The Koch household is currently packing up for our big family vacation to Germany and Belgium…or procrastinating and making a packing list while pretending that’s the same thing.

We’re about to jet across the Atlantic for a summer adventure, but don’t worry, I’m not abandoning y’all completely. I may skip a week or two of Cooped Up while we’re abroad, depending on how good the wine is and how bad the Wi-Fi is. But you can keep up with the trip over on Instagram (@thecooperkoch), where I’ll be sharing stories.

If you're planning your own travel soon, I previously put together a round-up of my favorite travel essentials. Nothing groundbreaking, just the tried-and-true things that actually make trips smoother and more comfortable. It's from back in March, but it's still totally solid. Consider it a quick refresh before your next TSA pat-down.

LIFE UPGRADE

The Ultimate Travel Assistant You Didn’t Know You Had

I’ve been using ChatGPT as my travel assistant, and, y’all, it’s been a game-changer (ugh, I hate that phrase, but it really is true). From drafting our daily itineraries to organizing train schedules and restaurant suggestions, it’s been like having an assistant who works 24/7 and doesn’t need snacks. I even named him Jamal, because if I’m going to travel with someone whispering in my ear all day, he’s at least going to have a little personality. (And let me tell you, in voice mode, his ducet tones do something to me. Yes, I’m hot for my AI. So 2025!)

But back to what I was talking about. Jesus, Cooper, get yourself together! I even wrote a full blog post about how I get Jamal to help me, and included some sample prompts you can use too.

​Read it here.​

VIBES

The Pool Playlist You Didn't Know You Needed

If you're not sitting by the pool listening to Cooper’s Pool Vibes this summer, are you even relaxing correctly? This playlist is years in the making and hits all the right notes: a splash of Latin, a dash of disco, a hint of deep house and lots of luxe. Think Four Seasons Santa Barbara, but on a speaker float. Here it is on Apple Music.​

COMING SOON

Prime Time Shopping

Mark your calendars! Amazon Prime Days are happening July 8–11. I’m already starting my personal watchlist of things I’ve had my eye on. (It's a work in progress, so chill on the expectations for now!) If there’s something specific you want me to scope out, hit reply and let me know. I’ve been known to sniff out a good deal like a bloodhound in a Dyson aisle.

Sh!t Cooper Says

"Every trash can has a lid."

- Cooper Koch

It’s my sassier take on “There’s a lid for every pot.” Usually, this is said while watching someone awful end up in a relationship. If I REALLY dislike them, it’s “well, I guess even that dumpster fire found a match.”

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That’s it for now! If you don’t hear from me next week, assume I’m in a German biergarten, living my best Eurodad life. Until then, be kind to TSA agents, overtip your bartender and please don’t be the person who reclines their seat into someone’s lap on an international flight (if you absolutely MUST fly coach).

YOU ARE LOVED!