Today we’d like you to meet Tatiana Read, Director of KnotPR. More affectionately known as Tat, this social media maven (she’s @tatvictoria) and entrepreneur has been spotted in publications like The Globe and Mail, FLARE and FASHION Magazine, not only for her great style and business-savvy, but her dedication to local causes. Flying the skies for both business and pleasure, whether she’s enjoying a Mai Tai at her favourite hotel in Hawaii or navigating the restaurant scene in Paris solo, Tat brings along her stylish flair — and Marni shades. Read on to find out Tat’s latest travel adventures and must-haves.

Pretty Chic Travel: What city do you find yourself landing in the most often?
Tatiana Read: Lately, Honolulu. I also travel to Europe to visit my favourite cities (Paris and London).

PCT: What’s your carry-on bag?
TR: LeSportsac everything. Currently: the Passerby Handbag or Medium Travel Tote (black patent finish or laser metallic). They are guaranteed for life! (or so the legend says). I keep my passport, boarding pass and currency in a mini Prada nylon messenger.

PCT: What top 3 essential pieces do you put in your carry-on?
TR: Paperback fiction. Moisturizer. Socks. (My feet are always cold).

PCT: Travel accessory you can’t leave home without? 
TR: Shades — believe it or not. I just purchased my first pair and now I can’t imagine life pre-sunglasses. My signature pair are Marni round frames (Bob Karir is my glasses guy and also a client).

PCT: How do you kill time waiting for your flight?
TR: I log on to wifi and into my virtual office (KnotPR works out of google apps and dropbox). I read my Twitter lists (e.g. U.S. olympians, venture capitalists and Google staff lists) — it’s nice to go beyond your feed (i.e. the people you follow) and find new people to follow.

PCT: Favourite hotel?
TR: Halekulani in Waikiki (means ‘house without a key’). Their dreamy ocean-front sunset cocktails (featuring live Hawaiian music and dancing) is tops. And of course, they serve the best Mai Tai in the world.

PCT: Best meal on your last trip?
TR: This was not from my most recent trip, but memorable nonetheless (and it’s Paris!). I went to Chamonix for a girlfriend’s wedding and on my way I passed through Paris solo. I had heard about Frenchie Restaurant through Twitter — a little restaurant in the 2^nd arrondissement whose chef /owner had worked with Jaime Oliver, and at Gramercy Tavern in NYC. It was the first time I had pork belly. The room was charming and cozy and I felt kind of mysterious and spoiled dining so finely on my own.

Anytime I go to Paris I must go to Angelina’s on Rue de Rivoli for a Mont Blanc — my favourite dessert on earth (chestnut cream, chantilly and meringue).

PCT: Current reading material?
TR: Page-turning young adult fiction (Hunger Games, The Fault in Our Stars), coming of age tales (Jeffrey Eugenides: The Marriage Plot and Virgin Suicides) and business magazines to keep me on my toes (Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Fast Company and The Harvard Business Review).

PCT: Travel music playlist?
TR: I don’t have an ipod but if I did you would find: Led Zeppelin, Jacques Brel and The Guess Who.

PCT: Favourite travel-friendly beauty product?  
TR: Laura Mercier’s Perfecting Water Moisture Mist. It’s great for when you feel dehydrated in the skies or when you need to freshen up in a pinch.

PCT: Window or aisle?
TR: Aisle — I’m tall and I hate being boxed into a window seat. I like to walk the aisle — especially on the long flights.

PCT: What’s your airplane style?
TR: Ferragamo ‘Varina’ flats (they bring the chic), a cropped pant with a bit of stretch (Vince), a cotton tank (American Apparel) and my bulky grey alapaca cardigan that doubles as a blanket (which I picked up in Peru). My signature Marni sunglasses.

PCT: Where was your last vacation and who did you travel with?
TR: We do a family vacation in Waikiki every November. I’m headed next to London to celebrate my sister’s birthday at Locanda Locatelli.

PCT: Dream destination?
TR: Italy. I’ve never been. Surfing in Uruguay. Brazil.

Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa, Easter Island

Off the coast of Chile is the island of Rapa Nui or more commonly known as Easter Island. A magical speck of land in the South Pacific, this island’s claim to fame is not surprisingly the hundreds of Moai statues scattered throughout the landscape. If visiting this majestic place is on your bucket list, there’s a new eco-friendly property to consider staying at. The Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa is found in the capital of Hanga Roa, within walking distance of the town and is also conveniently only a kilometre away from the airport. This 75-room resort boasts two restaurants and a bar, which serves up authentic local cuisine with dishes that rotate on a regular basis depending on what’s in season.

KALOA pasta bistro

You’ll also discover an on-site spa with four cave-like treatments rooms where you can enjoy a range of treatments, many of which are based on natural products found on the island, as well as a unique sand sauna. There’s also an outdoor Kneipp pool that’s similar to a Finnish sauna and two Jacuzzis.

All of the rooms in the resort are made from natural materials like clay and volcanic rock, and are equipped with the latest technologies that help to control the water and electricity consumption.

Where to Find:
Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa
AV. PONT S/N, Hangaroa, Eastern island, Chile
Telephone: (56-2) 957 0300
hangaroa.cl

Having just recently returned from a trip to Anguilla, one of the pieces we made sure to pack was a maxi dress. Besides a great swimsuit, shades and our other beach vacation essentials, this pretty one-piece is something we think you shouldn’t leave home without. Super packable, comfortable and easy to dress up in the evening or throw on over your bathing suit in the day, this is one hot destination dress that is a travel must. 

1. ONE by Erin Fetherston halter maxi dress, $724, shopbop.com.
Starting late in 2011 and still on trend for spring, sheer maxi dresses were spotted on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways at shows like Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Giambattista Valli. We love the butterfly print and halterneck line, which is a little more unique than your average maxi dress. Imagine wearing this on a hot evening in Rome or out to dinner in St. Lucia.

2. Old Navy chiffon tie-front maxi dress, $50, oldnavy.ca.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a maxi dress like this affordable one we found at Old Navy. A sunny hue with a floral pattern, this will work nicely in the day exploring or with a cute pair of wedges and jewellery come evening.

3. Joie Erykah dress, $270, dealuxe.ca.
Don’t think you have to limit a maxi dress for the Caribbean, in fact when the weather’s right, it’s a great city dress too. Throw on a jean jacket and cross-body bag and you’ll be ready to hit the shops in Santa Monica or breeze through the galleries in Paris.

4. Issa printed silk-satin kimono maxi dress, $725, net-a-porter.com.
Another twist on the spaghetti-strap maxi dress, this kimono-style version from Issa boasts a gorgeous print and feels super comfortable on, being 100% silk. Ultra-chic, it’s definitely more of a evening-dress than après-beach.

5. Parker silk zig-zag dress, $302, saksfifthavenue.com.
Throw on this pretty printed maxi dress and you can practically leave your room without much else. Try with a pair of flat sandals and an arm-full of bracelets.

6. MARC by Marc Jacobs Santiago jersey dress, $328, marcjacobs.com.
Comfort and style meld perfectly with this jersey maxi from MARC by Marc Jacobs. We love the one-shoulder and floral pattern, which would be perfect for a Hawaiian vacation or anywhere else tropical really.

7. Roberto Cavalli shell-print silk-chiffon kaftan, $2,090, net-a-porter.com.
OK, so this maxi is most definitely a splurge, but one you won’t regret. Pack it now on your beach vacation and save it come summer for a glamorous evening out. Gold is your friend with it comes to accenting with this dress, be it your drop-earrings, evening clutch or sandals.

