Q&A - what are the best shoes for traveling in rainy weather? | HNHO - Rosewood Amsterdam | Highlight - Il Goccetto in Rome

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

If you are very lucky, you are in London on a day like the one above – blue skies, gorgeous sunset. But since half the days in London have rain, the odds are 50/50 you’ll experience some damp weather.

This week a client heading to London and Amsterdam asked for my recommendations on the best shoes for unpredictable weather. Check out my answer in this week’s Q&A below. There are a lot of great options in all types of styles.

It is no secret that Newark Airport has been a mess lately. Last week I shared on social media my flight experts’ insights:

It’s become so bad that a cartoon was made to poke fun at their situation.

If you can, avoid Newark for now.

If you are interested in seeing real time updates about delayed and cancellations at Newark and all other US airports, check out the Misery Map. This morning isn’t looking that bad – ATL is much worse.

Book your flights with your eyes open and consider working with flight experts who help you avoid issues and have your back when bumps happen.

Last week’s most popular article was the 12 Best Bike Tours in the World.

This week’s inspirational articles include Sicily – the hottest new luxury playground, a brand new national park lodge, 18 undiscovered beach getaways, the best hotels with family rooms in Paris and the 8 best places for an epic multi-generational trip.

The informational articles include a local’s guide to Italian dining etiquette, reasons to lock your luggage, stylish travel outfits by a diplomatic spouse and tips to keeping grandparents to kids happy on the same trip.

Also lots of articles on New Zealand, Japan, London, African adventures and the best museums.

I’m off to Washington DC, Madrid and Slovenia next week. DC is going to be a fun combination of exploring the city and going on hotel site visits. Madrid will be long conference days with little free time, where I’ll meet with 40 hoteliers and partners from around Europe and my favorite Spanish people. From there, on to Slovenia for a scouting trip with my colleagues. I love going new places and this is my first time in Slovenia so I’m excited!

I look forward to sharing what I learn with you!

Where to next for you?

I wish you a warm and sunny Memorial Day weekend!

Warmly,

Below:

Q&A – What are best shoes to wear when touring cities where it is likely to rain?
This week’s highlight – Il Goccetto
Hot New Hotel Opening – Rosewood Amsterdam
Inspiration + Information

A client heading to London this month asked me about the best shoes to bring, given the uncertain weather. It was a great question to crowdsource with my well-traveled colleagues. I loved their ideas so I want to share them with you.

Question:
What are best shoes to wear when touring cities where it might rain?

Answer:

Aquatalia
Blondo
La Canadienne – a wide variety of shoes/boots (check out their City Dry styles)
Blundstones – favorites of my college kids
Hunter boots
Jelly sandals – even designers make these now. Totally waterproof but not a lot of support. Good option for going to dinner in the rain. Styles at Nordstrom and Tuckernuck.
Crocs sandals – ubiquitous as ever

IL GOCCETTO

“Rome’s coziest wine bar.”

That’s how Il Goccetto is often described.

The dark and cozy bar in Centro Storico is one of Rome’s oldest wine shops with over 800 types of wine that line the walls from floor to ceiling.

Il goccetto means ‘a little drop.’ Select a bottle or order one of the many wines by the glass listed on the chalkboard.

The intimate inside fills up quickly with locals and visitors. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying wine, cheese, rustic Italian bread and small plates with friends.

Do not worry if the inside is full, as the guests overflow onto the sidewalk creating an impromptu street party under the large Vino e Olio sign.

It’s the perfect spot to stop at before a later dinner reservation in the neighborhood.

📷 Il Goccetto

Reach out to plan your trip to

Italy

🌟 Rosewood Amsterdam recently opened in the former Palace of Justice within the UNESCO-designated Canal District.

Why visit Rosewood Amsterdam?

Experience ultra-luxurious rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the canals, city rooftops and serene landscaped courtyards.
Enjoy thoughtfully designed public spaces that invite you to linger—like the elegant lobby library, filled with vintage legal volumes and curated artifacts.
Refresh with laps in the indoor pool or energize in the state-of-the-art fitness center, followed by a rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment at the Asaya Spa.
Step aboard the historic 1924 Salon Boat, fully restored and electric, for a scenic cruise with Captain Arnold to destinations like the pastoral Duivendrechtse Polder or the picturesque fishing village of Durgerdam.

Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.

📷 Rosewood Amsterdam

Reach out to plan your visit

The Netherlands

INSPIRATION

Jump right in: Tatler reveals the most dazzling pools around the world, from a mesmerising infinity pool, to a film-set piscina and a soothing spa circuit, Tatler

Sicily—Yes, Sicily—Has Become Italy’s Hottest New Luxury Playground, Robb Report
(We have many clients headed to Sicily this summer – it’s the perfect balance of culture, history, active and culinary experiences)

Party Till the Break of 10 P.M., NYT

One of the World’s Most Famous National Parks Just Got a Brand-new Lodge With Bright-pink Glamping Tents, Travel & Leisure

What It’s Like to Stay at Flockhill Lodge, the Ultimate Alpine Lodge in New Zealand, Robb Report
(We had clients here over last new years’ holidays)

18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways, Forbes

6 Chic Paris Hotels With Rooms Big Enough for Families, AFAR
(Had they asked me I would have given them 11 Paris hotels with family rooms – 2 of which have pools, plus 6 others with connecting rooms)

The Pasta Queen’s favourite cacio e pepe in Rome, BBC
(Our clients already have reservations booked at #2 for next month)

The 8 Best Places for an Epic Multi-Generational Trip—and Where to Stay, AFAR
(From Africa to Japan to Canada – we have clients booked to many of these places in the next year)

12 incredible things to do in Japan on your next trip, according to a local, Condé Nast

I Get Bored at the Beach. Where Should I Go This Summer?, NYT