FROM THE EDITOR

In another life, I edited a fashion magazine and one of the “requirements” of that job was travelling to Milan, Paris and New York for their respective fashion weeks.

I’d been to all three cities before – although Milan was just a fleeting visit – but going as part of the fashion pack? That was something altogether different.

I got a unique and, yes, OTT view of three classic destinations. There was the drinks party at Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s Milano apartment, which was a riot of colour and as whimsical as their glorious designs. The afternoon tea with Michael Kors followed by his super-luxe show at Spring Studios, New York, where I sat opposite actors Kate Hudson and Allison Williams. The post-show dinners in Paris at restaurants both glamorous (The Peninsula’s Lili) and traditional (Alain Ducasse’s Allard), all heaving with the best-dressed people you’ve ever seen.

It was a window into another world; a kaleidoscopic trip I will never have again. And it all felt surprising and new.

As we indulge in international travel again, many Australians are heading back to places they love. Paris. Rome. London. New York. And Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Africa.

There’s something about revisiting places from our past and experiencing them anew.

And therein lies the challenge. How to tap into our nostalgia for bygone holidays but give our senses a hit of novelty?

In this issue, we’re uncovering the different sides of destinations we know and love, whether it’s a road trip in Africa or a completely fresh way to see Singapore, an under-the-radar island in Hawaii or the kids’ view of Paris.

Every holiday needs an element of surprise. I hope you find yours. Have a great month.