Seatmates: Helen Nguyen
On running a boutique luxury travel agency, her travel non-negotiables, and why she always brings at least four bottles of water on a flight
This interview is part of Seatmates, a Window Seat series where tastemakers, travelers, and creatives share how they move through the world—what they pack, where they stay, and the travel rituals that shape their lives.
It’s been a little over three months since I started Window Seat, and writing has been such a refreshing outlet for my creativity—so much so that I’ve started to share words beyond this space. In the last couple of months, I’ve written articles about my favorite hotel in the world, a two-in-one $19 travel gadget that makes my life easier, and the luxurious aspects of my honeymoon in Japan.
In thinking about expanding the world of Window Seat, I’m excited to introduce a new format to the letter called Seatmates, where cool people with good taste share the way they travel. For the inaugural edition, who better to talk to than a travel advisor with all the intel on—and insider access to—all the lusted-after hotel properties across the globe? Meet Helen Nguyen, Founder of Preserve Travel, a boutique luxury travel agency. Helen and I connected over our shared obsession with traveling well, postcard-worthy hotels, and romanticizing the window seat in business class.
Read on to learn how being a luxury travel advisor has shaped her own travel experiences, scope her tried-and-true (chic af) packing essentials, and learn what surprising aspect of traveling she considers a true, underrated luxury.
Tell us a little about yourself.
As a first-generation Vietnamese American, I spent most of my childhood traveling to Vietnam during summer breaks to visit family. Since my parent'’ English was limited, I was always in charge of booking and navigating our travels as a kid. I like to think that was the start of my career as a travel advisor.
Tell us what Preserve Travel is all about. What sets it apart from other travel agencies?
Preserve Travel is a boutique luxury travel agency taking a white-glove approach to planning your unique travel experiences. Our goal is to preserve the heritage and authenticity of travel through considered curation, cultural connection, and elevated hospitality.
What sets us apart is our ability to create intentional, personalized experiences that are honed to our clients’ tastes down to the smallest detail. Through our own firsthand experiences, extensive knowledge of each location, and our trusted network of vendors and advisors, we can plan seamless trips. No request is too big, and no detail is insignificant. We pride ourselves on our taste for culture and our careful approach to research, planning, and education.
How did you get the idea to start Preserve Travel?
I joined my boyfriend’s business trip to China in 2019, and due to a visa hiccup, our itinerary radically shifted 24 hours prior to departure. Originally, we were going to Shanghai, but we had to reroute to Beijing. I researched activities and restaurants on the plane and came across a Condé Nast article about a private Great Wall of China Tour offered through our hotel, Opposite House.
While the tour was private and well-intentioned, it wasn’t what we wanted. The tour was generic, and our guide left us to our own devices. He literally took us to the ticket stand and told us to come back within 2 hours. He was irritated that we returned after an hour of aimlessly walking around. The whole experience was underwhelming and frustrating, especially for the price point. After that trip, I became increasingly involved with our travel itineraries.
I would call tour operators to talk me through the tours, study hotel reviews, and resort maps to ensure I had the best room category for our preferences. I even took it a step further to call the hotels 24 hours prior to check-in to guarantee my room type and sometimes to accommodate an upgrade. If you ask nicely, hotels can be very accommodating and generous!
I realized that I could monetize my travel planning and that the luxury travel industry was highly lucrative if you have the network and skill set. While I had no experience working for a travel agency, I knew I could simplify the travel booking experience for people with complicated schedules, while still focusing heavily on culture, food, and design.
What’s been the most rewarding aspect of planning travel for others?
Growing with my clients. I’ve enjoyed watching their priorities shift with time and travel. Planning other people’s travels can be an intrusive and intimate process. It often takes years for people to discover their style and preferences, especially if they didn’t grow up traveling and staying in luxury hotels.
One of my clients and I share similar values and tastes, but we’re in different stages of life. She’s in her early 50s and is the mastermind behind some of this year’s Oscar winners. We’ve worked together for four years now, and I can always anticipate what kind of itinerary she’s craving, depending on who she’s traveling with and when.
Nothing is more rewarding than when a client texts me a photo from their trip, saying something along the lines of “you’ve nailed it” or “this is exactly what I was looking for.”
How has being a travel advisor shaped your own travel experiences?
It’s a bit of a blessing and a curse. While I’m able to visit and stay at some of the best and most luxurious hotels, it’s like working in a restaurant. Once you’ve worked in a restaurant, you can never go to another restaurant without noticing every detail—good or bad.
When I travel for work, I have a crazy schedule, and every minute is accounted for. Judging by my Instagram, people assume I’m always on vacation or in Paris (which means I’m doing a good job at marketing), but it’s exhausting and hard on my body. In a way, my work trips have made me careless regarding my personal trips. I have a million saved Google Maps of every recommendation I’ve ever received. I’ll use it as a point of reference, but I will almost always wing it every time. I hate feeling confined when I travel for pleasure.
