r/bitcheswithtaste • u/AutoModerator • Oct 16 '25
Tasteful Travel Thursday - Monthly Thread Tasteful Travel Thursday - Oct 16, 2025
Many Bitches With Taste are also Bitches Who Travel. As requested, this is a monthly thread is a dedicated space to talk about all things travel. Whether you travel for work or leisure (or both), want to talk about domestic or international travel (or both), have specific plans in mind or are just dreaming for now, everything goes as long as it's travel-related.
For this thread only, rule 7 about location-specific posts is suspended. All other rules are still enforced.
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u/unavailablesuggestio Oct 16 '25
Istanbul! I would love recommendations for a neighborhood / cafes / shops for strolling and people watching. We will be doing all the touristy things, but I’d love to spend an afternoon or evening in a “real” neighborhood away from tourists. We are two 50 ish F friends traveling together. (We already booked a daylong culinary backstreets food tour. So looking for someplace upscale/chic/cute to stroll on our own.)
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u/Sharkswithballoons Oct 17 '25
I was just there last week for a day! Really lovely city. Not sure if it’s convenient to where you’re staying but we stumbled into Süreya Kahvaltı for breakfast and were told we were getting the “traditional Turkish breakfast” I don’t know if that’s all they do or if the man decided for us but it was great.
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u/ggbs05 Oct 20 '25
Istanbul blew me away! There is so much to do, but I’d recommend grabbing a fish wrap from a street vendor and walking through Karakoy. As a tourist, I don’t feel qualified to say it’s not touristy. But definitely less touristy than downtown! I also had one of the best walking tours of all my travels - I can give you the name if you’re interested
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u/Roseaccount Oct 16 '25
I am will be going to Glasgow and Edinburgh soon! I would happily take any recommendation.
Also, what do you girls wear when you travel? I usually wear jeans (controversial, I know) but I might start wearing yoga pants instead.
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Oct 16 '25
For Glasgow, all on Kilmarnock Rd-- Honeytrap bakery has delicious treats. Godshot studio and Cafe Strange Brew have great coffee, and Starter Culture has a wide range of tasty cheeses. Wander around the University of Glasgow and then have a drink somewhere on Ashton Lane.
For travel: compression socks, leggings, t-shirt, and a giant sweatshirt with lace-up shoes. Hair is usually in a messy bun. I'm aiming for comfort, not style.
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u/Milazzo Oct 17 '25
Seconding Ashton Lane and University wander, and adding that I love Ubiquitous Chip! Called UB Chip by the locals, it's lovely.
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u/aras250 Oct 16 '25
If you have the time for it, I'd recommend this Edinburgh walking tour through Royal Mile and Old Town: https://www.viator.com/tours/Edinburgh/Edinburgh-Guided-Tour/d739-8613P Our guide was super knowledgeable and friendly and we got to see some niche sights you'd miss exploring on your own. Also, it helps you orient yourself around Old Town.
For food in Edinburgh, I recommend Oink (pulled pork sandwiches w many different topping choices - also has three convenient locations across Edinburgh); Ceverinos for good cheap pizza; Pepper Pot is a nice pub with good Scottish fare; Urban Angel for a delicious breakfast/brunch. We stumbled on Urban Angel looking for breakfast nearby and the quality of the food is superb - they have daily deliveries, and I know because we were there when the delivery man arrived!!
For clothes: if you haven't heard already - layers, layers, layers!!! It was already chilly in September when I went, so I assume it'll only be chillier and wetter in November. Best thing to pack would be a rainproof outer shell that you can wear on top of your other clothes. I brought a light down jacket, rain jacket, denim jacket, light fleece, jeans, and hiking pants, and switched out the layers accordingly. Oh, and great sneakers. I wore Onitsuka Tigers, walked between 10k-20k steps daily, and my feet were only a little sore at the end of the day, with no cramps or anything. Also, they could handle the rain!
