From Manhattan to Montauk: Summer Travel Essentials from Feste
I start mourning the end of summer on the Solstice. My husband Andrew, ever the eternal optimist, is quick to remind me that we have months and months of long lingering late sunsets ahead of us and gleefully schedules morning tennis at an hour that is surely meant to underscore his point about the on-going early sunrise. I, however, get distraught when the days start getting shorter again, anxiously imagining about those dark days ahead when the sun gets up long after I do.
Like most New Yorkers, I love to use these last weeks of official summer to escape before the rush of fall begins. In my panic, I hoard August sunshine (and have the resulting sun damage to prove it). I am up with the first light, happily outside. Long lingering walks in the dunes, casual lunch tables in the sunshine, swimming, sailing, bonfires at dusk. It’s one of my favorite seasons for hosting—friends piling into our place out East, cooking over the fire on the beach, dining on the dock, easy brunches fresh from the farmer’s market, flowers straight from the garden, game nights, and wine, always, good wine.
No matter where you’re spending your last few weekends of summer, Feste has the perfect assortment for your travel plans. From hostess gifts to games for rainy days to travel guides for your favorite destinations, we’re here to help you enjoy these sun-soaked summer days while they’re still here. We’re detailing easy summer travel tips from our team of expert hosts and designers. Worried about traveling with your haul? We’re happy to ship directly to your destination.
Mini is mighty.
In my past life with LVMH, travel was a key part of the business, and for seasoned travelers, portability is the name of the game. Imagine the littles aisle at Sephora! It’s everything you love, just smaller. When guests are looking to grab a couple essentials for their trip, I encourage them to grab a handful of smalls. I love these mini cards from Mr. Boddington, an illustrator and printing house based in Brooklyn. I like to grab a few just in case I might need a last minute thank you note or hostess gift. They’re also great for tips for your babysitter, house sitter, or dog walker—whoever is supporting you in your get away!
I’m also a big fan of personalizing my space. Whether I’m in a hotel or a friend’s share house, sometimes a little hint of home can be deeply grounding for my extroverted introvert soul. I tuck these clever matches and one of my favorite mini candles into my bag. A perfect addition to my morning gratitude journal and cup of coffee or a soothing companion to an evening shower before we head out to dinner.
My best friend Justin always does a great job packing games and activities. He travels with his tarot set as an easy group activity. For me, I love these pocket-sized conversation starters or for my rowdier girlfriends, this FMK card game. They’re small enough to fit in carry ons or into a handbag for the Jitney.
Never show up empty handed!
As someone who hosts a lot of guests, I can assure you, we’re not looking for swag, but it is a very appreciated gesture when someone with whom you’ve shared your home, your wallet, your time, and your hard earned tranquility brings a little something to acknowledge it. Hosting can be hard—how can you acknowledge it thoughtfully?
I always try to remind myself when I’m shopping for hostess gifts for others that this is not about what I would want for my home (for the record, if anyone is asking, it’s good olive oils, beautiful linens, word games, great books, salts in gorgeous packaging, white Burgundy, simple ceramics, and flowers). Remember that the host or hostess gift is about the receiver.
Somethings I ask myself while I’m browsing or helping guests find the perfect present: What would be considerate for them to receive? Something for their kitchen or bar? For their home? Or for themselves? #treatyoself Are they very outdoorsy? Am I expecting to cook with them? Do they have young children? A pet? Have we traveled together and enjoyed a specific food or wine? Is there a restaurant or shop by their home that they’re always talking about trying but have never gone? What would they NOT buy themselves? What would be a nice treat? It should be a gesture that lives beyond the moment and always accompanied by a card. Homemade dessert, flowers, a thank you note, and nice wine absolutely is never poorly received.
Pack a layer.
I’m cold all the time. Traveling? AC? Restaurants? A long car ride? Sitting outside with a glass of wine late night chatting with our friends? Absolutely freezing. This is why I’ve ended up with a veritable ton of sweatshirts, cardigans, and throws. This season, I’ve had one of our exclusive Kid Sister sweatshirts in my tote daily just in case I feel a chill coming on. I love them tied casually over easy sundresses for dinner, paired with shorts and a swimsuit for afternoons on the boat, or with my favorite bike shorts on the way to Pilates. They’re vintage so they have this perfect worn in feeling that I cannot get enough of.
Get Inspired.
While seemingly everyone is jetting off to Italy, sometimes that intercontinental lifestyle is just not the thing. Work, schedule, budget, or simply the pressures of life keep us local. I’ve found that these incredible travel guides by WildSam have all kinds of inspiration, tips, and tricks for getting away, even if it’s not Amalfi. We’ve been working through the Brooklyn guide—it’s great to be a tourist in your own backyard!—and discovering all kinds of hidden gems that are new to us.
Love,
Feste
