italy for Spring Break, March 2026

Let’s Talk about Spring Break in the Caribbean

These are our three most-booked islands for spring break and why.

Turks and Caicos:

Perfect island for those who want zero hassle. Grace Bay is reliably calm, luminous, and swimmable. Flights are easy from most major U.S. cities. Resorts are gorgeous, kid-friendly, and walkable. You can truly land, unpack once, and spend all your time on the beach.

Best for: families with younger kids, first-time Caribbean travelers, anyone who wants the beach to be the hero and the logistics to be easy.

Anguilla:

The beaches are just as beautiful as Turks, but the vibe is quieter and more design-y. Dining off-property is actually good, which is rare in the region. Getting there requires a connection through St. Maarten, which keeps the crowds down.

Best for: couples, families with older kids, and those who prioritize design, privacy, and long lunches that turn into sunset cocktails.

Saint Lucia

Think volcanic peaks, lush hillsides, and hotels perched high above the sea. You come here for scenery and romance, not just beach lounging. It feels like a real change of landscape.

Best for: honeymooners, milestone birthdays, and families with teens who want a mix of beach days and adventure.

There are of course so many more islands, but those are our top three that clients book over and over!

Our Personal Bucket Lists

As travel advisors our list of places on “the list” never seems to get any shorter - it’s like crossing one off the list makes two more appear immediately. In any case we thought it would be fun to share our top three and why.

Bryce

My number one on my bucket list is a safari in South Africa. I’ve never been and I can just FEEL how magical it is based on client feedback and literally everyone I’ve known who has been. It’s so high on my list that it might as well take up all three spots. Fingers crossed this is my year!
The Atacama desert. I have a real THING for the night sky. I’ve taken night sky photography classes and pretty much fall into an awe-filled trance when I get to see the Milky Way in any real way. This makes the Atacama desert top of my list if only for the night sky.
Visiting the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Lapland. This one just snuck to the top of my list because I’m planning a very special trip for a dear friend of mine which will include this stay, and I cannot get enough of the photos - I must visit myself!

Julia

Rascal Voyages & Nihi Sumba in Indonesia: Ideally a combination of the two; off the beaten path, focused on nature and true luxury.
Switzerland: The magic of scenic train rides, cheese and cows sounds like my DREAM. Burgenstock for sure.
Sea Ranch Lodge: While there are some amazing far flung destinations, I’m also trying to stay closer to home and this one would be perfect for a long weekend unwinding by the sea.

Bits & bobs

Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? It depends where you’re going. Our clients have been briefed but you can read more about it here.

Five new ultra-luxurious hotels. One is in Utah, look out Amangiri. See all five here.

What’s it like being a million-miler flier? Read about it here

The No. 1 Place to Visit in 2026, According to Tripadvisor - and it’s a beach island. Also only one US city made the top 10 (can you guess which one it is?) Read about here.

We’re booking for summer 2026 trips right now, as well as already into Festive and 2027. Submit an inquiry here.– we’d love to work on a trip with you!

If you enjoyed this, would you be kind enough to give it a little heart? We hope you have a nice week!

—Bryce & Julia | It Girls Collective

The October Edit

It Girls Collective — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:42:29 GMT

Hello!

We’re in the slalom now – seems like a straight shot from spooky season closing through to Thanksgiving and how-is-it only 50 days until Christmas? In any case, lots on our docket - we’ll be covering Travel Tuesday and launching our first gift guide as well.

In this month’s roundup: where we booked in October, new flight routing we are excited about, children’s programming at the NYC Ballet, and what we always pack when we are on the road.

What we published this month

This month our most popular post was about Hotels that Fit a Family of Five - we loved writing that one – it’s a question we get all the time! We also did a little write up of Where the 1% are Headed in 2026, and over on our travel advising business side of things we talked about Client Volume, OOO prep and Julia mapped out a month of Instagram Posts.

What we booked in October

It’s crunch time for any last minute festive trips - reach out to see what’s still open, but both of us are booking into summer of 2026, now is the best time to get going on big trips for next year.