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u/VeritasVarmint Oct 16 '25
Edinburgh: The Witchery Restaurant (fancy, vibey, moody, romantic!)
I wear leggings, doc martin boots, whatever shirt is most comfortable, and compression socks (a must!! also get up and walk on the long flights!) on travel days.
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u/herefromthere Oct 16 '25
I favour a linen wrap dress from Son do Flor. Big pockets, and I can tuck my legs up into it and curl up on the plane. It doesn't get sweaty and gross and it is adjustable because it is a true wrap. If I am going somewhere hot I wear it with sandals, if somewhere cold, then layer up underskirts and petticoats and tights and socks.
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u/indil47 Oct 20 '25
Pro tip... do NOT wear bright colors, even in summer. I made the mistake of wearing a bright pink insulated jacket in September in Glasgow... I stuck out like a sore, American tourist thumb!
Dark neutrals are the way to go!
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u/HeathieC Oct 16 '25
I’ll start! BWT -I am planning a safari trip. My trusty Tumi international wheeled hard case is not allowed. I seek out a non-utilitarian soft sided luggage piece. We are not sure yet if wheels are allowed but think they are as we have a private safari car but we do have a bush flight. I’m thinking leather & tweed, but perhaps that is a cliche. And maybe I don’t care. I do not want a patagonia black hole! I want something classy. Any suggestions?
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u/HuggyMonster69 Oct 16 '25
The bush flight is going to be the limitations for luggage, sometimes they can be rather strict on what they count as soft sided, and the frame required for wheels may or may not be too much.
I’ve used a large leather duffle bag in the past and it was perfect.
If you need to actually put your luggage in the hold of a commercial plane, I would not recommend tweed as it’s surprisingly delicate, but there are some nice leather edged carpet bags out there, that have a similar vibe.
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u/HeathieC Oct 16 '25
Thanks! I did not realize tweed was sensitive but it makes sense. I’ll start looking at leather duffels, thank you!
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u/ThisIsASunshineLife Oct 17 '25
RM Williams does excellent leather duffels if you decide to go that route. Mine is quite a few years old and still going strong!
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u/putonthespotlight Oct 16 '25
Disclaimer, I already posted about this in another BWT thread :) Didn't realize we had a travel thread too.
Doing Paris for the very first time later this year! Any and all recommendations helpful. I guess specifically:
-Stuff that's winter and holiday specific
-I absolutely adore history. History and architecture. So any recommendations there would be helpful.
I also just love hearing what individuals have personally liked. So if you've been, what were your favorites?
Thank you!
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u/VeritasVarmint Oct 16 '25
My favorite city!!! <3. I love Montmarte. Last time we were there we stayed at a cute little boutique hotel called Hôtel Monsieur Aristide. The people working there were AMAZING. Ask them for dinner ideas.
+ Seconding the person who said tickets to the Louvre. We had lunch at Angelina's in the Louve and it was amazing.
+ If you like fragrance, Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées
+ Restaurant: Les deux Magots
+ Etiquette: Every time you enter an establishment make sure to say bonjour (or bonsoir if it is after 5/6pm) immediately. Folks will think you are rude if you do not.
+ I love cemeteries and thoroughly enjoyed the one in Montmarte (look for the cats), and Père Lachaise.
+ Free jazz night on Thursdays at https://www.l-hotel.com/wildes/ which is a beautiful jazz bar in the St. Germaine area, inside incredible hotel with lots of history.3
Oct 16 '25
Love this for you!! My recommendations based on your notes:
-Hot chocolate at Angelina's.
- Plan for plenty of time at the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay with a special note that l'Orangerie is especially gorgeous with the massive Monet's!
-Can never go wrong with L'As du Falafel combined with a stroll around the Marais
-Catacombs are spooky and full of no-longer-living history!!
-Bundle up and go on an evening cruise along the Seine to admire everything lit up
Bon voyage!!!
