As the founder of the travel company Wild Terrains, Lauren Bates is constantly on the road; in 2023, she spent about half the year away from her home base in Colorado. She dedicates countless days to perfecting itineraries for Wild Terrains’ thoughtful woman-only group getaways, all of which support women-owned hotels, restaurants, and businesses. The current list of destinations includes Mexico, Argentina, France, Iceland, and Portugal, as well as New Orleans — but Bates also crosses oceans for in-depth scouting trips, like a recent one to Japan (check out highlights here).
Here, Bates reveals her bucket list trip (hint: it’s somewhere in Asia!), the app that helps cure her jet lag, and a favorite hotel stay.
What was the last place you traveled? What was a highlight of the trip?
The last place I traveled was to New Orleans in April for our first Wild Terrains trip! We had the most incredible group of women travelers with us, and spent the most decadent four days exploring New Orleans. We stayed at the super chic Hotel Saint Vincent, dined with chef Melissa Martin from Mosquito Supper Club in her hometown along the bayou, and spent the days with some of the most creative women in New Orleans.
What’s the most memorable vacation you’ve taken and why?
In 2022, I rented a campervan with my fiance in New Zealand and we explored the South Island for almost three weeks. It was super low-key and no-frills, and we felt so far away from everything. We spent Christmas morning taking dips in Lake Pukaki and talking about life. It’s a memory I will never forget.
What destination or trip or hotel is on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to go to Bhutan! I am fascinated by the fact that Bhutan measures and reports its Gross National Happiness each year, and I really enjoy visiting places with Buddhist influences. Because Bhutan is so remote and limits the number of tourists who visit each year, I think it would be an interesting place to visit and observe how they’ve chosen to preserve their culture while still giving visitors access in a responsible way.
What has been your favorite hotel stay and why?
This is so hard to choose! I’ve spent a ton of time in Japan recently, and I’m really in love with woman-owned Maana Homes in Kyoto. They have several stunning townhouses within Kyoto, and the design, attention to detail, and privacy are unparalleled.
What is your go-to luggage?
I’m an Away gal for my main suitcase, and I love the Dagne Dover mesh duffle as my personal item.
What's your travel uniform?
I always pack really versatile separates in neutral colors that I can easily mix and match. I’ll use jewelry and a couple of different shoe options to dress a look up or down.
Are you a planner or spontaneous when you travel? What are the benefits of your approach?
I always thought it was funny when an incredibly talented chef would get asked what they cook at home for dinner, and it was something super basic like mac and cheese. But now I am the same way about my travels! I plan trips for others so much that when I travel on my own, I try to do the bare minimum. I’m heading to Greece for my honeymoon in July, and I’ve only booked the flights and hotels, but I haven’t researched anything else. I’ll probably just see where the trip takes us when we get there!
Any tips for fighting jet lag?
I swear by the Timeshifter app to keep me regulated while traveling. The app doles out recommendations for when to sleep, drink coffee, and even wear sunglasses, all with the goal of avoiding jet lag and maximizing energy.
What makes you a smart traveler?
I work very quickly to get out of the tourist traps when I arrive somewhere new. My secret is to ask the true locals where they love to go and what’s special about their city — that means talking to the bartenders and the taxi drivers, not the hotel concierge. I keep asking throughout my trip and usually end up with a long list of suggestions that aren’t in the guidebooks or on Instagram.
Travel Lightning Round:
Packing cubes, rolling method, or neither? Packing cubes!
Window or aisle seat? Aisle
Morning, afternoon, or night flight? Morning
Airline loyalist or least expensive flight? Loyalist
Beach or mountains? Mountains
City or nature? Nature
Hotel or house rental? Hotel