Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your dream of a tropical escape has to! Whether you’ve been jet-setting across the famous islands or enjoying a staycation, you can still channel those sun-kissed vibes with fragrances that transport you straight to paradise. Thanks to Olivia VanDerMillen (@oliviaolfactory) we’re exploring the ultimate scents that will have you smelling like a beach goddess—all from the comfort of home.
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How do different fragrances enhance the travel experience?
Fragrance is closely linked to memory, so choosing the right scent for a special occasion allows you to relive those cherished moments more vividly whenever you encounter that fragrance again in the future.
What are the best fragrances to take with you while traveling?
I prefer to match my fragrance to the landscape of my vacation, so if I’m going somewhere tropical, I’d choose Coconut Sun by The 7 Virtues. If I’m traveling somewhere with an icy winter’s landscape, I’d opt for something warm and cozy like Intense Cafe by Montale.
How can scents remind you of your favorite travel destinations?
Say you had an incredible visit to the Hinoki Forests in Japan, you can commemorate the experience with the dry, earthy scent captured in ‘Dirty Hinoki’ by Heretic
What are the top travel destinations known for their unique scents?
Everyone loves the scents of the Amalfi Coast. With the fresh breeze of the salted ocean water, to the impressive variety of citrus fruits native to the area, the scent is fresh and wearable in all occasions.
What are the benefits of using travel-sized perfumes on your trips?
Traveling is stressful enough without the worry of possibly breaking your favorite full-sized perfume bottle, so I always opt for travel sprays to ease my worry. This also allows you to free up space in your suitcase to bring a variety of scents for different occasions.
How can specific scents help reduce travel stress and anxiety?
Many scents are used in aromatherapy practices to relieve stress such as lavender and mint. For a lavender scent, I’d choose Morning Light by Brochu Walker. For mint, an all time favorite is You or Someone Like You by Etat Libre d’Orange.
What are the best fragrances inspired by popular travel destinations?
My favorite of the moment is Sunsets in Capri by Glasshouse Fragrances. It uses notes that really emulate the colors of a sun setting over the waters, such as mandarin, peach, amber, and lily.
What are the top fragrance shops to visit around the world?
I was absolutely stunned to the variety of fragrances in the Dubai Mall. It was every brand I could think of and then some. But the most beautiful fragrance shopping experience I’ve ever had was in the flagship store of Santa Maria Novella in Florence Italy. It’s not only a store, it’s a museum that details the rich history of the origins of the brand.
How can you incorporate local scents into your travel souvenirs?
Markets and bazaars are always a great place to shop for locally made fragrances. They often utilize materials native to the region. When traveling to Oman, I had the fortune of returning with rose water made from the pink damask rose, grown in the Jebel Akhdar rose terraces.
Watch Olivia in action below