Nothing says chic quite like the quintessential blazer. It’s a wardrobe staple, whether you opt for a fitted one to accentuate your waist, a trendy boyfriend blazer, or the perfect match to a suit. Designers have been reinventing the blazer season after season, and for spring/summer 2012 picking up a crisp white tailored blazer, or one in a cheery, bold pop of colour will keep you on trend. And of course a neutral is always welcome in any wardrobe for a classic and clean look. The blazer is ideal for the swish travel set because of its unwavering versatility. Throw it on over faded jeans and you’re set for shopping, over a long tee and leggings and it’s a comfy airplane option, and it plays double duty when paired over a summer dress with a scarf as a great accessory and for added warmth. What’s not to love about the trusty blazer? Here are a few blazers we’re currently coveting … the Stella McCartney will be an investment, but a worthy one, we promise!

1. Halston Heritage Brushed Satin Jacket, $154, theoutnet.com.
Neutrals need not be boring. This taupey shade means beige will be a thing of the past. Perfect over jeans with flats and a scarf, or thanks to the slight sheen, it’s elegant over your LBD for a night out.

2. J. Crew Merriweather jacket, $148, jcrew.com.
This season we’re obsessing over striped, nautical-inspired blazers and this J. Crew selection fits the bill.

3. Zara yellow jacket, $100, zara.com.
For a pop of colour that doesn’t venture into the neon side, this yellow blazer is perfect. Plus the slightly cropped bottom and details make it look more expensive than it actually is.

4. Helen Berman Edge to Edge blazer, $228, nordstrom.com. 
This notice-me blazer is not for those wanting to blend in, but it’s easily wearable throughout the spring and summer months, not to mention your next trip to the Caribbean.

5. H&M jacket, $60, hm.com.
The structure of this neutral cream jacket is reminiscent of a covetable Chanel blazer, and who wouldn’t want to add a little Chanel inspiration into their wardrobe (until you cab buy the real thing).

6. Jacob 3-Button Blazer, $129, jacob.ca.
If we had to pick any bright neon hue to add to our wardrobe it would be electric blue. This blazer from H&M in a classic boyfriend structure paired with crisp white denim and wedges will be out go-to outfit for a summer city travel destination.

7. Stella McCartney Iris Tailored Wool-Twill blazer, $1295, net-a-porter.com.
Ok, this is the investment piece. It has a hefty price tag, but it’s Stella, and it’s in never-fail, polished black. You can’t go wrong. This will become your new travel must-have in a heartbeat because you can pair it with absolutely anything.

8. Zara Tuxedo Style Blazer, $100, zara.com.
Taking a cue from the Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2012 runway, a clean white blazer in your wardrobe is a summer essential. It’s also the perfect option for a beach or hot destination to throw on over a sundress or even a tank and shorts.

Longitude 131 in Australia.

In the last few years luxury camping (also known as “glamping”) has become a chic new way to experience the wilderness. Unlike your typical camping trip that involves sleeping on the ground, eating dehydrated food and having a shower if you’re lucky, glamping combines the high-end comforts of a five-star resort with the outdoors. Often you’ll find these resorts in remote locations, allowing you to fully experience the best of what nature has to offer. Sound like your idea of camping? We’ve found 5 amazing luxury camping resorts around the globe.

1. Longitude 131 Australia

Dream of exploring Australia’s outback? You’ll find Longitude 131 on the edge of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in central Australia. Imagine waking up to the sun rising over the bright red rocks of Uluru or dining under the stars at Table 131.

It’s an intimate feeling at the resort, with only 15 tents available. Each white dome is designed to give the illusion of a tent, but in fact is fully air-conditioned and heated, with amenities including a shower and private bathroom, plush robes, Bose sound system and daily cleaning. No sleeping bags here!

Other facilities you’ll discover on site is a 24-hour bar, outdoor pool, guest library and the Red Ochre Spa, where you can indulge in treatments from massages to facials.

The Resort at Paws Up in Montana.

2. The Resort at Paws Up Montana, USA

A luxury ranch spread over a stunning 37,000 acres in western Montana, in addition to the “glamp” site, this resort also boasts a collection of luxury ranch homes to rent. Get up-close and personal with nature at the Moonlight Camp site where you’ll discover 6 safari-like tents to call home. Just steps away from the Blackfoot River, each tent includes electricity, private en-suite bathroom, camping butler, terry robes and slippers, and daily housekeeping. Plus you’ll still have cell and Internet service if need be and every night there’s a bonfire with s’mores. Dining-wise you’ll eat at a nearby pavilion complete with haute grilled cuisine.