Julia

3 week honeymoon to Australia, NZ & Fiji
Winter getaway to Cabo at One&Only Palmilla
South of France couples trip at Hotel Belle Rives for April 2026
Couples trip through Puglia & Rome for May 2026

Bryce

Paris in the spring for a multi-gen girls trip
Puerto Vallarta for festive for 10
Visit to The Hague in the Netherlands
NYC weekend at the Waldorf

Let’s talk about new flight routes

One of the more nerdy/technical things we love to track is … new airline routes. It gives us some insight on demand in different locations, but also allows us to suggest options to clients with precision. So, we thought we’d dive into the top routes we are thrilled about that opened in 2025, and what’s on the horizon for 2026.

2025 Routing

Miami to South Caicos in Turks and Caicos - American is now the only major airline in this airport, and it’s a straight shot to the newly opened Salterra.
Philadelphia to Edinburgh on American. Great for golfers and foodies alike. The Old Course starts taking tee times 18 months ahead of time, just FYI.
New York to Sicily. Both Delta and United opened new routing to Sicily (thanks again White Lotus)
New York to Bari (Italy). Neos Air added this routing and it gets you straight to Puglia, which is SUCH an underrated spot in Italy. 10/10 recommend.
Newark to Bilbao (Spain). One of my favorite spots (San Sebastian) is just a short jaunt from Bilbao.

And a tiny shoutout to a teeny route that opened from Carlsbad CA to Phoenix AZ - personally this makes it so much easier for me to get home from the east coast.

Looking ahead to 2026

American is adding routes from Dallas Fort Worth to Athens, Buenos Aires, and Zurich, and also from Philadelphia to both Budapest and Prague.

Delta is leaning in on Saturday routing to the Caribbean in 2026 - like Atlanta to Grenada as well as to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Boston to Aruba and Nassau.

Take your kids everywhere

There’s a couple of mantras I repeat to myself about being a parent, one of which is that one of my big goals is to raise kids who always want to come home. Conversely, another one I like to roll around in my head when I’m planning out my travels is — take your kids everywhere. This month I added another page to this book. I try to take each of my kids on a mini trip into the city each quarter, and this month I took my 6 year-old daughter to the city to see her first ballet program. NYC Ballet has a children’s show that runs quarterly (ish) and is only an hour long, and this one was a mashup of several ballets, just one dance each. While she loved it, what REALLY was the showstopper was the after-show stop at the Croc HQ in midtown to buy some new shoes since the ones she had on were giving her blisters. We came home with hot-pink furry crocs (they exist!) and way too many jibbitz. According to her (and me) it was the best part of the day.

We had a great time, 10/10 recommend solo trips with your kids.

What we never travel without

Here’s a short list of the top three-items neither one of us travels without.

Bryce

This power bank. It’s a true workhorse and charges up my phone several times on one charge. I prefer this one over the kind that sticks to the back of your phone because I like to be able to put the phone in my pocket easily.
AirTags. Always. Even if it’s in a carry-on, I’m throwing one in, so I can always tell if I have everything with me moving from hotel to hotel (we tend to see a lot in one spot on most trips).
This hand lotion and this lip balm. Forever and always trying to moisturize. TBH I have a version of this in my everyday bag and also my nightstand along with my travel kit.

Julia

Luka Calpack: Fits SO MUCH. I was never a carry-on only girlie until I got this bag…(currently on sale!!)
Foot hammock: Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. If you’re flying economy, this is a game changer for sleeping on planes/being more comfortable overall.
LMNT electrolytes packets: When just “drinking water” isn’t cutting it, these are easily packable and help you rehydrate when on the go.

Bits & bobs

Hotels have a direct line to the most comfortable bedding - linens, pillows, mattresses - here’s a story about a woman who tracked down her very own “five-star pillow.”

Nantucket is arguing over how long visitors can stay next summer. Have you been?

240 miles of huts and cheese in Switzerland.

Magnifica Air is launching domestic fights somewhere in the middle of private jet and first class accommodations. We’ll keep an eye on the pricing, still TBD.

We’re booking last-minute festive 2025 trips right now, as well as already into Spring Break and summer 2026. Submit an inquiry – we’d love to work on a trip with you!

If you enjoyed this, would you be kind enough to give it a little heart? We hope you have a nice week!

—Bryce & Julia | It Girls Collective

The September Edit

It Girls Collective — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:58:19 GMT

Hi!

