In this series, we shift the spotlight from client coverage to the PR pros behind the scenes, discovering the destinations they’re traveling to and what they’re bringing with them. This week, we spoke with Tiffany Townsend, Executive Vice President, Global Communications, New York City Tourism + Conventions; Jennifer Lake, Chief Strategy Officer, Zapwater Communications and Founder, Style Charade; and Sarah Harvey, Senior Account Director, Dovetail. 

Tiffany Townsend, Executive Vice President, Global Communications, New York City Tourism + Conventions

I oversee our PR teams for 10 of New York City's top inbound visitor markets, so my calendar follows the travel map. As of September, I’ve been to India, Brazil and the Netherlands. Next up are Hamburg and Munich later this month, then Japan and Korea. In between, I fit in Miami and Phoenix to see family. Next year kicks off with Australia, then Panama in Q1. In the spring, I'll be in the UK, Italy, France and Germany for media and trade events with our Sales team.

On the family side, we spent spring break in Chile, my first time there. It's a great destination for kids, with plenty of amazing wine for the adults. Spain is a standing favorite. This summer we spent time on the Costa del Sol, then went to Salobreña, which was a quieter, slower stretch of coast and the perfect way to end the trip. Jamaica is personal. Both of my parents are from there, and my son and I are both citizens, but it's been years since I've been back, and he's never been. Taking him there for the first time is at the top of my list. 

My packing list: 

• Briggs & Riley suitcase. A splurge, but zero regrets and a lifetime warranty.
• One of my mom's old Coach crossbody bags. It's my go-to for dinners out and any sightseeing I can squeeze in, so I'm not hauling a tote around all day.
• Packing cubes. One is permanently assigned to dirty laundry. Everyone has a job.
• Mini resistance bands and workout clothes. No hotel gym, no excuse.
• Compression socks for any flight over five hours. Not glamorous, but they work.
• The TimeShifter app when I'm crossing more time zones than I can count.
• A real book for the in-between moments: layovers, long-haul flights, the ride to the hotel.
• Hand lotion and lip balm, and plenty of both. Cabin air shows no mercy.
• A first aid kit. You never need it until you really do.
• Binder clips. The secret to getting hotel curtains to actually close. They also ensure I'm not backlit during a Zoom or at an event.

Pro tip: Whenever I'm outside the U.S., I love visiting a local grocery store, in addition to the sights. It's one of my favorite ways to get a feel for daily life in a place, and it's where I find the best snacks to bring home.

Jennifer Lake, Chief Strategy Officer, Zapwater Communications; Founder, Style Charade

Travel has always been where my two worlds naturally intersect. After working at Zapwater Communications for the past 17 years, now as Chief Strategy Officer, I spend a vast majority of my time working closely with the world’s leading luxury hotels, destinations and travel brands to tell their stories. On the flipside, I’ve been blogging since 2008 and the founder of Style Charade, where I approach travel content and destinations through another lens: fashion, design, architecture and the details that make a place unforgettable.

The first half of this year has taken me everywhere from the beaches of Phuket to business meetings in Bangkok, and the stylish corners of Singapore. While each endeavor was focused on with client meetings and industry conversations, I always carve out time to experience the authentic culture. From wandering through neighborhoods to shopping at local boutiques, I’ve fallen in love with exploring places like a local. 

This summer, I traded the city skyline for one of my favorite traditions: our annual trip to Nantucket. It's the destination I return to year after year because it never feels repetitive. There’s something incredibly special about early morning walks through Siasconset, hydrangeas lining every street, and evenings with friends and family. We also headed to Harbour Island in the Bahamas, another destination that effortlessly blends relaxed luxury and pink sand beaches, along with a visit to The Broadmoor in Colorado, which was the perfect way to close out summer.

Just last week, I got back from Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, one of my favorite weeks of the year to reconnect with hoteliers, tourism boards, airline partners and travel advisors from around the world. Once again, it was a reminder that while travel is my profession, it's also the greatest source of inspiration.

Lastly, as my close friends, colleagues, and family will attest, I’m incredibly loyal to United Airlines and am proud to be a Global Services member. When you're constantly crossing time zones, consistency matters. Knowing the crews, the lounges, and the experience allows me to focus less on logistics and more on arriving ready for the next meeting is truly a gift. 

