BABES IN HART: JACQUI GIFFORD

JACQUI GIFFORD

Meet Jacqui Gifford, the globe-trotting Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure. From being born in Tokyo during a typhoon to navigating a dynamic career at the helm of one of the world’s leading travel magazines, Jacqui has adventure in her DNA.

Read her equal parts wit-and-wisdom-filled Q&A for her thoughts on travel’s power to transform, her favorite souvenirs, and what city she thinks is about to be on everyone's travel list.

Where did your love of travel come from?

My love of travel started in utero–my mother and father moved to Japan when my mother was 8 months pregnant, never having visited before. They left the United States for a new adventure in Tokyo, and I was born shortly after in the middle of a typhoon, water rushing into the hospital. We traveled extensively as a family throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, a part of the world where I also lived and went to high school. My parents always assured me that we would eventually come back to the United States, that the time to see other parts of the world was now. I feel fortunate that we were able to do so.

You lead a big team and have a busy, global career. What is your advice to a young professional who is working their way up to an inspiring job like yours?

My advice to any young professional trying to make their way in the world is to always put in the time and the effort–be the first person to every meeting and take notes and think about what kind of an impact you can have on any project, big or small. And not be afraid to take some risks, within reason. It usually leads to good things.

How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling in a rut or tired?

It may sound trite but I try to exercise or read a book about a topic I know nothing about. Just to try and get the neurons firing, and the muscles going.

We designed our Vesta Cases to help you carry around ‘whatever lights you up.’ What will you put inside yours?

I’m still trying to experiment with a few things, one of which is a lucky penny. Years ago my mother told me that any penny found, heads up, was good luck. I still pick them up off of the ground, even in the grimy streets of New York City. I also recently found a lock of my son Bobby’s baby hair, tucked away in storage. Part of the challenge of traveling for work is that you inevitably miss some time together as a family, at home–having a little keepsake from him keeps me grounded.

We all have a favorite souvenir. Do you collect any treasures when you’re away?

Favorite souvenirs? Tough question. I am a big shopper, and I like to support local designers and small businesses wherever I go. I have bought jewelry in India; fabulous cotton slippers in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar; more jewelry, along with pieces of art, from Charleston. I like to display these things throughout my home: I have a raven wood carving from South Carolina-based Blaise Loreau, as well as a beautiful straw basket from the Bahamas hung over a door knob as a sculptural piece. I’m definitely a maximalist: sometimes I move things around just to bring new colors out. I usually find that when you don’t buy something on a trip, you think about it as soon as you get home–and regret it. Another favorite of mine? A great hotel gift shop. If done well, there’s something unique about the level of curation and personality or flair behind the choices.

What are your helpful travel resources to recommend to someone who is planning a trip (including T+L, of course).

Travel + Leisure is a great resource for all things travel–best hotels, flight deals, seasonal tips. I also just love looking on TikTok and Instagram for individual creators to see where they might be headed next in the world–particularly fashion designers.

NYC is home. Describe a perfect Sunday in the city with your go-to spots.

The perfect Sunday to me is reading in bed for a good few hours, then hitting the gym for a dance class, maybe trying a new restaurant with my family. If it's football season we usually have the Giants or the Eagles on in our living room. And then watching 60 Minutes or some sort of evening programming before an early bedtime.

In your opinion, what’s the most underrated city that should be on everyone’s travel list but isn’t...yet?

I really enjoyed visiting Vancouver this summer. It was my second time there, and I was so impressed by the proximity to water and nature–and the food. Locals really embrace an outdoor lifestyle.

What are your tips for managing a busy travel /work schedule?

Everyone has different organizational styles…I like to go through my email first thing in the morning, before I get into the office. I’m not a zero inbox person, but I am ruthless about deleting things when a project has been completed, so I can feel that I moved on. Deborah Szekely, the 102-year-old founder of Rancho La Puerta and a true wellness pioneer, gave me great advice once: it’s important to have two hours of unstructured time a day. I also like to use time on a plane to read up on relevant global topics and issues, to feel connected. And yes, watch the occasional movie.

In your words, why is travel important to personal development? What advice do you have to young people who want to travel more?

Travel, quite simply, exposes you to new ideas and people and philosophies. It fundamentally shapes and changes you, and I believe, makes you a stronger, more resilient and tolerant person. Every trip, close to home or far, far away, can have an impact.

THE GOOD STUFF

Favorite Quote?

Who’s got it better than us? (Google that one, it’s a football related thing.)

What’s on your nightstand? Four books which I am trying to tackle, one of which is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.

Worth the splurge? A better glass of wine.

Favorite book? (We know you love books - do you prefer kindle or hardback?)I read hard back. A recent favorite was Birnam Wood.

Favorite city for a weekend getaway? Charleston, of course!

Best part of your job? The people.

Favorite travel app or hack that you can’t live without? I have a secret trick for getting last-minute Broadway tickets, but I don’t want to give it up.

Carry-on or checked bag? Carry-on.

Favorite meal in NYC? Burgers at Balthazar!