Lastly, I no longer hold my breath for an early check-in or late checkout. If I arrive at 6 AM, I will book the night before to guarantee the room will be ready upon arrival. I’m also booking the VIP airport greeter (if my airline or hotel isn’t offering it complimentary) to skip the line and assist with luggage. Travel can be extremely frustrating when there are hiccups, but these services act as a buffer. They reinforce a sense of control, and that, to me, is luxury.
What’s been your most memorable hotel stay?
Ooof this is tough. For design and overall experience: Passalacqua in Lake Como. I actually cried when I arrived. My friends can attest that I’m usually stone-cold and not so easily impressed, but Passalacqua is anything but ordinary.
For hospitality: the service at Opposite House was outstanding. We had a butler named Aaron, and he was a grade A. I mentioned in passing that I wanted to try the pork buns and bubble tea near the hotel, but the line was too long. On the afternoon of our departure, he personally escorted us to our car, and in the car was a note with a basket of pork buns and bubble tea! To this day, he still emails us annually to wish us a Happy Lunar New Year!
Is there a destination or property at the top of your wishlist?
I’m itching for a trip to India and Morocco. Before my most recent trip to Japan and Vietnam, I planned to visit Jaipur but pivoted at the last minute. I was going to pair Villa Palladio in Jaipur with Amanbagh in Rajasthan. I have a terrible habit of changing things on a whim. If the trip doesn’t feel good, I’ll cancel and rebook. I guess this is one of the many perks of working in travel. Flexibility and freedom are things I don’t take for granted!
My friend and I have also been talking about the Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore to Malaysia. I’m moving back to LA next month and am excited to be closer to Asia. Be prepared for more in-depth Asia content!
What are your must-haves when it comes to luggage and items you travel with?
For luggage: Essential Sleeve Rimowa Cabin or Rimowa Aluminum Cabin Plus for longer international trips.
My Loro Piana Stole is the perfect weight—I can use it as a blanket or a scarf.
Bose Portable Speakers. I’m an audiophile. While these aren’t the best speakers, I can’t stand listening to music on my phone or computer when I’m getting ready. Also Airpods Max + Airpods for on the go.
Round Brush + GHD Curling Iron - most of my travel is to Europe. I bought the EU version of this and I can’t live without it!
I alternate my hand carry depending on the trip I’m taking, but I always have my Longchamp Expandable bags (I always bring two: one as a hand carry and one that goes in the suitcase for shopping.) I also bring my Toteme T-Lock Clutch to use as a crossbody.
For duffels: I use the The Row Iowa for short work trips and the Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50 for weekend trips.
I always pack a canvas tote bag to carry my duty-free waters.
What’s your go-to airport outfit?
In Fall and Winter: an Old Navy ribbed tank, Wolford scuba leggings, Hermes jumping boots, and a winter coat.
In Spring and Summer: TOTEME denim shirt, leggings, and flats/sneakers, or an Eterne sweatshirt and pants combo (you can find them on 260Sample or Poshmark for much less) with sneakers, along with a second outfit to change into before I land.
Do you have any rules or rituals when it comes to air travel?
I take an everything shower the night before and will blow out my hair the morning of. It drives everyone I travel with crazy. You never know who you’ll bump into at the airport or when your next shower will be—especially if you’re traveling long haul!
If my schedule permits, I try to avoid alcohol 48 hours before my trip and eat light the day before. On the travel day, I’ll have a heavy protein breakfast and will water fast for the duration of the flight. I swear it helps with travel bloat!
Last question: aisle or window seat?
Always aisle for domestic first and window for business.
From the Flight Deck 🛫
Bringing you a 30,000-foot view of need-to-know travel industry news
New York’s Laguardia Airport went from being one of the worst airports in the world to one of the best. Having flown out of it consistently for the past nine years—I can agree. A survey was just released that recognized the once universally hated airport as one of the two best airports in North America in 2023, along with Minneapolis/St Paul International Airport. We love a glow-up!
Should carry-on luggage be allowed on planes? This writer for The Atlantic says no—one of the hottest in-flight hot takes I’ve seen yet.
Obviously, how we get dressed to travel is a hot topic around here. I really loved reading the airport style roundup in a recent issue of
featuring a practical yet chic outfit formula from and a fun post by inspired by 90’s celebrity airport style.AmEx just released their 2024 Global Travel Trends Report. One of my favorite stats was “89% of respondents are planning on using ‘travel hacks’ such as using credit card points to save money on travel in 2024.” I just planned an upcoming trip using points and I’m planning to share the step-by-step booking process in an upcoming letter for paid subscribers—keep an eye out.
To book travel with Helen, you can email her here. Interested in being featured in Seatmates or know someone who should be? Drop me a line here.
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Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Graphic Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, email tori@v1projects.com. Want more? Check out Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.
Ya that list is my ideal version of myself. So excited for this series, Tor!!!
Obsessed!! First, so thrilled to discover Window Seat by Tori Simokov. Love this piece interviewing Helen Nguyen and anyone would be lucky to be her seatmate. Travel round-ups are a favorite read of mine. And thank you so much for the mention. Subscribed immediately so I don't miss any future posts.