5 places I’d love to revisit in the post-pandemic world
When we travel, we live a life so much greater and bigger than us. I have always believed that the places you visit become a part of you somehow. While an unprecedented lockdown may have grounded our travel plans temporarily, we still have so much to see and experience. I’ve been spending the lockdown reflecting on my favorite spots around the world and whenever we can travel again, these are the places that are topping my list!
Tuscany, Italy
Where to stay: Il Borro Tuscany, Savoy Florence, Villa d‘este Lake Como and Le Sirenuse Positano
What to do: Italy has endless activities, but my favorites would have to be boating in Lake Como, shopping and eating in Milan, walking around Florence square with a gelato in hand, visiting the museums and local stores, drinking lots of wine in the Tuscany region and being a beach bum in Sicily.
What to pack: If you’re planning on going there in spring or summer, Italy is the place to really enjoy your fashion. You can go completely OTT with gorgeous hats and summer dresses that can be easily layered with gold accessories. Don’t forget to pack lots of bikinis and swimwear for beachtime! If you’re planning on visiting during the colder months on the calendar, you can look forward to layering your separates. Milan, of course, is one of the fashion capitals, and in the winter, the streets turn into a runway.
New York City
Where to stay: Soho Grand, Bowery Hotel, Crosby Street Hotel, Four Seasons and, who can forget, The Plaza!
What to do: This list is endless, but you should make the time to stroll or opt for a cycle ride in Central Park just because it’s the classic New Yorker thing to do. Follow it up with drinks at DUMBO HOUSE, visit the MET and Guggenheim Museum, shop at meatpacking district and Soho. Don’t forget to visit the thrifts shop in Lower East Side to score some hidden gems, swing by the farmers market on Sundays for the yummiest street food and eclectic buys, visit the New York Public Library. The Statue of Liberty and Times Square is absolutely iconic, too. You won’t want to leave without eating a classic New York-style pizza.
What to pack: New Yorkers are sleek and stylish and known to shop till they drop. The fashion scene here is extremely versatile and diverse. You see many sharp dressers and trendsetters and of course, you’ll also find a healthy mix of functionality amidst all the fashion. I never over-pack when I go to New York because I know, for a fact, that I will shop while I’m there. Keep an eye out for amazing boutiques, small, local designers and thrift stores in downtown NYC and Brooklyn. For the winter, remember to pack layers, scarves, gloves and the right walking shoes along with lots of stockings and overcoats because the cold can be biting in NYC.
Goa
Where to stay: Villas are the way to go in Goa! Vianaar Villas and Isprava will live up to your expectations. You’ll also find plenty of options on AirBnB.
What to do: Driving around in the rainy season, treks, sitting at cafes as you ponder, write and work for hours instead of being cooped up in your bed… Goa is the perfect place to be in 2020 if you can’t leave India.
What to pack: Think laidback luxe. The super chill vibe means that the fashion memo is ‘anything goes’ in this tropical paradise. Since it’s super hot for most of the year, you’ll find a majority of people wearing cover-up dresses over their swimwear, sarongs, shorts, tank tops and sundresses. Look to fuss-free silhouettes and if you’re visiting during summer, pack shorts, playsuits, bikinis, chappals, hats, sunglasses and very delicate accessories to keep the look easy. During monsoon, you’ll want to carry a few options for running shoes.
Marrakech, Morrocco
Where to stay: Royal Mansour, Riad Be Marrakech and La Mamounia
What to do: A visit to Marrakech would be incomplete without walking through the bylanes of Medina Souks. Prepare yourself to feast on the kaleidoscope of colours and sights! You should also make space in your itinerary for the bustling square of Djemaa El Fna and the magnificent Bahia Palace.
What to pack: The fashion scene in Morocco leans towards the conservative end of the spectrum. The women wear long skirts, dresses, jeans or pants that cover the knees, and draped tunics, polo shirts and camisoles can be worn under sweaters and cardigans. Morocco is generally hot for most of the year, but with stylish maxi dresses and long, flowing tops, it’s possible to cover up and still look fab. Remember to pack loose-fitting pants and tunics in breathable fabrics for the hotter months. Also, don’t forget to accessorise with vivid, colourful scarves.
Istanbul, Turkey
Where to stay: Four Seasons Istanbul, Soho House, Shangrila and The Bodrum Edition
What to do: Start the cultural immersion with Hagia Sophia that serves as an architectural marvel, before moving on to Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern. The spice market is worth a visit as well along with Taksim Square which is the most happening place to be in Istanbul.
What to pack: The Turkish women love colour, ruffles and shine. You’ll find stripes, prints, florals and polka dots everywhere that the eye can see. You’ll want to pack tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, and sandals for the daytime and your typical summer attire for evening wear. Turkey has a Mediterranean climate, and the weather can vary a great amount. It’s ideal to pack a few layers in the form of ribbed knit sweaters, blazers, cardigans and throw-ons.
Which place are you dying to visit once we can travel again? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!