Window shopping #5
An unhinged airport habit, an island hotel designed for art lovers, and a travel trend I can actually get behind
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.
Sending this letter a little later today as I was traveling home after spending time with family. I landed on LaGuardia’s Runway 4, which had a straight-in approach—my favorite because it offers the best views. I always make sure to sit on the left side of the plane for the best vantage point. Watching tourists excitedly point out landmarks and snap photos never gets old, and neither does seeing the city from the sky.
Scandinavian Airlines launched a viral campaign that awarded 1 million miles each to over 900 travelers. I love this because the campaign turned what could have easily been an overlooked corporate shift—SAS’s move from Star Alliance to SkyTeam—into an exciting opportunity with a massive incentive. It’s perfect timing too, considering most airlines are scaling back perks or eliminating them altogether (see: Southwest ending their free checked bags policy). Airlines that find innovative ways to reward passengers will win in the long run.
Who among us thinks showing up to the airport 15 minutes before your flight is a good idea??? I just wanna talk.
I really liked this article about where travel will take us next. I don’t normally subscribe to ‘travel trends’ like these, but this piece offers fresh perspective on why and how we will travel. The one trend on here I’m fully on board with? ‘Grown-up gap years.’ It’s funny, I actually just texted my husband the other day asking how we can make a month-long sabbatical happen. Manifesting that one harrrrrd.
Each month, Katie Stone publishes a city guide through the lens of wellness, written by a resident of the featured city. I love her more niched-down take on these kinds of guides; by tapping locals, you know you’re getting the good stuff. Read them here!
Sophia Amoruso recently moved from the US to the UK, and yesterday she published a letter detailing how she got her UK Visa, plus really great intel on how you can too.
Heading to Joshua Tree any time soon or dreaming of some desert respite? If private chefs and Japandi villas are your vibe, Teresa Wu just shared her favorites from a weekend away that are not to be missed.
Speaking of hotels: in case you missed it, earlier this week I published an in-depth review on one of New York’s buzziest openings in the last few years from my recent staycation.
Benesse House—Naoshima, Japan
Surely you’ve seen a photo at some point from this truly awe-inspiring property on Japan’s Naoshima Island that’s part art museum, part luxury hotel? If you appreciate minimalism, your favorite vacation activity is wandering through art exhibits, and you’re comforted by a panoramic ocean view, this is a hotel that should be at the very tippy-top of your bucket list.
Naoshima Ryokan Roka—Naoshima, Japan
Here’s an option on the same art island that blends everything that makes Naoshima magical: art, tradition, and understated luxury. Each spacious room features classic Japanese touches like tatami mats and wood paneling, plus a private open-air onsen that looks out over forest and stone gardens. If you’re craving beauty, serenity, and something that feels both deeply Japanese and unmistakably special, always opt for a Ryokan experience.
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.
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Ok that seems like an insane tiktok trend, but I did once get to the airport 18 minutes before my flight was supposed to take off & still made it on board! Tiny rural airport for work travel for the win!