Glamping on Governors Island is one of those trips where overpacking can make the experience worse instead of better. You are walking from the ferry to your tent, exploring the island, and likely carrying your own bag the entire way. This is not the kind of trip where you want multiple bags, heavy luggage, or things packed "just in case." The good news is Collective Retreats provides a lot of the basics already, so packing for this stay is simple.

Governors Island is one of those places that somehow still feels like a hidden gem despite sitting right in the middle of New York Harbor. If you are planning to stay overnight with Collective Retreats, here are a few things worth knowing before you go.

There is something strange about Governors Island. Every time the ferry pulls away from Manhattan, it feels like crossing into another world. Not far away. Not dramatic. Just... different. The noise softens. The pace slows. The city begins to feel less like something surrounding you and more like something you are simply looking at from afar.

For our 40 for 40 location number 22, Rick and I decided to spend a night glamping on Governors Island with Collective Retreats, and somehow, despite being only minutes from Manhattan, it felt like we had fully left the city behind. That is one of the things I love most about Governors Island. It never really feels like New York. It feels quieter, slower, almost like a little forgotten town floating in the harbor.

New York City can feel overwhelming if you have never been here before. It is loud, fast, crowded, and full of options. But it is also incredibly navigable once you understand a few basics. These are not secret hacks or tourist shortcuts. These are the things we wish every visitor knew before arriving, especially if this is your first trip or you are visiting in the summer.

There is a strange quiet that happens at the end of a long trip. Not the quiet of a peaceful place. Not the quiet of mountains or empty streets. But the quiet that settles in when you realize the journey is almost over.

If you only have a couple of days in Zurich but want to experience the Swiss Alps, a day trip into the mountains is absolutely worth it. One of the best surprises about Zurich is how easy it is to reach some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes. Within a few hours you can go from historic city streets to waterfalls, glacial rivers, alpine villages, and towering mountain peaks.