Further’s visuals editor on her favorite times (of day) in SoHo, her guilty travel pleasures, and her experiences in Cuba
Further’s visuals editor on her favorite times (of day) in SoHo, her guilty travel pleasures, and her experiences in Cuba
Kate with her sons Milo and Oscar in Northampton, Massachusetts. 
1984: Kate at her father’s SoHo art opening at OK Harris. 
At the Relais Christine in Paris, playing lady of the manor. Last trip? My last big trip was to Jordan. Petra looked like a movie set. One morning, I got down to the Dead Sea early before the crowds arrived. It was magic to float effortlessly covered in thick, warm mud. (Pro tip: Do not try to wash the mud off with some of the saltiest water on earth. It will sting your eyes.)
Was there a trip you took when you were young that shook up your worldview in some lasting way? I spent a month in Cuba volunteering for the Historical Society when Fidel Castro was still in power. It was humbling and enlightening to speak with Cubans about history, politics, how they really felt about America(ns). Cuba is where I learned that when traveling, oftentimes the best thing one can do is just shut up and listen.
Most memorable encounter with a person from your travels? I met a childhood friend of Che Guevara’s in Havana. It was quite the experience to hear the name Ernesto thrown around so casually in conversation.
Comfort item you always bring on a flight? I always buy a cheesy tabloid magazine that I would be embarrassed to read anywhere else but on a plane. Such a mind-numbing treat!
Your favorite hotel on earth? At the Relais Christine hotel in Paris, I snuck into the garden every morning to eat a croissant and pretend I was the grande dame presiding over my estate. This fantasy was instantly washed away the moment I stepped foot outside the hotel, but it was great for an early-morning morale boost.
What souvenir do you most regret not buying on a trip? I spent lots of time visiting the gold shops in Amman but never made any serious purchases. I wish I had stocked up on chains.
Hiking with Oscar and Floozy (the dog) in Amherst, Massachusetts. 
2007: Wandering around Paris. 
Olive trees lining the streets in Amman, Jordan. 
Kate with her kids, Milo and Oscar, in Long Island, New York. 
2016: Covered in Dead Sea mud in Amman, Jordan (and learning the hard way not to wash it off with salt water). 
Floozy, Walter, and Cannoli enjoying the beach in East Hampton, New York. What’s your top travel pet peeve? People really let loose during travel. I am more fascinated by strange human behavior than peeved, but anyone that is rude to airline staff or to parents of crying babies will get some serious stink face (or worse) from me.
What would you like to see in every hotel? Twenty-four-hour room service. Nothing tastes better than overpriced fries brought to your room.
Someone who opened up a destination to you in an unexpected way? My Bonus Mom is German, and while Germany is not a place I imagined spending much time in, I feel lucky to have gotten to visit several times. Berlin is incredible in its history and creative energy. Hamburg is so elegant. Lübeck is just magical with its hidden courtyard gardens, amazing marzipan, and Café Niederegger.
Any particular person whose travel style you strive to emulate? I strive for Jenna Lyons but end up more like Clark Griswold. (I like to be prepared!)
In what city or town do you feel most inspired? New York. Specifically SoHo between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. I grew up in the neighborhood way back when it was empty sidewalks, barrels overflowing with fabric scraps, and impromptu installations. It was weird and magical. My parents are both artists and the only time SoHo feels anything like how I remember it is when I can walk around at night before the crowds swarm in.
Last memorable meal on the road? The falafel and hummus and a cup of airan at Hashem in Amman. I get hungry just thinking about it.
Dream travel companion, real or fictional? Can we bring people back? If so, Nora Ephron. If not, Fran Lebowitz. What could be more entertaining than sitting at an outdoor café and people-watching with either of those genius women?
