Letter from the Editors
Hayley Saunders: Our winter issue has long been dedicated to travel, and it’s traditionally one of our most popular themes. But as we started working on this issue, we wondered: In today’s world, when we’ve all been cooped up in our homes for months due to a global pandemic, does anyone care about travel? Yes, as it turns out. Even though we aren’t globetrotting like we have in the past, we still yearn to discover new destinations and expand our horizons. The difference in early 2021 is that, for now, we are taking these trips in our imagination and soaking up all the inspiration we can get.
Kate Nelson: A year ago, I waxed poetic in this very letter about the virtues of travel — how it helps us grow, learn, and see the beauty in the world and in ourselves. And that all remains very true. Which is why this issue is filled from cover to cover with nature- and experience-driven excursions. Our feature, penned by talented travel writer Ashlea Halpern, showcases seven unsung natural wonders of the world (page 108). You’re sure to be dazzled by the beauty of these destinations — from a technicolor saltwater lagoon in Bolivia to an untouched coral atoll in Seychelles — if not inspired to enlist one of the recommended expert outfitters to plan a future expedition.
HS: Not yet ready to embark on a trip but in dire need of a change of scenery? Our content lets you après-ski in Aspen with Aerin Lauder (page 56), rough it like a Rockefeller at New York’s Point resort (page 79), glamp across the United States with Under Canvas (page 94) and cozy up in a comfortable Florida family home designed by Talla Skogmo (page 156). Plus resident outdoorswoman Laura Schara takes us to Wyoming for an off-the-grid adventure (page 172), and writer Marguerite Happe explains how she — a novice skier — ended up on the storied slopes of Niseko, Japan (page 178).
KN: And yet, travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s also about what you pack, what you pack that in and what you bring back with you. For that, we tapped David Coggins for a men’s travel capsule wardrobe (page 68), Chris Plantan for a guide to picking out the ultimate weekender (page 64) and Robyne Robinson, our newest contributor, for a poignant essay about how souvenirs bring the joy of our journeys home (page 46). But it’s the tale of acclaimed chef Analiese Gregory that’s sure to leave a lasting impression (page 190). Pre-pandemic, she was floundering, attempting to find herself after working in the world of fine dining. And it turns out she was right where she needed to be — on the wild island of Tasmania. May her story serve as inspiration for us all.
Happy reading,
Kate Nelson, Editor-in-Chief, and Hayley Saunders, Managing Editor + Associate Publisher
