The July Edit: Where Our Editors Are Traveling and What They’re Packing

As travel editors, our professional lives are measured not just in flight miles, but in the granular, proximate joys that define a journey: the hidden-gem restaurant tucked away in an NYC alleyway, the specific rhythm of a paperback read at 30,000 feet, or the precise utility of a well-chosen carry-on.

This July, the editorial teams at Condé Nast Traveler—spanning our desks in London and New York City—are fully immersing themselves in the zenith of the summer season. From the sun-drenched, rugged coastlines of the Greek isles to the misty, cinematic grandeur of Niagara Falls, our team is traversing the globe. Some are embracing the cultural phenomenon of "Euro Summer," while others are opting for quiet, restorative staycations in the rolling hills of Cornwall.

Whether it’s tracking minke whales on Scottish ocean safaris or navigating the vibrant culinary landscape of Cambodia, our inspiration this month is drawn from every corner of the map. Below, we provide an intimate look at where our editors are finding sanctuary this month and the essential gear they are carrying along the way.

The Greek Odyssey: An Editor’s Perspective on Andros

Jessica Sulima, Commerce Writer

Greece remains an perennial favorite for travelers, and with over 200 inhabited islands, the appeal is as much about the variety of topography as it is about the pace of life. For my July getaway, I prioritized a property that could anchor a memorable experience with my best friend.

My search led me to a stunning, minimalist home in Kalamaki, Andros. While Mykonos and Milos often dominate the conversation, Andros offers a distinct, rugged beauty that has largely evaded the heavy footprint of mass tourism. The island is defined by its dramatic, cliffside roads and a capital city lined with marble that feels frozen in time.

The highlight of the journey was our excursion to Achla, a pristine, remote pocket of nature. Getting there requires a one-hour navigation over bumpy, unpaved terrain, but the reward—the sight of elegant swans surfing the Aegean waves—was an experience of pure, unadulterated magic.

Packing Essentials: The Functional and the Nostalgic

A beach vacation requires a delicate balance of utility and aesthetic. I rely on my L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, a bag that holds its own in the boardroom, the cabin, or the sand. Inside, I carried Talk by Linda Rosenkratz, a 1965 classic capturing the dialogue of three friends in the Hamptons. It is a profound reminder that, decades later, the conversations we have while staring at the sea remain universal.

My vacation uniform this July has been defined by three pieces:

• Buck Mason Cutoffs: A chic, elevated take on denim shorts that offer comfort without sacrificing style.
• Gap Pointelle Tank: A crop-top that strikes the perfect balance between casual and polished.
• G.H. Bass Fisherman Sandals: Durable, leather-skinned footwear that channels a timeless, rustic aesthetic.

Sun, Style, and Strategy: Summer in the UK and Beyond

Lucy Bruton, Social Media Manager

July is the heart of the year for me. As a self-described "sun baby," any glimpse of British sunshine is an immediate mood elevator. This month is also the pinnacle of wedding guest season, which has kept my wardrobe planning in constant motion.

I’ve been leaning into the joy of the season with a vibrant mango-colored Simkhai bustier gown—a piece designed for celebration. To match the energy, I’ve been wearing Vyrao’s Sun Rae eau de parfum, a scent crafted to evoke positivity and calm.

Escapes and Explorations

My July schedule includes a mix of local retreats and international adventure. I’m heading to Cornwall, where I look forward to lazy beach days and fresh seafood at North Street Kitchen in Fowey, a converted boathouse that serves as a love letter to the region’s natural bounty.

Later this month, I am heading to Glenapp Castle in Scotland for an ocean safari, where I am keeping my fingers crossed for a glimpse of a minke whale. Because the Scottish weather is famously mercurial, I’m packing a lightweight, high-performance rain jacket from Rains to ensure I stay dry without feeling weighed down.

The Art of the Getaway: Maui and the Wellness Pursuit

Pallavi Kumar, Senior Visuals Editor

Some trips are meticulously planned; others are long-held dreams finally coming to fruition. My sister and I have spent years dreaming of Maui. They call the island the "heart chakra of the world," and we are leaning into that energy with a week dedicated to sisterhood and slowing down.

