How to Vacation Like a Grown-Up (Hint: It Involves Wine and Zero “Are We There Yets")
"Take vacations. Go as many places as you can. You can always make money, but you can't always make memories."
Let’s Be Honest…
When was the last time you and your partner went on a trip alone that didn’t involve a wedding, a work conference, or a shared hotel room with a baby in a travel crib or a teen who suddenly stays up later than you?
Exactly.
That’s why we tapped luxury travel advisor Jori Sternberg—mom, expert planner, and Jori of the Jori One Piece——for advice on planning a proper grown-up getaway. You know, the kind with Aperol spritzes, conversations that don’t get interrupted, and maybe even a little romance (we said maybe).
Summer is the perfect time to sneak away for a few days of luxury and quiet—while the kids are at camp, with grandparents, or simply living their best summer-at-home lives. Jori plans dream trips for people like us—moms with a million tabs open (mentally and literally), who want a vacation that doesn’t feel like just parenting in a prettier location. And guess what? She handles everything, so you don’t have to spend hours panic-Googling “boutique hotels in Portugal with fast airport transfers.”
Trust us: if anyone deserves a change of scenery, it’s you.
So whether you’re daydreaming about Greece, Portugal, or just any place where no one asks you to make a snack—read on. Jori’s got ideas, tricks, and destinations that’ll make your next couple’s trip actually happen.
We sat down with her (okay, we texted while stirring pasta) to get the scoop—here’s our Q&A with the travel pro herself.
Now let’s get to the good stuff…
JAMIE: Let’s set the scene. What makes the perfect luxury getaway for a couple who hasn’t been alone in actual years?
JORI: I think the most important thing is go somewhere that doesn’t feel overly family oriented and is more geared to adults. A great domestic example is a long weekend at Blackberry Mountain – it’s rustic luxury at its finest. Lots of adult activities, amazing food and a beautiful atmosphere to escape just the two of you.
JAMIE: What are 3 destinations trending for summer 2025 that feel far-flung and fabulous—but are still easy enough to get back home from if the kids start calling?
JORI:
- PORTUGAL – What’s great about Portugal is that it’s not a super long flight for Europe and you can do it in under a week. It offers a combination of city, beach and wineries depending on where you go.
- CALIFORNIA – Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Napa, and more. There’s no shortage of great places to visit in California, and there’s also so many amazing hotels. You can hike, go to wineries, hang at the beach and they all allow for romance.
- MEXICO CITY – This is a great long weekend destination, with lots of culture to experience and of course so much amazing Mexican food to be had.
JAMIE: Can you give us one European pick, one island or coastal locale, and one U.S.-based option that feels elevated and sexy (read: not a Marriott with a pool)?
JORI:
- GREECE for sure in Europe. Athens is having a moment, there are some new amazing hotels and great restaurants. And from there you can go to two or three islands and experience each one’s unique characteristics, beautiful boutique hotels and obviously the amazing scenery.
- ST. BARTS, this is the ultimate luxury, adult island getaway. In part thanks to its exclusivity, but it also offers a laid-back, yet sophisticated, vibe. It's a unique blend of European elegance and Caribbean charm.
- ASPEN in the summer is so special. There’s beautiful scenery, amazing dining and shopping, and no shortage of activities.
JAMIE: What are your tips for traveling as a couple when you’re used to traveling as a family?
JORI: Just to enjoy it! Every time we travel without our kids, I think how nice it is to have less luggage, less snacks and just get on the plane and not have anyone ask how much longer.
I think it’s also important to not continuously talk about your kids. Of course, you love them and they’re amazing, but this is a couple’s trip and it should be about reconnecting the two of you.
JAMIE: What are a few hotels or resorts in each location that feel special enough for a couple’s getaway but still relaxed? (We’re not packing heels. We’re packing kaftans.)
JORI:
SOUTH CAROLINA - The Montage in Palmetto Bluff. It oozes charm there – think rocking chairs on porches with lemonade. It’s totally relaxed and not dressy.