Cannot believe it is already almost October, time is a thief, etc. Shoulder season is “high season” for advisors in terms of travel. Travel plans for the rest of the year for both of us look like: Milan, Lake Como, Dolomites, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam, Harbour Island (Bahamas), California, Bora Bora, and maybe a little jaunt over to Anguilla. We’re also digging into our first holiday guide, and working on some fun collabs for the next few months. Stay tuned!

In this month’s roundup: where we booked in September from Mexico to Norway, a guide to eating in Los Cabos, a bit about a deal to Tahiti, and where to stay to see the leaves change.

What we published this month

This month we went deep on NYC - launching our very first City Notes guide, and following it up with detailed itineraries for a long weekend in the city. We also did a little comparison tour of Bora Bora vs Maldives, and over on our travel advising business side of things we talked about “welcome home” emails, how to handle client budgets and we did a whole post on automations.

What we booked in September

September had us booking both near and far in the future! Reach out if you’re looking to get away this fall, or if you’re already thinking about next summer.

Julia
Honeymoon at Impression Isla Mujeres in Mexico
Family of 7 trip to Ireland over Christmas
10 day honeymoon to Spain (Barcelona & Mallorca)
Couple’s trip through Switzerland

Bryce
A romantic 9 days at Las Ventanas al Pariso in Cabo (so dreamy!)
Festive at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic for a family of three.
Hotels in Bologna for the Radiohead concert in November
Norway/Iceland getaway for spring 2026

Bora Bora, Yes Please.

I love working in hospitality.

Working in hospitality is like being surrounded by a bunch of get-shit-done people pleasers who have the inside track on where your next adventure could and should be. Full of people who are interested in and obsessed with curating experiences and figuring out ways to surprise and delight. It’s … a lot of fun. I was reminded of this lovely aspect of this industry last week when I ran into my friend Cate who is part of the Four Seasons Bora Bora crew - and she dropped this little nugget on me about Air Tahiti Nui AKA Air Moana - that kids fly (almost) FREE in 2025 - which seems like a boondoggle to me, so I’m sharing it here in case this moves Bora Bora up on your 2025 list.

Bora Bora is often compared to the Maldives, which is fair in the category of over-water bungalows, and in bucket-list destinations, but the comparison trails off after that. Maldives is more of a “disconnect” kind of place. A place where the time zones change from island to island - based on what each hotel wants - and the water goes on for miles in all directions. Bora Bora on the other hand is more of a “connect” kind of place - connect to the more external - the rich Polynesian culture, and the geography – the water also goes on for miles and miles but there are mountains to contend with as well. Oh plus the whole Moana was “filmed” here thing. My kids are (still) obsessed.

Bora Bora is high on my list, especially as a family destination, and so this Air Tahiti Nui deal is appealing. The free flights for kids are offered out of SEA and LAX so a little sample itinerary I have in my head is shaping up to be NYC to LAX/SAN for a few days and then on to Tahiti (PPT).

Details:

Here is the link to the Air Tahiti flight deal details.

Kids up to the age of 11 fly free (you must pay the taxes on the ticket) with the purchase of 2 roundtrip economy tickets from Seattle or Los Angeles to Tahiti. Book by 12/31/25.

Dining Recommendations Los Cabos

Los Cabos

Some of my very favorite clients are headed to Los Cabos next week and we have been talking about where they should book for restaurants. Here’s a short list of spots we’ve been talking about with a little note about what’s great about each place.

Cocina del Mar at Esperanza – Exceptional food with a beautiful oceanfront setting located on a cliffside

Flora Farms – A charming farm-to-table experience in a unique garden setting (very Californian vibe)

Acre – Also farm-to-table, with a lively atmosphere and excellent cuisine

El Farallon at Waldorf – Set menu, but a truly memorable location built into a cliffside

Arbol at Rosewood (where they are staying) – incredible Indian fusion

Don Sanchez – More casual, but still a good option depending on the mood of the evening

Note: Sunset Monalisa has average food, but the views are absolutely stunning, possibly the best in Cabo and might be worth considering for the ambiance alone

Best hotels to see the leaves changing colors this fall

I maintain that the ‘ber months are the best months (and that’s not just because my birthday falls in one of them), and being on the east coast the leaves really give a riotous show of color in the corridor between summer and winter. If you’re in the area - or just want to come visit for a cozy weekend, these are our picks for the best spots to stay.

