We had the pleasure of speaking with Georgia Hopkins, the founder of It’s Beautiful Here, a travel curator who left the corporate world behind to collect stories, places and people that move the soul.
What inspired you to start It’s Beautiful Here?
In 2012, I quit my corporate job in Australia, chasing a dream to live in New York. But life had other plans—California stole my heart instead. With only a tourist visa though, I found myself constantly on the move, I had to leave the country every 90 days, so I started embarking on some very spontaneous and oftentimes wild solo adventures.
Friends and family kept urging me to document my travels, so I started It’s Beautiful Here as a place to share my photos, travel stories, and the local spots I was discovering. What started as a passion project quickly became something bigger. I have always believed the best way to experience a destination is through connection—connecting with the locals, immersing in the culture, and going beyond the obvious tourist spots. That’s what It’s Beautiful Here is all about.
I began curating city guides, sharing insider tips, and eventually turned my love for travel into a business —writing for some of the world’s most esteemed travel publications and curating personalized itineraries for people who want something truly special. It’s been an incredibly organic journey, and at the heart of it all is a deep love for travel, connection, and uncovering the real magic of a place. I feel lucky every day to do what I do.
What makes travel planning fulfilling?
For me, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as creating a unique and personalised itinerary that resonates deeply. Filled with insider local spots, unique experiences, and off-the-beaten-track recommendations that can’t be found in a guidebook, I hope to enrich my client’s travel experience by helping to foster a connection between them and the destinations they visit. It’s all about making the journey as personalised and special as possible.
How do you find hidden gems while traveling?
Connecting with the locals, asking lots of questions, being present in every situation. And walking, lots of walking. I just try to be present in the moment to soak up all the good stuff. It’s always the unexpected discoveries that end up being the most memorable.
Favorite travel book?
I just finished reading “The Half Known Life” by Pico Iyer - a new favourite. I think Pico Iyer sums up the magic of travel so perfectly: “And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, in dimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.”
What’s your ideal vacation?
My ultimate vacation is a simple one. No plans. Waking up by the sea. A good coffee. Sunshine. Swimming all day. And a big dose of good food, friends, music and wine.
Interview with Georgia Hopkins
A journey through short getaways, long-lastıng ınspıratıon
What’s your travel philosophy?
Stay open. And say yes! The best things always happen when you allow spontaneity and serendipity to be your guide.
Travel tips or essentials you never skip?
I travel with Bodha incense (to help me ground) and a travel candle; little rituals that help me feel a sense of home while on the road. Bodha incense: https://bodha.com/shop/ground-ritual-incense
What’s your vision for the future of travel?
I hope as travellers we become more discerning, travelling slowly and more mindfully to create deeper experiences and connection with local people and culture. I would love to see travellers becoming less about ticking boxes and “getting the shot” and more about soaking up genuine, immersive, local experiences. I think respecting and giving back to local communities is at the core of this as well.
Has social media changed travel for better or worse?
I have such mixed feelings about the impact social media has had on travel. On one hand, my business exists because of it, and I love how it allows me to inspire my community to discover unique and beautiful destinations. I also really love the way it allows people to connect. I am so grateful for the relationships I have made because of it.
On the flip side though, I worry about the way social media tends to commodify destinations, leading to overcrowding and an increased “tick the box” or “get the shot” style of travel where travellers prioritise getting the shot to post on social media rather than immersing in the destination itself.
I am conscious of finding the delicate balance between sharing photos of inspiration without revealing too much detail around the exact location. I believe there needs to be a sense of mystery when we travel, an element of surprise. There’s something so magical about letting a destination slowly reveal itself, and I feel that social media has taken away that element of surprise for many people.
Your top 3:
Restaurants?
Marion, Melbourne; Le Doyenné, France; The Hut, Byron Bay.
Destinations?
Japan; Bhutan; New Zealand.
Hotels?
Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, Portugal; Passalacqua, Italy; Mèlisses, Greece.
