Holiday travel usually means visiting family. Even when you love them, going straight from your 9-to-5 to living out of a suitcase and an overscheduled week of visiting extended family and friends is a lot. At my in-laws’, my husband and I share a full-size bed. At my parents’ house, it’s lovely but in the middle of nowhere, which gets this L.A. girl itching for something to do.
The road to my parents' house
Our trick is to carve out a couple of days before or after the trip to stay in a hotel together in Minneapolis or Montreal. We get a king bed, check a few restaurants off our list, and don’t have to think about chores. It’s the break from routine that a vacation is supposed to be.
I’ve recommended this trick to clients and friends more than a few times.
Want help finding a hotel before, after, or instead of staying with family? Do you want to escape to somewhere tropical instead?
Right after a client call with home rental company Casita, I spent an hour scrolling their inventory. These are design-forward, historic properties that feel like the place you’re visiting--with surprisingly reasonable rates and none of the Airbnb chores.
I’d set you up in one of their rental and book a day tour to Teotihuacán or a lucha libre night.
Pictured: A 1930s home in Roma Sur
Montreal Update
Canada is having a moment in travel. The founder of Fora said so on a call this week. I just got back from Montreal with two new hotels I’d love to book you into with my travel advisor perks:
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth: the best breakfast perk I’ve ever experienced--a full buffet with made-to-order omelets and freshly baked pain au chocolat.
Hotel Le Mount Stephen: for history lovers, and perhaps a vintage setting for a small wedding. (I can arrange a room block for you) Best French Toast I've had in a long time.
Deals & properties worth booking now
Turks & Caicos: Four hotels are offering 20% off beach stays if you travel by December 17.
German Christmas markets: Stay three nights or more in a premium suite at Hotel Fontenay in Hamburg, and I can get you 20% off. [Book & Stay by New Year's Eve.]
Costa Rica: Marriott finally has an all-inclusive in Costa Rica, the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa. Book through me, and you’ll earn Marriott points toward future stays around the world.
Mark your calendar
Saturday, October 31st: 15% off my planning fees ends.
Saturday, October 31st: Sip Drinkery House, a personal favorite in Barcelona & always on the 50 Best Bars list, starts its 2-month residency at Caesars Palace. Let's get you there.
Tuesday, December 1: Travel Tuesday, the day my industry releases its best deals. Reply to this email with what you’re looking for, and I’ll personally send you any related deals I have access to.
Let’s get you to Mexico City, Montreal, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, or Hamburg.
Thank you for reading. I hope I inspired you. Kristen
P.S. If travel isn’t on your horizon, you can still support my small business! I’m a business of one, and word of mouth from people who know me is how new people find me. Forward this email to a friend who loves to travel, or follow along on [Instagram] or [Pinterest] if you aren't down with Meta.
