Aileen McBride
Based in Brooklyn
English, Indonesian, Mandarin Chinese
Aileen McBride
Ask me about
My Story
Born in Manila and raised throughout Asia and Europe, Aileen has always felt most at home in the spaces between cultures. She built South of East for travelers who crave that same feeling of quiet discovery. With a background in luxury lifestyle management, she brings an editor’s eye and a traveler’s curiosity to every itinerary—finding the ryokan breakfast that changes with the season, the brutalist villa tucked into a cliffside, the boat ride only locals know about. Aileen designs trips for people who care about how a place feels, not just how it looks—travelers who want to move at their own pace and come home changed.
Travel Style
Once a strategist for luxury brands, Aileen is now your secret weapon for navigating the world with intention. She built South of East for travelers who crave the quiet thrill of discovering something different. Raised between cultures and continents, travel was never an escape for her—it was life itself. She’s drawn to places with soul: where design tells a story, food evokes memory, and beauty reveals itself slowly. If you want your trip to feel personal, poetic, and just a little off the map, she’s here to plan it.
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Reviews (16)
Abby W.
2 months ago
Aileen was very open and communicative and was eager to help us plan and schedule everything on this trip! Thank you for helping us manage our time effectively and giving us great options when it came to places to stay and excursions.
The only thing I would say is that there we a couple of surprise expenses (the possibility of a very expensive charter bus ride to the resort and excursions/activities) that I wish would have been accounted for when we talked about an initial budget.
With all that being said I loved working with Aileen and will recommend her to friends and family!
Mikaela S.
6 months ago
Aileen didn't leave a single stone unturned in helping me plan this last minute birthday trip for my sister. She presented me with every option in Miami at every price point and gave very fair and detailed recommendations. When I chose the Edition, she went above and beyond to make sure that I received every perk imaginable including a room upgrade and some birthday bubbles delivered on ice. Five stars!!! There is a reason my whole family now works with Aileen.
Jack L.
6 months ago
Aileen was amazing as always. She handled everything quickly and clearly, even on short notice. I always feel taken care of when booking through her, and this was no exception.
Kristian B.
6 months ago
Aileen made everything seamless from the start. She was incredibly responsive, understood exactly what we needed, and even followed up the day before to confirm the shuttle info and check-in process.
Jennifer V.
7 months ago
Aileen was incredible to work with. Even when unexpected changes came up during my stay, she handled them right away and made the process stress-free. It was such a relief knowing I had someone I could trust to take care of the details.
Abby W.
2 months ago
Aileen was very open and communicative and was eager to help us plan and schedule everything on this trip! Thank you for helping us manage our time effectively and giving us great options when it came to places to stay and excursions.
The only thing I would say is that there we a couple of surprise expenses (the possibility of a very expensive charter bus ride to the resort and excursions/activities) that I wish would have been accounted for when we talked about an initial budget.
With all that being said I loved working with Aileen and will recommend her to friends and family!
Mikaela S.
6 months ago
Aileen didn't leave a single stone unturned in helping me plan this last minute birthday trip for my sister. She presented me with every option in Miami at every price point and gave very fair and detailed recommendations. When I chose the Edition, she went above and beyond to make sure that I received every perk imaginable including a room upgrade and some birthday bubbles delivered on ice. Five stars!!! There is a reason my whole family now works with Aileen.
Jack L.
6 months ago
Aileen was amazing as always. She handled everything quickly and clearly, even on short notice. I always feel taken care of when booking through her, and this was no exception.
Kristian B.
6 months ago
Aileen made everything seamless from the start. She was incredibly responsive, understood exactly what we needed, and even followed up the day before to confirm the shuttle info and check-in process.
Travel ideas (1)
A Taste of Bangkok: A Guide to Eating & Drinking Your Way Through Thailand’s Capital
Bangkok is a city that demands you come hungry. Beneath its shimmering skyline lies one of the world’s great culinary playgrounds of equal parts refined and rebellious. You could spend the morning sipping coconut water in a wet market, lunching on $2 boat noodles, then dressing for dinner at a rooftop fine-dining spot with views over the Chao Phraya. This guide is for those who chase flavor and aren’t afraid to explore a little heat, funk, and midnight indulgence along the way.
A Taste of Bangkok: A Guide to Eating & Drinking Your Way Through Thailand’s Capital
Bangkok is a city that demands you come hungry. Beneath its shimmering skyline lies one of the world’s great culinary playgrounds of equal parts refined and rebellious. You could spend the morning sipping coconut water in a wet market, lunching on $2 boat noodles, then dressing for dinner at a rooftop fine-dining spot with views over the Chao Phraya. This guide is for those who chase flavor and aren’t afraid to explore a little heat, funk, and midnight indulgence along the way.
A Taste of Bangkok: A Guide to Eating & Drinking Your Way Through Thailand’s Capital
Bangkok is a city that demands you come hungry. Beneath its shimmering skyline lies one of the world’s great culinary playgrounds of equal parts refined and rebellious. You could spend the morning sipping coconut water in a wet market, lunching on $2 boat noodles, then dressing for dinner at a rooftop fine-dining spot with views over the Chao Phraya. This guide is for those who chase flavor and aren’t afraid to explore a little heat, funk, and midnight indulgence along the way.
A Taste of Bangkok: A Guide to Eating & Drinking Your Way Through Thailand’s Capital
Bangkok is a city that demands you come hungry. Beneath its shimmering skyline lies one of the world’s great culinary playgrounds of equal parts refined and rebellious. You could spend the morning sipping coconut water in a wet market, lunching on $2 boat noodles, then dressing for dinner at a rooftop fine-dining spot with views over the Chao Phraya. This guide is for those who chase flavor and aren’t afraid to explore a little heat, funk, and midnight indulgence along the way.
Travel photos
