Red Magazine: July 2009

THE CONSTANT TRAVELLER

JULIET KINSMAN, 35, is editor-in-chief of Mr and Mrs Smith. She lives in North London with her partner, Simon, and their 21-month-old daughter, Kitty.

What are the hot hotels for 2009?

The Crown Inn (thecrownamersham.co.uk) in Buckinghamshire has had an overhaul by designer Ilse Crawford. Abroad, I love the Borgo Santo Pietro (borgosantopietro.com) in Tuscany.

Do you have an all-time favourite?

Being the first non-family guest at Gossel Ridding (gosselridding.com) in the Lake District was pretty special. And Pool House (pool-house.co.uk) in the Highlands of Scotland.

What about a country?

Morocco. The chep-chic option is Riad Azzar (riadazzar.com) in Marrakech's ancient medina. Or escape to the city's Palmeraei area to the sophisticated Ksar Char-Bagh (ksarcharbagh.com).

What are the latest travel trends?

Staycationing, aka holidaying in the UK. And 'hometels' - renting a house that's as stylish as a boutique hotel, but works out cheaper split between friends.

Where is good to staycation?

I love Bath and Harrogate for shopping, and the beaches on Norfolk's north coast are wonderful.

What's the secret of expert packing?

Less is more. Pack light and douse tissues in your favourite fragrance, then layer them in your packing.

Give us some booking advice?

Go on minibreaks Monday to Thursday - you can bag some amazing deals.

Any indispensible accessories?

My melobaby nappy wallet and changing mat (£29.95, melobaby.com). I also love Flip Ultra, a tiny camcorder (£99.99, flipvideo.co.uk).

What about travel websites?

Our blog (blog.mrandmrssmith.com), Cool Hunting for travel-gadget advice (coolhunting.com), and skyscanner.net to find short-haul flights.

All hotels mentioned can be booked through mrandmrssmith.com