From the Editor

WHAT SORT of traveller are you? Are you a planner or do you go with the flow once you’ve arrived at a new destination? Obviously, there are pros and cons to both approaches. The planner can book a table at one of the hottest restaurants in New York City ahead of time. The nomad wanders down a laneway in Florence and stumbles upon a family-owned trattoria serving the most authentic pasta in town.

Personally, I like a combination of the two – a bit of meandering and spontaneity, with some research so I know the hotspots.

But I suspect we’re not spending as much time planning our trips these days. It’s not out of a sense of adventure; it’s more because we’re so time-poor and busy in the lead-up to our holiday. In fact, a 2016 Google/Ipsos Connect study found that 85 per cent of leisure travellers decide on activities only

after having arrived at their destination. I want to encourage you to make time for some planning. Why? Because when you read up on the destination in advance, anticipation builds. Stressful day at the office? You can close your eyes and picture yourself by the secluded waterfall you’ve made a note to visit. Travel is, after all, about fulfilling dreams.

With that in mind, we’ve added a couple of new pages to the magazine – which has had a bit of a refresh this month. One of my favourite new columns? Holiday Homework. Trust me, this is pleasurable study. Before you visit a destination, we recommend you read a novel set there, watch a movie filmed in that location and listen to music it inspired. It’s all about getting you in the holiday mood. First stop? The Greek islands (page 159).

In another new column, Chef vs Critic (page 142), we ask a renowned chef to face off against a restaurant critic and nominate the best food experiences in their city. Huge thanks to Mario Batali and The New

York Times’ Sam Sifton for giving us a taste of New York.

Our holidays are precious so let’s make them amazing. That’s my plan, anyway…

Have a great month. Kirsten Galliott Editor-in-Chief kirstengalliott