New Tips And Triks For You

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, photo courtesy Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

As the holidays creep up and the year comes to an end, the editorial team at Forbes Travel Guide decided to do some reflecting. Traveling is in our job description, so it's only natural that we are experts at everything from packing to picking out souvenirs. Whether you're heading somewhere tropical for the festive season or have a lavish vacation planned for 2014, it's never a bad idea to gather a few tips to make your trip a bit smoother. Check out which cities we adore, hotels we can't wait to check back into and things we love to bring home. And for even more travel advice and vacation ideas, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com to plan your next getaway.

Kim Atkinson, Senior Vice President, ContentFavorite place to travel: Hong KongCheck into: TheLandmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong or Four Seasons Hotel Hong KongI always travel with: Comfortable socks to slip into on the plane; an iPad; and La Prairie beauty products I stash away from the hotels I stay in.What to bring home: My husband and I try to purchase a piece of art whenever we travel-one of my favorites is a dreamy abstract fashion photograph we picked up at the 798 Art District on a snowy day in January in Beijing.Travel advice: Book a room on the executive floor whenever you can, especially when traveling to Europe or Asia, so you have somewhere to go for snacks and Internet access when you're awake in the middle of the night. I also always try to go see a concert or art gallery opening whenever I travel-it's the best way to mingle with locals and see what life in each city is really like.My travel playlist: Sigur Rós, Vampire Weekend, Wilco, Band of Horses

Jennifer Kester, Executive EditorFavorite place to travel: Napa ValleyCheck into: Auberge du Soleil or Meadowood Napa ValleyI always travel with: AWhite + Warren cashmere wrap; Kindle; and an iPhone.What to bring home: I try to buy jewelry made in the area. It's easy to pack a necklace or earrings, and the baubles remind me of my travels whenever I wear them.Travel advice: In Napa, don't book wine tastings on your own. Go through your hotel's concierge, who can score you free tastings and VIP access to some of the vineyards that are usually off-limits to the public.My travel playlist: Jay Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Adele, John Legend

Laura J. Downey, Managing EditorFavorite place to travel: MacauCheck into: Conrad Macao, Cotai Central or Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai StripI always travel with: My iPad; Bible; a pair of brown oversized Gucci tortoise shell side buckle sunglasses; and a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs black aviators.What to bring home: I collect coins from every place I visit. I have euros from my travels to London, Paris and Amsterdam, patacas from Macau, coins from Hong Kong, pesos from Mexico, and more. I keep the money in a big coffee mug inside a drawer in my console table.Travel advice: Instead of carrying a laptop bag to store my MacBook Pro in, I let my Louis Vuitton Neverfull double as a bag for my computer. This allows me to fill up another bag with clothes and use it as my second carry-on.My travel playlist: Drake, Jay Z, Rihanna

Michelle Doucette, Senior EditorFavorite place to travel: BostonCheck into: XV BeaconI always travel with: Noise-canceling headphones; Emergen-C; and a scarf for dressing up, covering up and warming up.What to bring home: A packable piece of local art, even if it's just a postcard. I often frame those, too.Travel advice: When packing, slide suits and dresses into a plastic dry cleaners bag to avoid wrinkled clothing-I never have to bust out the in-room iron.My travel playlist: The Head and the Heart, Brett Dennen, Carole King

DeMarco Williams, Senior EditorFavorite place to travel: Highlands, N.C.Check into: Old Edwards Innand SpaI always travel with: My wife; my laptop; my notepad; and a good pen.What to bring home: A baseball cap or a T-shirt representing the local pro or collegiate team. In the case of the secluded Highlands, that's a little tough. But hey, I do have a hat for the nearby Asheville Tourists Minor League Baseball team. Travel advice: To all those travelers who hate checking luggage, it may be time to reconsider. While overheads are getting more and more cramped, baggage handlers are working harder to get you to your bags quicker. No, really. On my return flight during the Thanksgiving break, I checked my luggage. After deplaning, I went straight to baggage claim and my suitcases were already waiting for me on the carousel. Give it a try-your clear head and free hands will thank you.My travel playlist: Drake, J. Cole, '90s Jay Z, '80s Anita Baker, Yuna

Caroline Patek, Associate EditorFavorite place to travel: New York City Check into: Four Seasons Hotel New YorkAlways travel with: Cashmere socks for the plane; Caudalie Beauty Elixir for an instant pick-me-up; and a classic watch.What to bring home: Black-and-white prints of the destination. I inherited this tradition from my dad, and they're great additions to a gallery wall.Travel advice: Bring versatile clothing. I usually pack a few key pieces, such as a chic black sweater, that can easily transition from day to night.My travel playlist: Haim, Ellie Goulding, Kings of Leon