There’s nothing like the prospect of an overseas trip to send joy coursing through my soul. I derive immense pleasure from planning a holiday in the greatest detail: the restaurants we will visit, the food markets we will pore over, the local designers whose unique attire will enliven my wardrobe for seasons to come. (Where did I find that splendid hand-embroidered shawl, I hear you ask? Why in a snowy village outside St Petersburg, darling). K and I just booked a trip to Bali for after I submit my PhD in October, and already I have a dozen windows open on my laptop—our airy pool villa in Seminyak, the ambient jungle surrounding our hotel outside Ubud, the azure waters of the chilled-out island Nusa Lembongan.

Compared to the series of horrific long-haul flights required to reach Europe from Australia (don’t make the mistake K and I did on our honeymoon of travelling to Paris via Helsinki—a gruelling thirty-two hours—in order to save a few bucks), the seven hour flight from Brisbane to Bali seems like a walk in the park. The principles of travelling in comfort and style, however, remain exactly the same.

Below is my list of insider travel hacks, applicable whether you’re hitting up Bali or Bermuda. Follow these and you’ll not only be seeing the world, you’ll look smokin’ hot doing it. 🙂

Sailing through the airport

Unless you’re Rosie Huntington-Whitely and are being trailed by paparazzi, you don’t want to be schlepping the kilometre from the check-in counter to your gate lounge in a pair of skyscraper heels. Save these for the Hemingway Bar at the Paris Ritz. Then again, nor do you want to give up on life by succumbing to the practicalities of sturdy hiking boots (shocking I know, but until recently I was guilty of this). There is a happy middle ground—and these Tod’s trainers I’m wearing are it. Stylish and distinctive yet also comfortable, they’re the perfect shoe to take you from the YSL counter at duty free to your window seat on board. Should you have the misfortune of being forced to remove your shoes at security, don’t fret: these guys slip on and off easily.

The other thing you need in order to travel through the airport in stylish comfort is a cabin bag with four wheels. Honestly, there are so many well-priced options available these days that there’s no excuse for lugging around that faded old duffel bag. Give it the push: your shoulders will thank you.

I encourage you to consider the handbag you’re travelling with, too. If you are smart and have purchased a carry-on with this in mind, your handbag will sit snugly on top—as you can see from this rather grim photo of me above. It’s also a good idea to wear a small cross-body bag with your passport and ticket stashed conveniently inside. This excellent little bag from Rubi Shoes is perfect for holding the essentials (the bedazzled guitar strap is sold separately, but you absolutely need it).

Stylish flat shoes, an effortless carry-on and a zippy bag for your travel documents? Sounds as if you’re ready to breeze through the airport like a celebrity. In which case, a pair of killer sunglasses is an absolute must.

Sitting comfortably on the plane

I once flew from Paris to Montreal in my favourite Helmut Lang skinny jeans. What a mistake that was. While they are undeniably flattering, about three hours in my knees seized up painfully. My only recourse was to sit on the toilet for long stretches with my pants around my ankles. Travelling in style? I don’t think so. Having learned from this experience, I now ensure that my bottoms are stretchy and comfortable. Leather pants are ideal—though sadly I’ve never had the spare thousand required to purchase any. Another good option is classy leggings—yes, they exist!—with a bit of texture and heft. I have a black suede pair by Absolu that I practically live in.

Here, I’m wearing stretchy Zara jeans. While they may look like the hellish skinnies I described earlier, believe me when I say they are a hundred times more comfortable. But it’s not just the fabric you should take into account. The button fastening and zip matter, too. Do they dig into your waist when seated? Are the pants a size too tight? I wouldn’t fly in them if you paid me. Give some thought to your top half as well. I’m a fan of wearing a loose yet well-cut t-shirt when flying (I have this Be Free number in several colours). Simple and chic.

Dealing with air conditioning

Plane cabins are notoriously frigid, and yet I often see girls boarding in spaghetti-strap singlets, shorts and sandals. Do they look cute? Mostly. But come 30,000 feet? I’m betting they’d sell their mothers for a warm fleece jacket. Speaking of mothers, mine always tells me that I’m the coldest frog on earth. I sleep in pyjamas and bed socks even in summer… I feel the cold, alright?

So when it comes to plane travel, I don’t take any chances. I come equipped with loose-fitting socks and slippers (I ditch my shoes as soon as I board), a jacket—and most importantly of all, a kick-ass scarf. I’m not talking about a narrow woolly number that winds scratchily around your neck. I’m referring to a beautifully warm, soft scarf—preferably square shaped—that is large enough to use as a blanket. You’ll want this baby to be cashmere. I know it’s expensive, but this is one instance where investing in quality really is worth it. Save up for one on sale and drape yourself in it whenever you fly.

You’re welcome.

(My favourite Diane Von Furstenberg cashmere scarf didn’t go with this outfit, but you can bet I’ll be whipping it out on board).

Essential extras

Finally, a list of little extras I’d advise you to stock up on before travelling. These inexpensive essentials are vital for comfort and really can make or break a flight:

• Earplugs
• Eyemask (preferably silk and in a pouch)
• Cosy socks
• Slippers (who wants to tiptoe around that skanky bathroom floor?)
• A quality neck pillow (avoid those Aussie flag ones they sell at the airport. They suck!)
• Noise-cancelling headphones (pricey, but worth it)
• Moisturising lip balm, hand cream, and antibacterial gel
• A refreshing face spray (Jurlique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist is an excellent option)
• A good book, a magazine, and a couple of podcasts

Alright, folks—you’re ready to take on the world in stylish comfort!

What are your travel essentials? Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments.

xo

PHOTOGRAPHY – Sharleen Christie

JACKET – Vintage

T-SHIRT – Be Free

JEANS – Zara

TRAINERS – Tod’s

CROSS-BODY BAG – Rubi Shoes

CABIN BAG – American Tourister

HANDBAG – Miu Miu

SUNGLASSES – Preen By Thornton Bregazzi