Words: Josh Lee
It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey – or at least that’s how the adage goes. And although it is true that a poolside slumber in the depths of Tulum or a walk through the paddy fields of Laos are divine experiences, the trip to get there can also play its part in the highlights reel. After all, a long-haul flight offers a respite from the incessant pinging of your smartphone, your to-do list, and your worries (at least for half a day or so).
Indeed, the current first-class experience has never been more opulent – from private suites fit for a five-star stay to gourmet meals served on Wedgwood China – yet it must be said that there is a certain toll one takes when crossing myriad timezones. The initial part of the journey may be seemingly manageable, even pleasurable, especially when the in-flight entertainment kicks in, but soon you will have to cope with the deficient ventilation quality, the irksome blaze of the cabin lights, and the inevitable surliness that comes with jet lag.
So, to make sure that your next excursion is plain sailing, we’ve compiled a tightly edited selection of travel essentials for you to invest in now.
Remember to soften up with your style
Let’s start with your flight armour. With hours of sedentary inactivity ahead of you, it’s best to avoid rigid clothing, as this will only hamper your blood circulation – so that means circumventing denim and heavy-duty canvas and, instead, opting for softer materials with a degree of stretch, such as cotton and cashmere.
This pair of chinos, from Hackett, has a smart appearance that’s given a casual slant, thanks to its elastic structure that allows for easy movement. As a base layer, grab a Sunspel T-shirt, and pack an extra in your bag (we often go for a long-sleeve option as a backup, for when the temperature drops at night) – an icon of style, the label’s hero piece draws in praise for its breathable Californian Supima cotton. And, given that you want to recline and relax when mid-air, you’re probably not going to be wearing lace-ups the whole time; therefore, to keep your footwear department looking respectable, we suggest these luxe cashmere socks from New & Lingwood.
It'll pay to plug in and tune out
Those easy-breezy, suited-and-booted, jet-setting photos of Frank Sinatra et al evoke a golden-age of globetrotting – an era replete with Champagne in the clouds and sojourns to unknown corners of the world. Yet, such images fail to record some of the more abhorrent aspects of travel, whether that be the howls and wails from the next aisle’s offspring or the spotlight-style blaze from your fellow passenger’s reading light.
To soundproof your experience, drown out the hoi polloi with Bang & Olufsen’s noise-cancelling Beoplay H95 headphones. Offering crisp soundscapes, it fits snugly over the ear, features five levels of noise-cancellation, and one charge can last up to 50 hours, which is plenty for a round-trip from London to Singapore. For total deprivation from your surrounds, slip this cashmere eye mask, by Derek Rose, into your carry-on. And, to make sure your device has plenty of juice to power your Netflix-binging (which will hopefully alleviate your vexation and ennui), consider Belkin’s pocket-friendly battery pack.
Revive and refresh with some in-flight grooming
An aircraft’s environment is often a hellbroth, as the air within is incessantly recirculated, meaning that, on the whole, the atmosphere is bereft of moisture, leaving your skin dry and dull. Moreover, a long-stint within a poky cabin can only mean that a slight refresh in the fragrance department is necessary. So, if you’re meeting a client or business partner at the other end, or if you simply want to hit the tarmac feeling a little more human, we have a few suggestions to help you nix any grooming issues.
For a scent-focused reset, try Byredo’s kit of miniature fragrances, which features a trio of 12ml glass vials whose scents you can choose yourself, including Rose of No Man’s Land, a rounded, sweet smell featuring Turkish rose petals and raspberry blossom. With top notes of bergamot, mandarin and lime, Floris’s Cefiro deodorant stick will keep things in check. And Aesop’s misting hydrator, made with rose petal and chamomile bud, offers a hit of revival to the skin.
Now, for the luggage. These are the best options for the summer…
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