The secrets of stylish travel
THREE FASHIONABLE TRAVELLERS REVEAL THEIR FAVOURITE SUMMER ESCAPES AND CHIC THINGS TO PACK
Three style mavens reveal their favourite escapes and what they pack
CANDICE SWANEPOEL, MODEL AND FACE OF DAHLIA DIVIN NUDE BY GIVENCHY
My fiancé is a paraglider so we used to holiday a lot in the mountains, but now we have a baby I think we’ll do more beach breaks. I’ve been lucky enough to visit some amazing ones for work. We used to shoot Victoria’s Secret in Turks and Caicos, which was beautiful, and Tulum [in Mexico] is wonderful, too. I’ve really had to refine my packing skills now I’m a mum. If it’s a long trip, I’ll start a week before and edit as I go. My style is actually pretty simple: lots of denim shorts and white tank tops, accessorised with earrings or scarves. I’ll take several pairs of black and nude flip-flops, which I wear down so their soles are thin – it’s nice to feel the earth under your feet. Also dry shampoo, sunscreen, coconut oil for my hair and body and some bronzer. A scented candle is useful for making any hotel room feel more homely, too. My son’s really good at travelling at the moment; the motion of a car or plane sends him to sleep – we took him on a road trip when he was three months old and he was fine. But I always have his favourite toys with me, in case he needs distraction. And I pack disinfectant spray for the plane. Seriously, when you travel as much as I do, it’s a necessity.
PENELOPE CHILVERS, ACCESSORIES DESIGNER
I’ve been on safari several times with my husband and family, but it never feels like enough. Stepping away from the comforts of urban life and enjoying the peace of the wilderness is incredible. My most unforgettable memory is waking up at dawn to go and watch meerkats forage in the Okavango Delta. Planet Baobab camp in Botswana is one of my favourite places – it’s cheaper than many luxury camps and has the coolest bar. For three nights in the bush, I pack everything in my Zebra Weekender bag and leave the rest of my luggage at the airport or hotel. I choose garments with pockets and wear a neutral palette of khaki and white. Other essentials are a cotton scarf, a fedora, a little bag for sun cream and sunglasses and my crepesoled Safari boots. For the evenings,
I’ll take velvet slippers, animal-print Yolke pyjamas and some Pippa Small or Carolyn Roumeguere jewellery.
Many safari camps support local craftsmanship, too, so while I’m there
I’ll buy Maasai beaded bangles or
African glass beads to bring home.
EMILY COHEN, CO-FOUNDER OF SUNUVA KIDSWEAR
Last year, my husband, our two children (Ethan, 12, and Noa, 10) and I visited Sri Lanka for the first time. We explored the beaches on the east coast and saw dolphins, visited an elephant sanctuary and temples, then went surfing on Dalawella beach, near Galle on the southern coast. There are some great surf schools there. I try not to overpack. For me, that means Gandys flip-flops, Malia Mills bikinis, a straw hat, my Sunuva sarongs and pom-pom beach bag. For the kids, it’s lots of Sunuva beachwear, Wild & Gorgeous cardigans for my daughter and skateboarding-style T-shirts for my son. The children have their own Fjällräven backpacks that they are responsible for, with headphones, a Kindle and snacks – they’re always peckish! I like leaving room for souvenirs, too. In Sri Lanka I picked up some lovely bowls made of coconut shells painted with enamel. I am a total travel junkie. Next on my bucket list? Bali and Argentina.