Twin Farms, Vermont

In Short: An all-inclusive countryside escape where every stay feels bespoke.

Vibe: Storybook cottages meet high design, with Japanese soaking tubs and crackling fires.

Of Note: Dinner is chef’s choice, and somehow always perfect.

Troutbeck, Hudson Valley

In Short: A historic estate turned modern country retreat.

Vibe: Farm-to-table dining, fireplaces at every turn, and a library built for long afternoons.

Of Note: The pool stays open into fall, framed by fiery Hudson Valley hills.

The Point, Adirondacks

In Short: The ultimate great camp, once a Rockefeller hideaway.

Vibe: Adirondack lodge glamour with lakeside bonfires and champagne on call.

Of Note: It’s adults-only, making it pure romance under the leaves.

The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Connecticut

In Short: Country estate chic, with interiors layered by Celerie Kemble.

Vibe: Afternoon tea, golden trees, and spa days that stretch blissfully long.

Of Note: Even the hiking trails feel manicured.

Wildflower Farms, Hudson Valley

In Short: A new-school countryside stay from Auberge.

Vibe: Floor-to-ceiling windows, foraged dining, and trails that start at your cabin door.

Of Note: Don’t miss the cocktails mixed with herbs straight from the garden.

The August Edit

It Girls Collective — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:59:10 GMT

Hello hi!

Writing to you from day two of school being back in session for my three kids. The weather is absolutely perfect, we’re kicking off the ‘ber months in a sublime way. I’m here in New York, Julia is in California, but soon we will both be taking mini vacations on the slower, lower shore in Delaware and Ocean City, MD. We’re launching our first City Notes this week (NYC), and couldn’t be more excited about it. In any case, here’s what happened in August.

In this week's newsletter: where we are booked in August from Mexico to Japan, our friend Brittany’s La Dolce Guida Como, a mini city notes to St. Baths, and million-miler fliers.

What we booked in August

August showed no signs of slowing down - we’re both booking a lot for shoulder season and fall.

Rosewood Mandarina in Mexico

Julia
Girls trip to Ko’a Kea in Kauai
14 day couple’s trip to Amsterdam + Switzerland
Christmas escape to The Ned in London
Honeymoon to South Africa & Mauritius

Bryce
10-day couples getaway to Rosewood Mandarina
60th birthday celebration in CDMX with a stay at La Valise and Colima 71
Couples trip to Japan
Spring break in the Maldives and Dubai, with a stay at LUX South Ari Atoll

Mini City Notes: St. Barths

St. Barths is the world’s chicest playground, popular with New Yorkers for weekend getaways in the winter and for Parisians in the summer.

Fun fact: there are only 450 hotel rooms and 75 restaurants on the island, making it not only exclusive, but an expensive place to visit.

Where to Stay

Rosewood Le Guanahani - great for families & privacy, each room is a standalone villa
Eden Rock - the place to see and be seen, on one of the best beaches of the island
Le Toiny - Romantic & secluded for couples, each room has its own plunge pool

Where to Eat

Bonito - arguably the best restaurant on the island, Peruvian food
Le Tamarin - set in a “lush jungle” type setting
Restaurant Le Cafe - according to the locals, this is the place to be
Gyp Sea Beach Club - set on one of the best beaches, a little more relaxed than the popular Nikki Beach
L’Isola - Italian

What to Do

Explore the beaches
Hiking
Shopping in Gustavia
Party at beach clubs or festive restaurants (Nikki Beach on Sundays…)
Boat Day

Tips

Rent a car - there are only ~35 taxis on the island
Prepare for a steep plane landing onto the island
Island closes middle/late August and reopens late October
Make all reservations in advance (car rental, dining, etc.)

La Dolce Guida Como

Our friend Britt is a tour de force. She runs a travel business, is in the middle of a gut renovation of her house in Lake Como, has two little boys, AND is launching a tour company - La Dolce Guida - which is filling a gap in the Lake Como area - there’s lots of sea travel, but nothing to speak of in terms of ground game. La Dolce Guida opens this summer, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to give you all a little peek behind the scenes of La Dolce Guida Como.

Give us the backstory - about you, and your new company.