We are splitting our stay between two pillars of luxury in Wailea: the Four Seasons Resort Maui and the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. I am particularly excited about the Grand Wailea’s Hydrotherapy Garden. As a visuals editor, I approach packing like I approach art direction: every item must earn its place in the frame.

The "Joy" Suitcase

My travel edit for Hawaii is curated for maximum impact and minimal weight:

• Hunza G Nadine Bikini: The signature crinkle fabric packs down to almost nothing.
• Same’s Palm Beach Shell Sarong: An essential layering piece for beach-to-lunch transitions.
• Rat & Boa Valentina Dress: Reserved for those golden hour dinners.
• Celine Triomphe Oval Sunglasses: My non-negotiable accessory that stays on from the moment I land at the airport until the final sunset.

Racing, Relaxation, and Global Discovery

Preshita Saha, Global Video Director of Content

My July began with a high-octane experience at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Glamping on-site for the race weekend necessitated a strategic packing list. A showerproof jacket from Barbour was the hero of my wardrobe, paired with Tower 28’s SOS daily hypochlorous acid spray to keep my skin refreshed throughout the long, outdoor days.

Beyond the Racetrack

After the thrill of Formula 1, I needed an antidote, which I found in a birthday picnic in my own garden. It was the perfect, quiet reset before diving into my latest travel project: a deep dive into the food scene of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for our Where the Chef Eats series.

Staying at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, I spent my downtime under the frangipani trees, sipping coconut water and reflecting on the trip. I returned home with a suitcase heavier than when I left, filled with artisanal Kampot pepper, which has since transformed my home cooking. My current bedside reading is Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zi, as I begin the preliminary research for an upcoming family trip to Egypt.

Niagara and the Northeast: A Strategic Approach to Summer

Madison Flager, Commerce Director

After nearly a decade in the Northeast, I am finally checking a bucket-list item off my list: Niagara Falls. I’ll be based at the Kimpton Saint George in Toronto for a weekend that blends city exploration with a day trip to the falls.

Tactical Packing

A trip to a natural wonder requires preparation. I’ve tested a variety of waterproof phone pouches, and the Nite Ize Runoff is my current favorite for its ease of use when taking photos through the protective seal. For apparel, I’ve been living in Aerie’s linen-blend pull-on pants—versatile enough for the plane and the park. I’ve also packed a pair of Adidas x Song for the Mute sneakers; the gray and yellow accents provide a pop of color that pairs surprisingly well with everything. Finally, for the dry summer air, I’m relying on Aesop’s Solais hand serum, which provides deep hydration without the greasy finish of a traditional lotion.

Life, Love, and Leisure: A Month of Transitions

Chloe Laws, Acting Senior Audience Development Manager

June was a monumental month for me, marked by a beautiful wedding in Hackney. Dancing to pop classics with 145 of my closest friends was a memory I will cherish for years. The post-wedding decompression took me to the Italian island of Ischia, where we stayed at the stunning San Montano hotel. Floating in thermal pools and indulging in buffalo mozzarella was exactly the recharge I needed.

Looking Ahead

July has the task of staving off the "post-wedding blues." My agenda is a mix of high-culture and low-key relaxation:

• The Arts: Visiting the Tracey Emin exhibition and seeing the ballet at the Royal Albert Hall.
• Staycations: A planned trip to The Hoste Arms in Norfolk.
• New Horizons: Ending the month with my first-ever visit to Mykonos, where I will be balancing hotel site visits with my summer reading list.

I’ve just finished the sharp, witty Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash and am currently diving into Josh Silver’s Fruit Fly. Whether it’s in a bustling city or on a quiet Greek beach, the goal for the rest of July is simple: to continue the celebrations of love and keep the momentum of a beautiful summer alive.

Summary of Essential Editor Gear for July

Note: A version of this gallery was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.