MAINE - The Cliff House in Ogunquit. This is another charming, idyllic property set on the cliffs over the ocean. Ogunquit itself is very casual, definitely a no heels trip.
JACKSON HOLE – The Four Seasons is exactly how you imagine a mountain resort to be. Cozy, inviting but also very chill.
JAMIE: How do you work with clients to make planning easy, especially when we only have approximately 14 minutes to ourselves each day?
JORI: The whole point of working with a travel advisor is that you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Once we chat and I get a sense of what you’re looking for, you can hand it off to me—completely. I’ll do the research, the booking, and all the in-between. We might exchange a few quick emails (that you can answer in the school pickup line), but otherwise? You get to sit back and look forward to your trip.
Let’s be honest—you’re never going to actually book it. But I will. I’ll take the planning off your plate so this trip actually happens. And it’ll be amazing.
JAMIE: Real talk—why should a mom like us work with a travel advisor instead of just Googling “cute hotels in Portugal” at midnight in between Amazon cart edits?
JORI: When I book a hotel for you, I get you VIP treatment and benefits – breakfast, resort credits, etc. But it’s more than just that – if something goes wrong (and sometimes there are hiccups with travel) myself and my partners on the ground, in whatever destination you’re going to, will resolve whatever the issue is. Working with a travel advisor truly makes travel stress free and just about the fun and memories to be had.
JAMIE: Can you tell us about a time when you handled a travel hiccup for a client? (We love a problem-solver who doesn’t panic.)
JORI: I just had a fairly big hiccup with a client in Spain heading to Portugal on the day of the recent power outages. Ultimately their flight was cancelled, and they had two more days in Barcelona, but it was ok because I connected with the hotel, extended their stay and added some activities they hadn’t planned on. They said the hotel couldn’t have been more amazing during the entire situation. And once they arrived in Portugal, we were able to make some tweaks to their itinerary and they really still experienced all their must do’s.
JAMIE: What’s one thing most of your clients say after they travel with your help?
JORI: I always schedule a quick recap call once my clients return—and the most common thing I hear is, “I’ve never been treated so well.” That’s because when you book through me, you’re not just another guest. Thanks to my partnerships through Embark Beyond, you’re a VIP at some of the world’s best hotels. Think surprise room upgrades, welcome champagne, late checkouts, and all the little touches that make a trip feel next-level.
My clients are often blown away by how taken care of they feel—and how they never want to travel without me again.
JAMIE: Any travel tricks or packing hacks for moms who haven’t flown without Goldfish in their purse since 2016?
JORI: I have two go-to packing tips that make all the difference, especially if you haven’t traveled without a stroller, snack bag, or someone else’s socks in your tote since 2016:
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Pre-style your outfits. I try on every look before I pack—yes, even dinner outfits—and snap photos on my phone. That way, when I’m on the trip, there’s no second-guessing or outfit chaos. I just scroll, grab, and go.
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Always pack sneakers. Even for cities that feel chic and fashion-forward, sneakers are key. Pair them with dresses or skirts, and you’ll look polished and be able to wander cobblestone streets without wincing.
And honestly? My Change of Scenery pieces are always the first things in my suitcase. They’re effortlessly elegant, perfect for daytime and dinner, and I know I’ll feel confident in them. I pack them on repeat because they do all the work for me—while I focus on my Aperol.
Have you taken a grown-up getaway lately? Where did you go—and more importantly, what did you pack? Share your favorite destinations, travel tips, or dream trips in the comments. Let’s swap notes like we’re sitting next to each other at pick-up.
JORI STERNBERG IS A MOM TO THREE, A LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR WITH A PASSPORT FULL OF STAMPS, A CLOSET FULL OF FINDS, AND A CALENDAR FULL OF SCHOOL PICKUPS. SHE HELPS CLIENTS PLAN UNFORGETTABLE GETAWAYS - BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR BORING VACATIONS (OR BAD SHOPPING).
Ready to book the trip you actually deserve? REACH OUT TO JORI AT jori.sternberg@embarkbeyond.com
Have questions or need to be styled for your fabulous getaway? Drop us a message at hello@shopchangeofscenery.com. We love to help!
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