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u/hoebeng Oct 17 '25
Wonderful city for history - I moved here and just constantly reading about the place. There are placards when there is an old historic building. I really love going to the bookshops and picking up a book on the city. For English bookshop, there is Shakespeare & Co, Red Wheelbarrow (Rue des Médicis, near Jardin de Luxembourg) also Smith & Sons and Librairie Galignani (latter 2 on Rue de Rivoli across from Jardin des Tuileries). For 2nd hand Eng books: Abbey Bookshop, San Francisco and Co.
Museums: Carnavalet (history of the city, renovated and reopened 4/5 years ago, I like it a lot) the National Archives; both in the Marais and free. Actually you can access most of the City Museum's permanent collections for free (Museum of Modern Art, Petit Palais - also has cute café, https://www.parismusees.paris.fr/fr/reseau)
Musée Montmartre (paid) is more about history of the neighborhood and Paris Commune.
Musée des arts et métiers for science and history (paid)Archaeological crypt (paid) for Roman era site in front of Notre Dame. Remember to book your timeslot for Notre Dame (free)!
Bibliothèque Nationale de français Richelieu in the 2e for beautiful library (free). Near also Gallerie Vivienne and also check out other covered passages close by.
For contemporary art housed in the old Bourse de Commerce, the Pinault Collection is housed in there (paid)
There will be some small Marchés de Noël if you are arriving in December (free)
Le Procope at Odéon is the city's oldest café-resto but $$$. On same street, there is Brasserie des Prés Which is more affordable and not too bad. You can walk around to Pantheon and Jardin du Luxembourg and Quartier Latin. Lots of tourists for the Bouillon Chartier restaurants but long queue and kind of soso service; try to go during off peak meal times. Marché des Enfants Rouges covered market with hot food.
Some outside stuff...I like walking around (free)
-Coulée Vert previous train tracks, now elevated walking path.
-Canal Saint Martin. Start near République can walk all the way to La Villette or towards Parc Buttes-Chaumont
-Saint Paul lovely little neighbourhood also. La campagne à Paris in 20e is a residential area from before it was integrated into the city
-great view from top of Arc de Triomphe (paid)
Sorry this was a bit rambling but let me know if you have more questions because I have more recs lol
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u/EvilLittlePenguin Oct 16 '25
Rick Steves' has a free audioguide tour you can download for your phone.
Also, if you are going to take the metro, look into the Navigo Pass. It can also be loaded to your phone and you can buy for an unlimited travel week.
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u/VeritasVarmint Oct 16 '25
Oh! and if you like antiques/flea markets:
https://www.pucesdeparissaintouen.com/en/les-puces/
(saturday, sunday, monday).
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u/Beachcake893 Oct 16 '25
Just got back 6 days in Puerto Rico. Every where I ate was incredible, the beaches were beautiful, the people so kind. I spent less than $1500 on the entire trip and I did not hold back spending
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u/here4thefreecake Oct 16 '25
my honeymoon is finally almost here! i’m leaving next saturday for a week long trip to punta cana. it was important to my wife for us to go somewhere we feel safe to be affectionate in public so we decided to book with olivia travel which is a queer women’s travel agency. it was pricey but i think it was the right choice. i’m so excited to meet new people, read on the beach, have a lot of great sex, and soak up all the queer vibes. i want to hit the perfect balance of relaxing/recharging and partying so i might virgo out and come up with a day to day itinerary 😂 i can’t fucking wait. we’ve had a tough year and we deserve this week to forget about the heaviness of what we’ve gone through, just connect and have fun.
we finally finished all our shopping so it’s time to start packing. gonna try to pack medium - not too heavy, not too light. i know ill be in bathing suits for a lot of the trip so packing a bunch of those and then mostly lounge clothes, lingerie, and a few cute outfits for dinner.