As the founder of Unfolded Travels, a luxury travel agency, I plan many client trips to Italy–especially since I live here. When designing itineraries for Lake Como, I kept noticing the same thing: while boat rides are undeniably beautiful (and definitely a must!), there was a major gap when it came to land-based experiences. The lake’s charm isn’t just in the water–it’s in the winding roads, panoramic views, and quiet villages that are often overlooked. Getting around Lake Como can be surprisingly tricky. Private transfers are limited, taxis even more so, and public transportation doesn’t always align with a seamless, relaxed itinerary. I wanted to offer a better way for guests to explore–something thoughtful, immersive, and unforgettable. We created something special: immersive tour experiences in the most charming little cars–authentic vintage Fiat 500s that have been hand-restored and converted to electric. No fumes, no noisy engines–just quiet, open-air drives through some of the lake’s most breathtaking corners and hidden gems.

Hopes and dreams for your first seasons out?

This first season in Lake Como, our goal is to spotlight the local businesses and experiences that make this lake truly unforgettable–many of which our clients might never find on their own. We believe that visiting a destination is just as much about the people you meet as it is the beauty you see. That’s why we’ve curated unique private dining experiences, hands-on cooking lessons hosted in local homes, and scenic tours filled with moments that offer a genuine connection to the culture and traditions of the lake.

Who is your ideal guest?

Our ideal guest is curious, friendly, and open-minded–someone who values meaningful experiences and enjoys connecting with new people and places. We love welcoming travelers from around the world and sharing the beauty of the place we call home. Please note: for safety reasons, we’re unable to accommodate children under the age of 6, as car seats cannot be securely installed in our vehicles.

What is the entry point to take a tour?

Starts at 1,050 EUR

Something you just can’t miss in Lake Como?

Oh, this is such a hard one–there's so much to see! But if I had to choose, I’d say visiting one of Lake Como’s iconic villas is an absolute must. They offer the kind of beauty that photos just can’t do justice. No trip to Como feels complete without experiencing at least one of them!

A few favorite local hotels you recommend over and over again?

If you’re coming to Lake Como and want to do it right, these are the hotels to have on your radar:

Grand Hotel Tremezzo–an absolutely iconic classic. Think: that iconic floating pool, epic views of Bellagio, and vintage glam vibes. It’s luxurious and full of personality–perfect if you want the full Lake Como experience with all the bells and whistles.
Passalacqua - This one’s a total dream. It feels more like staying in a private villa than a hotel as it only has a few dozen rooms. Super intimate, beautifully restored, and full of little touches that make it feel really special. Go here if you're into quiet luxury and a more relaxed, tucked-away vibe.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como - If you're all about peace, style, and spa days, this is your spot. It’s sleek, super calm, and surrounded by gorgeous nature. It's a great pick if you’re craving some serious downtime in a beautiful setting.

Your favorite spot for a meal in Lake Como?

Locanda La Tirlindana, located in the charming village of Sala Comacina, is known for its delicious, famous lemon ravioli. They have a beautiful lakeside terrace which provides a romantic setting, especially during sunset. Accessible by boat, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

How old are your kids and where’s the best place you’ve taken them?

My boys are 3 and 5, and they've been lucky enough to travel to so many countries across five continents. But, I’d say our favorite family trips so far have been to Thailand and Mallorca.

Where do you want to go next and why?

I’m really excited about the idea of taking my kids to Sri Lanka — it feels like such an authentic, untapped destination compared to places like Bali that we've been to before and have been a bit overrun with tourism. It has all the natural beauty and adventure— lush jungles, amazing wildlife, and stunning beaches— without the heavy crowds. It’s a place where you can really experience local culture and traditions in a way that feels much more raw and genuine. Plus, I think it would be an incredible learning experience for the kids, and I love that it’s still a bit of a hidden gem!

Under the radar place and the place you’re dying to try out?

Sardinia is definitely becoming more popular amongst American tourists, and it’s easy to see why! The beaches are absolutely stunning— crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and some seriously beautiful scenery. It’s been a favorite amongst Italians for years, but now more people are discovering it. We’re also dying to check out the Turkish Riviera! Places like Bodrum and Antalya are perfect for relaxing by the sea, but you can also dive into some pretty incredible culture and food. Can you tell we’re all about beautiful beaches in my family?

