Joining me this year are Hao Tang and Simon Jones. The Besties episode is where we get together for a very honest, very fun year in review conversation. All three of us are professional travelers, spending an incredible amount of time on the road each year.

It’s our job to be discerning, to notice the details, and yes…. To have opinions. And because we’re friends, nothing is off limits. Together we dish on everything from our favorite destinations of the year, to top hotels, safari moments, food obsessions, and those “I can’t believe this is my job” moments.

But before we dive in, I want to say thank you. Thank you for listening for another year, for sharing the show with friends and family, for sending in your thoughts and feedback, and for trusting me and Bell & Bly Travel with your most important experiences. It’s such an honor to inspire your adventures!

So please enjoy this year’s Besties episode and here’s to an incredible 2026 filled with meaningful experiences and memorable travel.

Support the podcast by booking any of the luxury stays HERE

Listen to hear:

• 02:14 – What felt like a true pinch-me moment from a recent African trip
• 02:46 – Which food experience stood out most from their Japan trip
• 03:37 – What places pleasantly surprised them the most or left them disappointed
• 09:25 – How destination trends are changing and shifting
• 12:28 – Why travelers may be getting more sophisticated
• 13:31 – Which hotels and lodges they wished they could live in
• 15:28 – What hotel features they absolutely loved
• 17:32 – How certain features make a hotel awesome beyond just the property
• 19:23 – Which hotel they found the most romantic, fun, and soulful of the year
• 22:54 – What made one travel moment “psychologically rich”
• 26:46 – When they couldn’t believe this was actually their job
• 29:16 – What passion they would happily give everything for
• 31:04 – Which destination helped shape who they are today
• 33:21 – What personality trait they can impart to their clients
• 36:56 – Which airport amenity they think is the best
• 39:36 – What new travel trend they’re most excited about
• 43:10 – Why some parts of their job cannot be replaced by AI
• 47:27 – How they handled the lightning round
• 53:01 – What travel has ultimately taught them about the world and humanity