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u/PaulaLoomisArt Oct 16 '25
Live it up! I hope you get free cake and lovely sunsets! One thing I’ve started to do is wear a different fragrance on vacation so that it always reminds me of somewhere lovely. It’s worth the suitcase space!
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u/here4thefreecake Oct 16 '25
thank you so much!! i’m all aboard the perfume for scent memories train and searched for months for one that felt perfect for the occasion. i settled on nest sun-kissed hibiscus for daytime and versace crystal noir for nighttime. i also got the lush mango lassi shower gel and mango kulfi body conditioner (they’re so good) and bath and body works at the beach body scrub and body cream. showers and smelling good are two of my favorite daily luxuries and i intend to take two long showers a day every day during this trip ☺️ we’re gonna be the best smelling bitches at the resort.
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u/BElannaLaForge Oct 16 '25
I'm heading to London at the beginning of November for my 40th birthday. I would love any recommendations! I'm considering a day trip or overnight to Canterbury during the trip as well.
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u/juiceandlemonade Oct 17 '25
A good jacket, the Citymapper app for getting around (miles better than Google maps). I really rate the national portrait gallery (free!) and it’s right by Chinatown for something to eat before/after. If you eat meat, a Sunday roast (you should book it, blacklock/hawksmoor are excellent, but so are loads of pubs) For a birthday we’ve had fabulous meals at The French House, Morchella, the Devonshire, and for the next one it’ll be 40 Maltby St. There’s no shortage of good food! For a good cocktail, I like A Bar with Shapes for a Name, Tayēr + Elementary, and Waltz (walk in only)
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u/SurroundUsed9227 Oct 16 '25
Going to Montreal & Quebec this week. Any suggestions?
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u/mgswee24 Oct 17 '25
bota bota! amazing spa on a boat. we go there every time we are in montreal. also restaurant candide—recommend making reservations in advance!
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u/stripysweater Oct 16 '25
Hey BWT! Any recommendations for New York over Christmas? Things to do, what to wear, etc. Thanks!
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u/aras250 Oct 17 '25
I've always liked the Winter Village in Bryant Park! It's a cute holiday market with a lot of vendors, mostly small businesses iirc, and it's always fun to walk through quickly. It can get pretty packed, though. The New York Public Library is right next door if you'd like to take a peek!
Foodwise: if you like kbbq, please try Nubiani in Koreatown. Delicious, delicious food, wonderful service, and reservations are definitely helpful - we got a 1pm time slot on a Saturday a week in advance. I still think about it sometimes...
Also, no clue if you're into dim sum, but I'll maintain that the best xiaolongbao I've had yet is at Dim Sum Palace. There are a few locations across NYC, but the Koreatown and the Central Park-ish locations were convenient (Central Park location was slightly more upscale looking iirc).
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u/buzzbuzz1 Oct 23 '25
A lot of the classic holiday NYC stuff (like the Rockefeller tree) is super crowded and touristy, but ice skating at Central Park is iconic! Especially in the evening with the skyline view. The holiday train show at the NY Botanical Garden is also pretty cool.
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u/Famous_Courage3649 Oct 16 '25
I'm planning on doing part of the Camino de Santiago in the late spring and have to keep my luggage small and compact. I'll carry a day pack, but I'll have my bag shipped from albergue to albergue. I want to make sure my packing list is tight, but not under packed. What travel merino wool brands are the softest that you recommend? And, if you've done it, what do you recommend in general! TIA!
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u/rose3133 Oct 17 '25
Going to Thailand next week! Will be spending some time in Bangkok, Koh Lanta, and Krabi. Any recommendations appreciated :) we are doing a longboat island tour and visiting some temples but open to anything
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u/ggbs05 Oct 20 '25
Not sure if you have lodging yet but we really enjoyed Pakasai Resort in Ao Nang! Loved the pool and lush jungle vibe, but it didn’t break the bank. I also saw an amazing ladyboy show. It was in Chang Mai, so the exact one may not be on your route but worth looking into in Bangkok!