Best way for people to reach you?

@ladolceguidacomo, hello@ladolceguida.com

The July Edit

It Girls Collective — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:20:45 GMT

Hello hi! Writing to you from California today. It’s been a gorgeous stretch of perfectly southern Californian days I’ve had here, foggy and cool mornings and sunny afternoons. I’ve walked the beach every morning (4 miles this morning at low tide), had burritos and rolled tacos for just about every meal, and went to my favorite donut shop (VG Donut and Bakery) twice.

But of course all of that was just background noise for the true event of the week - Julia and I met up in person at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach to plan out our next six months of content. Spoiler: we’re excited. We both have a busy few months ahead of us; Julia on the road and me in the thick of it with my three kids before school starts again. In any case, enough updates and on to the travel stuff!

In this week's newsletter: What we booked in July from Paris to Poland, a mini love letter to the Missoni x Cali Mykonos collab, a shortlist of festive ideas, our walkable sandals list gets more airtime, and how to buy someone else’s vacation (for pennies on the dollar).

What We Booked In July

Summer is our busy season, so right now we have a lot of clients out in the world making memories. Here’s a small slice of where we booked clients this month.

Julia

30th birthday at Hotel Le Grand Mazarin in Paris
Honeymoon to Portugal (Lisbon + Porto)
Couples trip to Turks & Caicos with a split stay at The Rock House + Wymara Resort & Villas
Birthday trip in Italy at Casa Monti in Rome + Villa Ducale in Taormina

Bryce

Mom and Daughters ancestry trip to Austria and Poland
Dad and sons Ryder Cup 2025 in New York
Familymoon with a pregnant couple, and their toddler to Rome and Sardinia with stays at Hotel Maalot & Cala Cuncheddi
Couples trip to Slovenia and Croatia with stays down the coast of both countries

Cali Mykonos x Missoni

Julia and I both adored Cali Mykonos when we toured the exclusive property this past May. The main pool is a vibe. It is long, cerulean, and set stunningly cliffside. And if you wander down to the sea, you can tuck yourself into a lounger at one of the best wind protected coves on the island and spend a lazy afternoon drinking cocktails (which may or may not be exactly what the two of us did while there).

So of course we were thrilled, and not-at-all surprised, to see that Cali Mykonos teamed up with Missoni to be Missoni’s first “Resort Club” for summer 2025. What that means is that the umbrellas, poufs, and lounge chairs are all outfitted with the signature Missoni zig-zag in Aegean blue. It’s beautiful, it’s fun, and we’re wondering if we can get one for our backyard?

What We Have On Our Radar For Festive

Now is the time to book for the holidays if you haven’t already! Here’s a shortlist of what’s on our radar…let us know what you’re thinking for festive this year.

La Coralina Island House in Panama - a very affordable, and surfable festive option.
The Point and Blackberry Farm - luxe and cozy East coast gems.
Four Seasons Florence - don’t miss the San Lorenzo holiday market.
Six Senses Residences Courchevel in the French Alps; ski and sauna bliss.
Casa de Campo in Dominican Republic - sunshine, golf, and something for everyone.

Walkable Sandals

I know we just talked about winter, but there are still several weeks left of summer, and that means several more weeks of sandals. We’re bringing back our hot list of flats for Summer 2025. Chime in on the comments if you have tried & true recs!

The Finch sandal by Beek: This is a new-to-me brand (out of California - shout out to my home state), and I wore these sandals all over the Maldives last summer. They had zero break-in time, are beautiful and lightweight, and even when I broke my toe on that same trip they were the only shoes I could wear comfortably.

Reef sandals (bought on Amazon): Reef as a brand has been a go-to for me since I was a teen. These sandals manage to be cute and comfortable - and I’ve had several people ask me where I got them. Love the platform, and they are water-friendly.

Hermes Oran: I have two pairs of these and would buy more. They are elegant, very packable and break in so very nicely.

Freedom Moses slides: I have a pair of these in hot pink and they are an excellent dupe to Birkenstocks. Great for the beach or for walking around town.

Sunbeam flip flops by Beek: These are my “fancy” flip flops. I have them in black and love them. They hit the mark of being practical and stylish. Love.