Meet Lifestyle Writer, Nicole Kliest
She shares her best travel tips, including travel slow and to remember what it was like before iPhones.
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve thought about my time living in NYC—but that’s exactly where my mind went when thinking about my first meeting with today’s newsletter guest, Nicole Kliest.
It’s strange to rewind to such a time as 2018—when we met for a casual cup of coffee that was probably my fifth of the day and definitely one I couldn’t afford as I tried to find my footing in the Big Apple as an entry level editor—especially after a move, global pandemic and six years where it feels like nothing’s changed.
People say it every day but it’s easy to get caught up in this fast-paced life. It’s easy to judge how seemingly little you’ve accomplished in a day; without looking back, you can lose track of how far you’ve come. So today, I urge you to take a moment, sit with your thoughts and reflect on where you were a year ago, two years ago… six years ago to put into perspective just how much has happened despite, perhaps, feeling as if you’re standing still.
After Nicole and I met in 2018 to discuss all perks and pessimisms of the writing world, we continued to follow (and encourage!) each other’s adventures from afar. It was surprising, then, that in September 2022 on a trip to Porto, we simultaneously realized it was our first time traveling together. Then in 2023, I was fortunate to travel with Nicole twice, which is when I really came to admire her travel style. Her poise is commendable; she’s purposeful with her questions; mindful of the content she’s capturing and amusingly, she’s always down for a pre-dinner martini or debriefing nightcap. Hopefully you’ll be able to get a feel for that after reading today’s newsletter, and optimistically, you’ll take something away from her travel style as she eloquently puts it into words below.
What's the first thing you do when you get to a destination?
My love of the soft landing supplants any kind of pressure to hit the ground running when I arrive at a destination. First, I like to unpack my suitcase (yes, even if it’s a quick trip). After that I’ll shower and change out of my travel clothes and explore the hotel grounds a bit. Once I feel like I’ve got my bearings, I’ll usually grab a coffee or glass of wine at the hotel restaurant or in my room if there’s a nice patio. I do think it’s critical to experience the world beyond your hotel but I love (love!) hotels, so the first day is when I really lean into that.
How would you describe your style of travel?
“Will I be sad if I leave and didn’t do this?” I usually make a list of these types of things before a trip. Then, I’ll take a look at my schedule and see which activities make the most sense on each day (prioritizing a leisurely pace over cramming several in). Once I have that framework, for any restaurants I’m dying to try that require a reservation I’ll make those. Then beyond that, I keep it pretty open. As everyone knows, it’s nice to see where the wind takes you and allow yourself the itinerary space to pivot somewhere a local might recommend. Or just sit in a park reading all afternoon, that’s pretty great, too.
How do you balance capturing the moment versus living in the moment?
That’s the million dollar question. I complain about this with my friends and colleagues all the time, especially those who feel like it’s their job to be capturing imagery for a visit somewhere. It’s not a perfect approach but what I do is try to resist the impulse to immediately take a photo the second I walk into a new environment or when a photogenic dish gets placed in front of me. I think: Remember what it was like before iPhones when we saw something beautiful and all we did was Take It In™? Try to do that now, Nicole.
Once I’ve achieved that sense of living in the moment, then I’ll take a photo or video. Sometimes I just wait til I’m leaving to take a photo, provided there’s still adequate daylight. Plus, let’s be honest here: it can be a little cringey to walk into a room and start snapping photos without actually taking in your surroundings—I don’t want to be that person.
What's a trip or destination that's exceeded your expectations and why?
Most recently was a trip to an Eleven ski chalet called Chalet Pelerin with Victoria King PR in the French Alps. It was in early September and the weather truly could not have been more pristine. Obviously, a trip to France will always carry high expectations but there was something about this one that blew me away and that I will carry with me forever.
The chalet is tucked away on a hillside in this incredibly charming village called Le Miroir with comically cinematic views of the alps. I learned how to hike a glacier, went whitewater rafting for the very first time, had fondue over an open flame, hiked alongside a herd of goats, biked a mountain into a village with no electricity—truly, if I could live the rest of my life in an Eleven Experience bubble I would without hesitation. And one last thing: the people! The group I traveled with made the trip so memorable and the staff genuinely felt like family by the end of the whole thing.
What are your favorite destinations in the U.S.?
New Orleans is my favorite U.S. destination hands down. There is nowhere else on earth quite like it. The architecture! The music! The food and drink! The hotels! The people! I will never grow tired of New Orleans.
Beyond that, New Mexico holds a very special place in my heart (Taos and Santa Fe, specifically).
Lastly, I’m from the central coast of California and go back throughout the year whenever I can. Really the whole state of California is my favorite.
Since you often write about luxury travel—how do you define luxury in the category?
I think luxury is defined by what the traveler most appreciates, so this answer is probably different for everyone. But for me: The location of the hotel or excursion should possess some sort of ‘in the know’ quality. The design point of view should be uncompromisingly strong, whether it’s the hotel lobby or a bespoke picnic that’s been set up for you on the beach. There should be near-neurotic attention to detail and telepathic service (having a member of hotel staff remember my name and coffee order = height of luxury!). And then, of course, details like an innovative food and beverage program, thoughtful wellness amenities, outdoor activities, and meaningful sustainability initiatives all help flesh out the luxury category. To be clear: I personally don’t travel like this all the time. But if you’re shelling out your hard-earned coin, I think you can be discerning about some of these things.
Do you have any go-to tips or advice for novice travelers?
Stop stressing! We live in an age where even if your credit card is lost, flight is canceled, or your iPhone isn’t working, there are ways to get in touch with people who can help you fix the situation. I know, I know—it’s easier said than done. But it’s a fair reminder to keep things in perspective. If something goes awry on your vacation it’s not the end of the world, and your reaction will strongly influence how you remember it. Also: Always travel with some cash for emergencies!
What is a trip or destination you're dreaming of taking? What about it is so alluring to you?
My bucket list knows no bounds! Within the U.S., I’m really pining after Montana. I love nature and outdoor adventure and there are so many incredible-looking luxury lodges there. Internationally speaking, Morocco and Iceland are high on my list. I’d also love to hike the Scottish Highlands, go on literally any of the Belmond trains, backpack California’s lost coast, spend like a month in India, adventure through Patagonia… this is a really hard question to give just one answer.
Where can we find you when you're not traveling?
I live in Park Slope but had an apartment in the West Village for many years, so my time (and allegiance) is still split between Brooklyn and Manhattan. A few faves from both include.
Snails and wine at Lucien
Getting a burger and martini at Raoul’s
Working in the lobby at The Marlton Hotel
Hoarding saganaki at Kiki’s
Browsing titles at Three Lives & Company
Live jazz at Mezzrow and The Django
Reading and relaxing at Jefferson Market Garden (I used to volunteer here!)
Buying fresh pasta at Un Posto Italiano
Trying new natural wines at Bar Vinazo
Running in Prospect Park
Seeing a film at Nitehawk (though IFC Center is my favorite theater in NYC)
Some recent work: