Seatmates: Jordan Rose
On being a luxury travel advisor and photographer, using fashion to tell a story about a place, and the Nile cruise she can't stop thinking about
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.
One of the best parts about writing this newsletter has been the community I’ve cultivated along the way. Window Seat has been the bridge to building relationships with so many talented and wonderful people—comments and DMs have turned into coffees and drinks, and subscribers have turned into friends. This is especially the case with Jordan Rose, who you may know as the tastemaker behind the luxury travel newsletter
.Jordan and I first bonded over our shared passion for travel souvenirs and a deep appreciation for Hotel Costes. I quickly fell in love with her incredible travel photography, and once I learned she was also a luxury travel advisor, we swapped voice notes about her experience getting into the industry. And when I say she’s a tastemaker, I don’t mean that lightly. Her taste is top-notch—from the itineraries she crafts for her clients to her jet-set style—which is why I’m thrilled she’s our latest Seatmate.
Read on to learn how she’s mastered the “airport look,” why one hotel from her six-week Italian honeymoon was a standout, and what country she’s temporarily relocating to (plus what’s on her must-see list while she’s there!).
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in California and am currently based in Manhattan Beach, but I spend about half of every year relocating for my husband’s job in the film industry. I’m a luxury travel advisor, and I absolutely love it. I thrive on moving around—experiencing new places and sharing those experiences with my clients—though I always enjoy coming back to our home base with friends and family nearby. My favorite drink is a chilled red, I love listening to Leon Bridges and Etta James, and will always order fries if they are on the menu. I want to open a boutique hotel one day, and To Catch a Thief with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant is one of my favorite films.
From your perspective as a luxury travel advisor, what emerging trends are you seeing in the market? Have client preferences evolved in recent years?
It’s been really interesting to see how client preferences are shifting. While the classic Italian summer or Caribbean winter escapes remain popular, I’m excited about the different requests I’ve been getting lately—like Egyptian cruises, babymoons in the British countryside, yacht charters in Turkey, safaris, and honeymoons in Japan. People still want their usual favorites, but they’re also starting to explore less conventional destinations, which makes my job even more interesting. I’m also noticing that more people are turning to travel advisors to maximize their experiences, especially with hotel prices rising. It’s incredibly gratifying when I can secure perks like complimentary upgrades or early check-ins after a long flight, with a refreshing green juice or cocktail on arrival.
You’re also a travel photographer. How do you balance capturing images with fully experiencing the places you visit? Do you have a specific approach to conveying the spirit of a destination?
This is a great question. It’s definitely a balancing act because you never want the process of capturing a place to take away from the experience of being there. I usually go into a trip with a few ideas of what I want to capture, but I try not to let it dictate my entire day—unless, of course, it’s for a client like a hotel, in which case I’m married to the shot list. But honestly, the photos I love the most are the ones that come naturally without too much planning.
I love your series “Hotels + Outfits”, where you style outfits to evoke the vibe of swoon-worthy locales. How do you use fashion to tell a story about each destination? Do you think of the outfits as a form of narrative that complements the location?
I’m so glad you love it! This series has been such a fun, creative outlet for me, combining two of my favorite things—travel and fashion. When I’m at home, my go-to is usually jeans, a white tank or tee, and either kitten heels or sneakers. But when I travel, I love to express the vibe of the location through what I wear. It’s like “dressing the part” to really complement the destination. For example, in Morocco, I’d pack clothes that reflect the environment and experiences, respect the culture, and embrace the local style. It’s all about telling a story through fashion that pairs perfectly with the place. Honestly, planning outfits for a trip is my Roman Empire—I think about it all the time.
You recently shared that you’ll be relocating to Budapest for seven months. Can you share any places you’re eager to check out in the area? Any must-try eats or places to shop?
I’m so excited about Budapest! We lived in Prague two years ago, and I’ve heard Budapest has a similar vibe, so I’m eager to explore. I can’t wait to see Budapest Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Opera House, but I’m also really excited about how easy it’ll be to travel to other places from Budapest. I love big markets, so the Great Market Hall is at the top of my list. For dining, I’m looking forward to trying places like Borkonyha Winekitchen, MÁK, Textura, Hilda, Costes, Babel, Salt, and Stand. I’m also intrigued by the Ruin Bars, which are old buildings turned into unique bar spaces. And, of course, I’d love to do a cruise down the Danube and explore nearby wine regions like Etyek or Lake Balaton. For shopping, I’m excited to explore antique stores and flea markets, skincare at Omorovicza, Spark le Monde concept store, MONO art & design for trinkets, and Veritas for wine. Also, the European Mango and Zara stores are always so good for fun pieces.