Window shopping #25

Window seats without windows, new high-speed trains, and the Lisbon food tour I can’t wait for

This is Window Shopping, a weekly mini-letter from Window Seat—your stylish scroll through what’s new and noteworthy in the world of travel. Each issue blends timely headlines, personal favorites, and design-forward hotels to keep your wanderlust well-fed.

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Ever found yourself paying for a window seat only to end up staring at a wall? Delta and United are now facing class action lawsuits alleging they knowingly charged passengers extra for window seats that didn’t actually have windows. For anyone who pays extra to pick a seat, the outcome could set a precedent for a fairer booking process across the board. (For what it’s worth, I always double check my flight map on Seatguru or read One Mile at a Time flight reviews if I’m flying in a premium cabin.)

The next generation of U.S. train travel is here. For those who bounce between Boston, New York, Philly, and D.C., Amtrak’s Acela is often the quickest alternative to flying. Starting next week on August 28th, it’s getting a serious upgrade. The new trains will run faster (up to 160 mph), ride smoother with a tilt system, and feel much more modern onboard. This launch shows us that domestic train travel is finalllllly starting to inch toward the kind of high-speed, design-forward experience we’ve come to expect in Europe or Japan. I know I’m more of a plane girl, but I’m excited to try them out.

I’m heading to Portugal next month, and one of the items at the top of my itinerary is a Devour Tour in Lisbon. If you’re not familiar, Devour specializes in food-forward walking tours that blend history, storytelling, and the kind of hidden gems locals swear by. I’ll be joining a tour taking me through Baixa, Chiado, and Cais do Sodré with stops at century-old establishments, tastings of iconic Portuguese dishes (yes, Pastéis de nata are on the list!!), and plenty of context from an expert guide. I always try to eat like a local when I travel, so I truly can’t think of a better crash course in how to eat like a Lisboeta.

The Manner — New York City

The Manner in SoHo is one of my favorite new openings in the city. Dripping in ochre, red, and gold, it sports a kind of easygoing glamor; you could just as easily curl up by the fire with a book as head out dancing until the morning. Rooms are bold and playful with mirrored walls and mahogany against red-hot accents that create a vibe that’s equal parts sexy and fun. All of its personality is a refreshing departure from the understated beige that so many luxury properties seem to go for. This one is high on my list for a staycation!

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This letter is graciously sponsored by Devour Tours.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase (at no cost to you).

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.