Last November, Zach and I went on one of my favourite trips yet to Japan—and ever since, the itinerary has become a frequently asked question. Which is why I thought it was finally time to properly introduce you to Helen, travel advisor and founder of Preserve travel, who helped plan our entire trip from A to Z without a single miss.
Not only can she plan a beautiful and truly unique trip, but it quickly became clear to me that her decisions are informed by her impeccable taste. So as we move into the summer travel season, I thought it was the perfect time to hear more from her— from her favourite destinations and hotels, what she's been booking this summer, and her top travel tips. We're covering it all in today's letter.
Anna: What are your top 3 destinations for Summer 2026?
Helen: Some trips I’ve loved planning this summer include: Greece (particularly Antiparos, Hydra, Sifnos, and Milos), Spain (Ibiza and Formentera, or Mallorca and Menorca), and lastly Scandinavia. I’ve been pairing Norway, Storfjord, and Hotel Union Øye are favorites, with Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen or Ett Hem in Stockholm.
A: Underrated summer destination
H: Sumba in Indonesia — most notably Nihi Sumba or Cap Karoso, or Slovenia, where the weather and natural landscape are breathtaking. It also helps that accommodations in Slovenia are a quarter of the price compared to the rest of Western/Southern Europe!
A: Your top tip for planning a trip
H: Plan your meals, but leave room for spontaneity. Hotel concierges are getting blacklisted from restaurants because travellers are booking and canceling at the last minute. If you book a nice lunch, then dinner should be casual and vice versa. Lastly, if I land early, rather than waiting for my room, I will always book a lymphatic massage or facial upon arrival. This way, I’m well rested and rejuvenated after a long-haul flight.
A: The best travel tote
H: The Row Large N/S Park Tote in Brown with a million pouches inside. I’ve had this tote since 2022 & it’s been all around the world. It packs perfectly in my carry-on and can easily transition as a work tote.
A: What is your go-to beach destination?
H: My go-to beach hotels are Belmond Maroma or Hotel Esencia. Both are effortlessly chic and intimate, which are important to me. I don’t like big beach resorts where you feel pressured to dress up at night. If I had more time, then Golden Eye in Jamaica or Palm Heights in Grand Cayman.
A: Give us your carry-on essentials
H: Makeup and toiletry kit, melatonin, pajamas, sanitizing wipes, scarf, a charged usb fan, and lastly a paper fan from Hotel Eden Roc. Planes can malfunction on the tarmac, and I’ve experienced delays without AC or power for up to 3-4 hours. Having good airflow is important, especially now that I’m a mom and traveling with my baby.
A: Favourite hotel
H: Hotel Bel Air in LA. I love the Swans that greet you. Everything is serene and inviting, yet extremely private.
A: Best city for shopping
H: Paris!
A: What is your ideal long weekend getaway?
H: You can find me at Rosewood Miramar. I love the tucked garden bungalows that offer more privacy. There’s something about the property that makes me feel relaxed and at home.
A: Airport uniform?
H: A poplin button-up, white tee, and loose jeans. If it’s winter, a statement jacket, white tee, sweater, trousers, and Hermes riding boots.
A: One thing worth splurging on when it comes to travel
H: An airport greeter and car transfer after an international flight. I want someone to escort me through long lines. Plus my carry-ons are notoriously over the weight limit, so it helps to have an extra hand!
A: What’s not worth overspending on?
H: Tasting or Prix Fixe menus, sorry!
A: Dream destination right now
H: I want to combine Nihi Sumba with the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express! Otherwise, Bhutan with Six Senses paired with Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal.
10 Travel-Related Things Helen Can’t Live Without.
111 Skin Cyro Depuffing Eye Mask - I’ve tried them all and this is still the best
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant to purify followed by Masque Visolastine + to rehydrate the skin after a long flight.
MBR Hyaluron Mask a must for long night outs. My friend Frankie Shay from Maison La Perche gave me a bottle for my birthday and now I’m always hounding her for sample travel jars. This is filler in a bottle!
Santa Maria Novella Idratante Labbra Lip Moisturizer - It’s hydrating but not sticky. Most Preserve clients will receive this in their welcome package for long haul trips and they also love it!
Hermes Calvi Card Holder - I use them for my business cards and collect different colors during my travels.
Custom Stationery - When I’m visiting hotels that I work with, I always leave thank you notes & gifts for the concierge or staff. Especially the ones that run the show and go beyond for my clients.
Gratuity Envelopes - I hate scrambling for cash when I’m late or just arriving to a hotel. I have a handful of dedicated gratuity envelopes for bellhops, drivers, and guides. This has changed my life considering I’m punctually late.
The Row Elastic Ballet Flats - I am obsessed with how soft and comfortable these flats are. They come with me every trip!
Hermes Ulysse MM - My husband got this for me in Rouge Radieux two years ago and I never used it until recently. I love the size compared to the PM. It’s been 6 years since I’ve been on a vacation where I didn’t have to work… And while, I’m not complaining, a fancy notebook makes it easier to cope.
Rimowa Essential Sleeve Cabin Plus - my holy grail for trips I’m carrying on. I’ve used this for years now and knock on wood, I have not lost a wheel or dealt with a broken lock. I can’t say the same for my aluminum cases!
If you enjoyed this and want more from Helen you can find her @preservetravel and @burrataparty! @friesandbevs is her third account and is also very important.
Chat soon!
Anna xx
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