You might think you’re prepared to jet off on your overseas adventure. Your passport is prepped, your hotel is booked, and you’re 110% ready to leave the Aussie winter behind in favour of the European sun. But until you’ve packed your vacation perfume, are you really all set? Absolutely not. As you may know, scent is one of the strongest senses when it comes to memory, making it an ideal (and powerful) travel companion.
Personally, I know a hint of Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess whisks me to straight to Waikiki Beach and a sniff of Balmain Extatic Tiger Orchid takes me directly back to Manhattan (or more specifically, and somewhat embarrassingly, the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park). Think of your perfume as a particularly chic postcard – a special memento you take home with you that immortalises a moment in time and flips the vacation mode switch in a single spritz. My scent strategy? Pick a perfume for each trip you take. If you’re willing to invest in a new iPhone to house your memories, why not select a specific scent to allow you to forever relive them? This can definitely be an expensive habit – if you’re after a more affordable option, you might find your favourite vacation perfumes come in smaller sizes with lower price points or handy rollerballs that you can even pack for the plane. Otherwise, we guarantee these are worth the cash (and the extra luggage fees) – there’s no need to feel guilty; after all, how can you put a price on a memory? We’ve curated cologne recommendations based on the countries you could be visiting to make sure you find a fabulous fragrant fit for your sun-drenched destination.
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If you’re cruising the coast in Amalfi…
Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi Acqua ($185, davidjones.com.au)
Looking for something to stimulate your senses between Bellini’s? Enter Tom Ford. Concocted to capture the tranquillity of Amalfi’s coastal cliff sides, this lemon-grapefruit-bergamot blend has your vacation vibes well and truly covered. Nothing says summer in Italy quite like sparkling citrus, but with enchanting mint and thyme added to the mix, you’ll feel fresh and fragrant even after endless plates of pizza and pasta. It’s a non-negotiable for any Italy stint – after all, the scent is as stunning as the views it was inspired by. Bellisimo!
If you’re sipping limincellos in Santorini…
Aerin Aegea Blossom Eau De Parfum ($180, davidjones.com.au)
Close your eyes and imagine yourself perched on a Grecian yacht, the crystal-clear ocean stretching out in front of you, cool breezes brushing your skin as the Santorini sun sets. Magic, right? Now imagine that in fragrance form, because this Aerin splash was bottled to replicate that very scenario. With an enticing fusion of crisp mandarin to evoke the freshness of the air and sparkling verbena to represent the glistening blue water, this is no doubt the scent for strolling around Santorini. It’s coastal paradise in a perfume, plus, it’ll let your seafaring spirit live on through memories even once you’re away from the island.
If you’re vintage shopping in Paris…
Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau de Parfum
Inspired by the city of love, this YSL spritz is Parisian perfume perfection. Whether you’re taking in the cultural delights of the Louvre, setting up a picnic by the Eiffel Tower, or bravely sampling escargot (snails, no judgment), you’ll smell as sweet as a Ladurée macaron exploring the streets Saint Laurent hailed from. With notes of raspberry, peony and vanilla, the scent was designed to evoke sensuality, helping you to strike the perfect balance between feminine and audacious. Dedicate this scent to your Parisian adventure, and then to paraphrase Casablanca, you’ll always have Paris.
If you’re treating yourself to tapas in Barcelona…
Paco Rabanne Olympea Aqua ($126, myer.com.au)
If the Sagrada Familia is a must-see, this spicy scent is a must-smell. Just like the decadent delicacies you’ll discover in Barcelona, it’s full of flavour and life, and we’re certain it’ll stick with you far beyond your travel dates. Concocted by Spanish fragrance connoisseur Paco Rabanne, it pairs juicy peach and romantic rose with sensual sandalwood and aromatic ginger to create a serendipitous scent that screams adventure. It also doesn’t hurt that the display-worthy design of the decanter rivals the astonishing architecture of Spain. Say adios to your other options – this is Barcelona in a bottle.
If you’re visiting Big Ben in London…
Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne
This English-inspired drop is almost as iconic as London itself – classic and chic with vibrant energy, just like the city Jo Malone hails from. It takes you on a sensual round trip journey not dissimilar to a spin on the London Eye, opening with pear probably picked straight off a stall at Camden Markets and freesia fresh enough you’d think you were wandering the Covent Gardens, before rounding out with woody patchouli that leaves you smelling so regal you might just find yourself mistaken for a royal if you stand too close to Buckingham Palace.
Beautiful fragrances I have yet to try. I would love any one of these scents.
Not to my tastes.
Any scent from Aqua di PArma. Shame they do not last though waaah
Love limoncello so Aerin is the one for me of these choices