My packing list: 

• Mark & Graham x Jennifer Lake Signature Luggage. Designing my own travel collection was a full-circle moment. Every detail was created from years spent constantly packing and unpacking. The luggage is incredibly lightweight while still polished enough for business travel, and it has become my constant companion whether I'm flying across the country or across the globe.
• Mark & Graham x Jennifer Lake Foldable Avion Tote. The bestseller from the collection, and the piece I never travel without. It folds completely flat inside my suitcase, weighs next to nothing and is perfect for everything from an unexpected shopping stop to carrying home local finds or using it as an extra personal item on the return flight.
• Apple AirTag. One goes in every suitcase. It provides instant peace of mind, especially during international connections.
• Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones. Whether I'm preparing for a presentation, catching up on podcasts or simply trying to sleep on a long-haul flight, they're one item I'll never leave behind.
• Alice Walk Soft Cashmere Wrap. It doubles as an airplane blanket, a scarf and an extra layer in overly air-conditioned conference rooms. Mine has traveled more miles than almost anything I own.
• Beauty Favorites. I always pack Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream, a Touchland hand sanitizer, and Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. Long-haul flights can be unforgiving, and these three products help me arrive looking much more rested than I actually feel.
• Sezane White Sneakers. A polished pair is my go-to for airport days and city exploration. Comfort is non-negotiable, but I still want them to work with a blazer or a dress. Sezane has some of the best sneakers that blend business meets casual. 
• Anker Portable Charger. My phone is constantly juggling boarding passes, hotel confirmations, maps, restaurant reservations, and hundreds of photos. Running out of battery simply isn't an option.

Sarah Harvey, Senior Account Director, Dovetail

Working in luxury travel PR has afforded me the opportunity to discover some remarkable destinations, both professionally and personally. I'm particularly drawn to places that combine adventure and natural beauty with a strong sense of local culture. 

A highlight of this year was hosting a media trip to South Africa, beginning with an unforgettable safari at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, followed by a stay at The Claremont Boutique Hotel in Cape Town. The contrast between early morning game drives in the bush and Cape Town’s vibrant culinary scene made for a particularly memorable trip.

In September, I swapped the safari for hiking boots on a trip to Madeira with Much Better Adventures. The island’s dramatic landscapes and spectacular walking trails exceeded all expectations, with a well-earned glass of Poncha, the local speciality, providing the perfect end to a day of hiking. 

Looking ahead, Thailand is next on the agenda, beginning in the north with Chiang Rai and a wellness retreat at Aleenta Chiang Mai, before heading south for some island hopping. I'm looking forward to exploring the region's temples, landscapes and culinary traditions, followed by a few days unwinding by the sea. 

My packing list: 

• A good book: Always at the top of my packing list, preferably chosen from Travellers' Tales in Marylebone, where I love browsing for a book inspired by my next destination. There's nothing quite like finding the time to properly switch off with a good book while away. 
• On hiking shoes: These have completely revolutionised the way I travel, making long days exploring on foot infinitely more comfortable. Whether navigating a new city or tackling a challenging hiking trail, they're one of the first things I pack.
• Noise-cancelling headphones: An absolute essential for long-haul flights, allowing me to switch off. Whether catching up on a favourite podcast and film or simply enjoying some peace and quiet, they make even the longest journeys more enjoyable.
• A pack of playing cards: A surprisingly useful travel companion that takes up virtually no space. Perfect for passing the time during airport delays, unwinding after a busy day or enjoying a little friendly competition over an evening drink.
• Earplugs: A small but invaluable addition to my travel bag, particularly when moving between destinations and adjusting to different surroundings. They've become my secret to a good night's sleep almost anywhere, whether on an overnight flight or in a hotel room.
• Electrolytes: Particularly useful when travelling somewhere warm or spending long days outdoors. I always keep a few sachets in my bag to help replenish fluids and electrolytes after a full day of exploring, especially on more active trips.
• DJI phone stabiliser: I love capturing moments from my travels, and this has become one of my most-used accessories. My fiancé also holds a drone licence, so we're fortunate to be able to capture beautiful aerial footage of the destinations we visit. It's a wonderful way to document our adventures and preserve memories from our travels together.