There’s something delicious about planning a summer escape, isn’t there? That moment you start browsing locations, picturing outfits, and mentally sipping something crisp with a view. But lately, travel has started to feel different. It’s no longer just about where we go, but how we go.
Because style, as you know, is not only about what you wear. It’s how you move through the world.
This isn’t about guilt-tripping anyone out of a holiday. Quite the opposite. It’s about showing that you can have a beautiful, luxurious, soul-nourishing trip, and still tread a little lighter. Here's how.
1. Choose Places That Feel Good
Instead of defaulting to overrun destinations (you know the ones), consider somewhere that gives back as much as it dazzles. Think eco-conscious coastal towns, countryside retreats, or boutique hotels that care about the land they’re on.
Look for spots that are quietly doing the work, reducing waste, supporting local artisans, and preserving nature. The experience feels richer when you know your stay means something.
2. Pack Light, With Intention
Let’s be honest, no one really needs five pairs of shoes for a week away. The secret to chic travel is packing with purpose. Think a crisp white linen shirt, a proper pair of sandals, and pieces that mix, match, and make you feel fabulous.
Sustainable fabrics, reusable minis, and a good-quality tote for local shopping, it’s elevated, not excessive.
3. Rethink How You Get There
Train travel is having a bit of a moment again, and for good reason. It’s slower, yes. But sometimes that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. And if flying is the only option, choose direct flights and offset your carbon emissions. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making the best choices where you can.
Once you’re there, walk, cycle, or hop on public transport. It’s how you find the hidden gems, the tucked-away café, the quiet street with the bougainvillaea spilling over the walls.
4. Eat Like You Mean It
Skip the chain restaurants and go where the locals do. The produce is fresher, the food’s cooked with love, and you’ll likely discover something properly delicious you’d never have tried at home.
Also, food markets? Heaven. You get a true taste of the culture, minus the packaging and pretence.
5. Bring Home More Than Souvenirs
If you’ve ever come home from a holiday and felt a little... changed, that’s what we’re after. Slow down. Watch. Listen. Learn something about where you are, and about yourself.
And if you can support a small business, donate to a local cause, or simply leave a place better than you found it, all the better.
Travelling sustainably isn’t about doing things perfectly. It’s about small, conscious shifts that add depth and grace to the experience. It’s about making travel feel as good as it looks.
So yes, plan the trip. Wear the lovely dress. Drink the chilled rosé. But let it be rooted in something a little deeper. Because the most elegant journeys are the ones that leave the world and you, better than before.
