As travel editors, we get to cover a lot of ground—and we don’t just mean miles, but all the proximate joys that come along with life on the road, from the restaurants we’re dining at to the books we’re reading on the plane. This May, the editors at Condé Nast Traveler are embracing warm weather with beachy staycations in the UK and wellness sanctuaries in South Africa—all while catching up on Lena Dunham’s new memoir, Famesick. For some, this month is life-changing, with one editor moving to Paris, and another getting married in Portugal—as you can imagine, inspiration is coming from all corners. Below, what our editors across our London and New York City desks are loving this month.
Preshita Saha, director of content, global video
I recently experienced a truly special hot air balloon ride over Hampi in southern India, courtesy of the incredible Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace. Below me were vast, sculptural boulders (believed to be among the oldest rocks on the planet), lush paddy fields, banana and sugarcane plantations sustained by the glorious Tungabhadra river, and the many ancient temples covered with figures of celestial beings and mythical beasts.
The city’s scenic ruins and the hotel’s faultless service and sattvik (simple, seasonal dishes rooted in Ayurveda) meals made this one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve taken this year.
While there, I picked up a beautifully woven traditional Koodai basket bag, which has become a staple of my spring wardrobe alongside a rotation of floaty maxi dresses sourced from secondhand designer haven, The Cirkle. I’ve been pairing them with floral ballet flats and my steadily growing collection of vintage beads and brooches.
I also spent time in Scotland working on a craftsmanship-focused project (watch it here!), where I fell in love with everything from Johnstons of Elgin. The brand’s red shawl cashmere cardigan, in particular, is perfect for the unpredictability of British weather (and cold airport lounges). This year, I’m intent on carving out long stretches away from screens, so I have been putting together a generous reading list, which includes Sisters in Yellow by Mieko Kawakami and Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich, alongside screen-free date night ideas, which I’m enjoying ticking off. Highlights so far include a climbing taster session at The Castle Climbing Centre, and waking up rather early for Pavyllon’s Michelin-star breakfast tasting menu.
Next up for me is a cheeky weekend escape to Santorini, followed by a couple of long-haul and much-awaited adventures later in the month to Cambodia and Taiwan. My suitcase is packed with essentials for sun, sea, and serious jetlag, including a polka dot bikini from Triangl, honey-infused hair perfume by Gisou and Slip’s silk sleep mask.