Introducing Gillian Schwartz: Creative Director's Favorite Destinations and Dream Trips

Hometown: Washington D.C.

Occupation: Creative director and founder of Schwartz & Sons.

Favorite destinations: Jerez, Maine, Paris, Palm Desert.

Dying to visit: Tokyo, Marrakesh, Vietnam, India, Panama.

Bizarre travel rituals: I do lots of planning ahead, obsessive schedules and lists. But upon arrival, I end up going totally off the cuff.

In-flight relaxation regime: They are dorky, but I love noise-cancelling headphones. Then there's water chugging, chill-out drops from my acupuncturist, and list-making.

Always in carry-on: Shawl, iPad, Corgi polka-dot socks stolen from my dad, notebook.

Concierge or DIY? A well engineered combination of both.

See it all or take it easy? SEE IT ALL. 

Drive or be driven? See "Concierge or DIY."

Best hotel amenity: Can be as simple as running water or as complex as antique heated bread baskets on bed tray breakfasts. It's all relative.

I dream about my meal at Camille on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois in Paris (the côte du bœuf). 

Everywhere I go, I go where the old-timers go.

When I arrive in a new place, I learn the lay of the land through "first day" wandering and recommendations collected from well traveled friends.

I always bring home printed ephemera, textiles, silver bracelets. I ship back books, gifts, and cured meat.

If I never return to missing luggage, it'll be too soon because it will be a sure sign my luggage is missing. 

I travel for the creative reset, light, perspective, and people.

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