It’s that time of year when the weather starts to wane and I get that itch to spontaneously pack up and dash off to some far away destination. I have been contemplating a new trip for awhile now but am terrible indecisive when it comes to choosing a destination…there are just too many I want to visit.

I thought I would bring you my top tips to travelling and some of my favorite destinations that I am thinking about revisiting.

1. Pack versatile pieces to save room, think a classic white tee, a good pair of pants, a warm blazer, wedges that can be dressed up or down and some classic jewellery pieces that are not too valuable (you don’t want to loose anything!).

2. Remember that other countries also have basic things like toothpaste and shampoo.

3. Thongs may not be the most fashionable footwear but they are a godsend in a suspect shower situation. This was MY LIFE travelling through Vietnam.

4. Be respectful. I cannot stress this enough. When you visit another culture, learn the language, respect the customs and most importantly…be polite!

5. ALWAYS, I repeat always, wrap your toiletries in a plastic bag…no matter how well you think it is all sealed. I cried actual tears over a ruined Acne knit in Paris and I wouldn’t wish that despair on any fashion lover.

6. Be smart about your beauty bag. Bring a pack of face wipes that remove makeup. I suggest a good BB Creme (read up on them here), for those days you want a flawless fresh face without a heavy foundation. A lip balm is a life saver, you forget that changed or foreign conditions can wreak havoc on your skin. A good moisturizer is a must.

7. By now, we have all learned the mystery of the rolling technique which fits vastly more clothes than the simple fold. My tip is to wrap the important pieces in tissue paper as it prevents wrinkling. Vacuum bags can be helpful but remember there is not a vacuum at every place you stay!

8. Always carry a pack away bag that can fold up. If you want to look chic I recommend one of Longchamp’s foldup bags with leather detail.

9. Always pack a sheet and pillow case. There is nothing more uncomfortable than clambering into bed after a long day of shopping and sightseeing and getting the feeling that someone has definitely slept in your sheets before you.

10. Triple check for your passport, plane ticket, wallet, phone and all valuables. I once experienced a very frustrating and stressful 3 hours at a Vietnamese airport as my girlfriend rushed to buy an emergency ticket home that she had lost along the way.

Favourite destination:

Hands down my favorite place to visit is Japan. Why? The food is fantastic, fresh and authentic. The shopping is incredible, the mountains are breathtaking and the girls on the street boggle the fashion imagination. If you can’t speak Japanese I highly recommend a guided tour.

From Japan it’s just a hop skip and jump to countries like China or Korea. This Peregrine Reserve tour that takes you through some of the most famous sights that China has to offer- like the Terracotta Warriors and Tiananmen Square. Plus there is always time to do a cheeky shop!

Hot shopping spots:

Hands down the three best cities I have ever shopped are Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Paris (France) and Seoul (Korea).

If you want handmade tailored pieces at a fraction of the price you would pay anywhere else, hit Vietnam. If you do your research and take example pieces and pictures with you, almost anything can be made and in an incredible array of fabrics to choose from. In addition to this, the locals are incredible and the food is magnificent. There are many ways to explore this incredible country which I think Peregrine Reserve covers fantastically from those who are shopaholics to those who are foodies.

Paris has the best high end vintage pieces at a fraction of Australian prices. If you know where to shop and what stores to hit you are sorted. Jess Stein of Tuula Vintage fame has a great list of vintage stores to hit while you are there. Life is not all about shopping though,and Paris is on the doorstep to Europe so why not take a whimsical Peregrine Reserve tour through Capri and Amalfi before hitting Paris for a good old fashioned shop.

Seoul is where my mothers side of the family hails from so I have two good reasons to visit. If you haven’t had a Korean BBQ, put it on your must eat list this weekend! Seoul has some incredible emerging designers as well as well established brands and the best markets you could ever imagine.

My top five “must hit next” destinations are: The Galapagos Islands, Hong Kong, Kenya, Rwanda, and The Italian Lakes. What are your top destinations and top tips to travelling?

For more amazing destinations, travel inspiration and more head to Peregrine Reserve now!