Next Exit Travels

Amsterdam just feels cool. The people, the shops, the vibe—all of it. Summer is dreamy: perfect temps, sun until after 10pm, almost everything walkable. The history is rich, the food scene is worth discovering, the art is incredible, and the fries deserve their own mention.

British Airways lost our luggage on arrival, so our first afternoon in Europe turned into a shopping spree…not a bad way to start a trip. 😂

I was on the advisory board for Rosewood Amsterdam before it opened, so walking through those doors for the first time felt pretty special.

Our food tour with Adam (Sapiens Travel DMC) was a highlight—my girls are still talking about him weeks later, which is the only review that matters. And dinner Café de Klepel was the moment of the whole stay. Corner table, window seat, perfect wine list, nowhere to be. The chef came out himself to serve dessert. Strawberry shortcake, pistachios, ice cream, olive oil. Insane.

Amsterdam is one of those cities that works for everyone. Couples, families, foodies, shoppers, artist, history buffs. A very good first stop on a very good summer trip.

(And yes, that last photo is me on an airport floor with my laptop. The trip was stunning. The job never stops. Both things are true). 🙃

Thailand has been everywhere lately. And while everyone is focused on the usual names, I’m more interested in places like this.

A little quieter. A little harder to get to. A lot more special.

The Retreat on Koh Chang feels like the version of Thailand people think they’re booking… but rarely actually find. Lush jungle, calm beaches, warm water, incredible food, and villas that make you immediately start calculating how long you could realistically stay without anyone noticing you disappeared.

I also love that it doesn’t feel overly polished or manufactured. There’s still a softness to it. You wake up slow, spend all day outside, order another cocktail at sunset, and suddenly realize you haven’t looked at your phone in hours.

And for travelers who want more than just sitting at a pool, Koh Chang has this really fun balance of adventure and relaxation. Jungle hikes, island hopping, fishing, snorkeling… then back to the spa or dinner by the water like you totally earned it.