Nicole & Jill are Fabulous Jet-setting Besties

Nicole & Jill are Fabulous Jet-setting Besties

Nicole Flier and Jill Bijolle have turned their shared love of travel into an annual tradition that’s deepened their friendship in unforgettable ways. As self-declared “legit travel agents,” they plan nearly every detail of their trips months in advance, yet still leave room for spontaneous laughter and unexpected moments—like a 2 a.m. Whitney alarm clock serenade.

Their adventures, which include recent journeys to Spain and Germany/Croatia, have forged a bond built on shared playlists, early mornings, inside jokes, and a serious talent for packing just a bit too much (of course, with Protect My Shoes shoe care essentials in tow). With destinations like Greece, Vietnam, and Kenya still on the horizon, Nicole and Jill show that the magic of travel isn’t just in the places you go—but in who you go with. 

What is your favorite quote or life motto?

Nicole: “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” - Coco Chanel

Jill: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Norman Vincent Peale.

How long have you been friends?

Approximately 6 years

How did traveling together change your friendship?

It’s definitely brought us closer as friends. We spend two full weeks a year together—day and night—which is a lot of time to share with someone. Along the way, we’ve created so many great memories, shared endless laughs, and collected travel stories that never get old. We’ve also built up a solid stash of inside jokes that always make us smile. And somewhere along the way, we both developed a deep love for Whitney Houston, too. 

To date, how many trips have you taken together, and what are the places you’ve visited? 

Spain 2024 and Germany/Croatia 2025

Is there a standout destination that you would love to revisit?

Nicole: I would go back to the Amalfi Coast. But also explore more places in Germany.

Jill: I was very surprised with Germany on this past trip and I will definitely plan to go back and explore other parts of the country.

What was the most unforgettable place you visited together? 

Montserrat & Penedes Wine Valley

What’s on your travel bucket list?

Nicole: Greece, South of France, Asia

Jill: Same as Nicole, however I’ll add in Kenya for a Safari and Vietnam as it’s one of my favorite cuisine.

What is the best part about traveling with your best friend?

Nicole: We have very similar travel habits, like getting up early and starting the day. We never have to wait on the other person. We are good traveling companions and we laugh a lot along the way. We have the same sense of humor which really helps.

Jill: It is wonderful, such fun to be with someone who understands you and your quirks. We are similar in certain ways, but we have differences that compliment each other well. We both love sharing good food and enjoying a nice cocktail. 

How do you navigate any differences or are you in complete synergy when traveling together?

Nicole: We tend to be on the same page about most things and we always pre-plan our trips so we are in total agreement about day trips, tours, restaurants etc. before we even leave. We can navigate a city like professionals!

Jill: We are very good about working together. Since we tend to plan the trip out months in advance we have a general idea of the schedule. Anything that comes up during the trip we effectively work through to solve anything. We will be each others ying and yang in those moments.

How would you describe each other’s personality in three words?

Nicole: Easy Going, Fun, Daring

Jill: Amusing, Upbeat and Game for Anything

Who’s the overpacker or by now, have you mastered the art of packing?

Nicole: I actually wore everything I packed this trip. For a 12 night trip, I usually bring 6-7 outfits and wear a few things again.  However, my suitcase is always OVERWEIGHT and this time the airline busted it on the outbound flight!

Jill: If I’m checking a bag - usually on a 2+ week trip, I’ll be overweight. If less than two weeks I typically fit into a carry-on. Shopping in a new destination is ALWAYS a must!

What are some travel tips you might be able to share with us?

Nicole: 2 is perfect, 3 is a crowd. Find someone who is travel compatible with you, travels at the same level, likes the same things, willing to spend $$ and who doesn’t snore!!!!

Jill: If you're traveling in the Summer always plan ahead your attractions or activities (everyone is traveling for Summer vacay). Second, pack lighter than you think because if you’re like me, you will buy a whole wardrobe on your trip. Last, we live in a world of always being connected, enjoy your time away from screens. Take in the experience and why you traveled in the first place.

Are you a “plan ahead” or more of a “go-with-the flow” type when it comes to visiting new places?

Nicole: We are legit travel agents. Our trips are planned out almost 100%, six months out. We are both big planners but we split the planning between us.

Jill: Depends, if I’m traveling with friends it tends to be planned for a few reasons, multiple people all have input and to ensure costs are evenly understood. While with my husband,we will pick a spot and travel around sometimes with no agenda and go where the wind blows us.

On your most recent adventure, what’s a funny or unexpected moment that happened during the trip?

The first night of the trip, we’re in Frankfurt. We fall asleep and are trying to beat any jet-lag. In the middle of the night we were both woken up out of a dead sleep to the hotel room alarm clock blaring loudly. We hear the angelic voice of non-other than Whitney Houston singing “It’s Not Right, but It’s Okay”. We both are crying with laughter from the confusion of the whole scenario. From that point forward we had a daily experience of something to do with Whitney. Whether it was a song on the radio, a poster for a movie or a musical tribute, she was everywhere.

What advice would you give to other friends planning a trip together? 

Nicole: Really like who you travel with. We spend 24/7 together for two weeks at a time and there are always some obstacles when you travel- lost luggage, delays, getting sick, things out of our control. We can also get cranky with each other but we know how to take a moment, breath and move forward. Just remember this is vacation and you gotta just laugh and make lemonade.

Jill: Travel with someone you’re compatible with. Everyone has their differences and you should be able to help compliment each other in times of need. Also it helps to have someone you can laugh with.

If your trips over the years were turned into a movie, what would the title be?

“The Lucy and Ethel Show”

Follow these traveling beauties on all of their adventures!

Instagram: @uscgirl92 @jilllllionaire


Back to Protect My Shoes Blog