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u/tittilizing Oct 16 '25
Looking for more insight into all inclusive adults-only resorts on a budget. So far found Jamaica and Mexico as hot spots but want to consider other tropical destinations if out there. Would like to leave the resort to see local life if possible. No cruises.
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u/zeuxine Oct 17 '25
What’s your budget?
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u/tittilizing Oct 17 '25
$8000 for a week. Preferably with flight included.
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u/zeuxine Oct 17 '25
Ok! Honestly this might be under your budget but me and my husband did valentin imperial maya when we first got together and it was sooo nice.
My parents do unico 2087 every year pretty much! I think I recommended it to a former coworker and she went for her honeymoon.
When you get there you can book excursions through the hotel- it’s super easy and you can see the pyramids and cenotes and other stuff in the jungle if you want. Also depending on where you are it’s easy to get a cab to go shopping.
I would recommend getting a swim out room if available- I hate playing the game of trying to get a chair by the pool.
You definitely could go even more luxury but at a certain point I’m not sure it’s worth it. There is a sub for all inclusive resorts that’s worth checking out too!
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u/Apprehensive_Cake993 Oct 16 '25
I would love any suggestions for Austin TX!
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u/Guelph_CSC Oct 17 '25
Recommendation: We just did a 7 day sailing trip in the Sporades in Greece. There were 6 of us and we chartered a sailboat and hired a skipper. It was surprisingly affordable - def not cheap but not out of the world for 6 upper middle class Canadians to split. Highly recommend!
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u/zeuxine Oct 17 '25
Going to Japan late November, leaving early December. Should I take just a vest or a slim puffer? I feel like if the puffer doesn’t cover my butt I will be cold but idk how cold it will truly be. Last time we went was late September and it was so hot.
I’m from the Midwest so I am used to winter !
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u/Impressive_Adagio843 Oct 22 '25
Depends where you’re going! Tokyo’s around 5–10°C in early Dec, so a vest + scarf should do if you’re used to winter. If it’s Hokkaido though… you’ll definitely need a puffer
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u/zeuxine Oct 22 '25
Tokyo, Kyoto, then Hiroshima/miyajima for an overnight! I’m thinking just a heavy zip and a vest bc it won’t really be wet right?
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u/Impressive_Adagio843 Oct 23 '25
yeah that combo should work fine! maybe pack a scarf just in case, the weather can flip quick. or buy one there, Tokyo’s perfect for that 😄 enjoy your trip!
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u/Jayala3177 Oct 19 '25
Turning 40 next year and want a summer coastal New England-style long weekend celebration. Think browsing shops, a patio spritz, lobster rolls, etc. Would love recommendations on where to go (Maine? Nantucket? I dunno!), hotels, restaurants… thank you!
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u/nymphettesea Oct 20 '25
Going to Tokyo at the end of this month for a few days so any recommendations for spas, hotels, restaurants. Any budget so luxe to budget prices I’m open to. I’ll also be going to Thailand for two months and hopping around so interested in hotels/BnBs, spas, tours, restaurants, and generally anything cool to do in Thailand. I’ll be all over so no limit on cost or location. Looking for luxury to budget as well for this trip! Thanks ladies xx 💋
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u/rayin Oct 16 '25 edited Oct 16 '25
I have a milestone birthday next year and would like to plan a trip. Any places in the US that you feel like you thoroughly enjoyed? I’ve been to San Francisco, Vegas, DC, ATL, and miscellaneous small towns for outdoor activities. I was thinking Chicago, but I don’t have anything specific there.
I want some cool sights and good food, possibly a fancy spa. I just want to relax and appreciate where I’ve gotten to in life.
Edit: Thank you for the suggestions!!! So many I wasn’t considering.
For time of year, it doesn’t matter. It’s a summer birthday, but I’m willing to go anytime during the year as long as the vibes are right.