In the day there are an endless list of outdoor activities included in your stay like group yoga classes, fishing equipment rentals and archery rentals. There’s even a spa located in a colony of white tents stitched together by a wooden boardwalk where you can enjoy a treatment while listening to the soundtrack of nature.

Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat, British Columbia.

3. Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat British Columbia, Canada

Put on the map after Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson honeymooned here back in 2008, this wilderness retreat on Vancouver Island is ultra-exclusive and romantic. With only 20 luxury tents, your experience will be both intimate and personal. The Deluxe Outpost Tents are perfect for two, with thermostat-controlled propane wood stoves, antique dressers, heirloom china, and a private shower and environmental toilet located in a nearby house.

While you won’t find any TVs or telephones in your tent you will be outfitted with all of the clothes and gear you could need while staying on the resort. From rain boots and riding boots to fishing gear, you can relax knowing you can pack lightly. When it comes time to eat, meals are prepared using locally available ingredients by Chef Timothy May.

Every day you can wake up and try a new activity whether it’s learning to surf, hiking on Flores Island or ocean kayaking, there is plenty to do no matter what your interest or skill level.

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.

4. &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve South Africa

For those looking to experience the African wilderness consider visiting South Africa. The &Beyond Africa offer luxury camps and safaris across five different countries in Africa including the Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. This area is known for its abundant wildlife, so you’ll be able to spot animals like the cheetah, lion, leopard and rhino.

There are six different lodges available at the Reserve depending on what you’re hoping to experience. The Homestead is a private safari villa ideal for those wanting to share a space with friends or family. Here you’ll have a dedicated staff which includes a ranger, tracker, butler and chef. The beds inside are perfectly positioned so you can see the wildlife the moment your eyes open. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy and a handful of safari activities included in your stay.

Banyan Tree Madivaru Villas.

6. Banyan Tree Madivaru Maldives

While there may not be lions and tigers at your front door, here at the Banyan Tree Madivaru in the Maldives, you’re at one with nature. There are 6 tented pool villas, each comprised of 3 tents that make up your sleeping, living and bathing areas. The bathing tent comes with a pair of spa beds, so you can enjoy a spa treatment without stepping foot out of your room.

What the resort lacks for in land creatures, makes up for underwater. The diving here is sublime, with a rich sea life right out your front door. If that’s a little to close for comfort, there’s always night fishing or participating in a cooking class. Come dinner sit down at the Boa Keyo Restaurant & Bar that features a deck overlooking the Indian Ocean or better yet book a romantic meal on the beach.

Now that we’re half-way through the winter, the smell of spring lurks around the corner. With that in mind we like the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to rejuvenate our minds and bodies as the new season brings in fresh starts and clarity. While the New Year is the perfect time to get your resolutions in gear, the spring is when you can re-jolt your body and get prepped for the summer. Whether your idea of a spa getaway is a luxe resort in Arizona or a yoga retreat in Costa Rica, we’ve got your packing essentials covered. 

1. Lanston Scoop Neck Dress, $137, shopbop.com.
You need to pack a comfy, lightweight dress you can throw on over your swimsuit after the spa or while relaxing poolside with a magazine. We love this simple Terry dress with 3/4 sleeves that packs like a charm.

2. Nike Free Waffle AC Women’s Shoe, nike.com.
From aerobics classes to running on the beach, you can’t forget to pack a pair of runners on your spa vacation. Lightweight and durable, this pair is also breathable too, plus we love the purple touches too.

3. Adidas by Stella McCartney Run mesh-paneled stretch leggings, $90, net-a-porter.com.
When it comes to your workout pants, who says you need to stick to basic black? We like the idea of trying another colour like these neon yellow. While we can’t say this shade is for wallflowers, it will surely add a punch to your gym look.

4. Fila center court dress, $65, fila.com.
If tennis courts are on-site, why not pack a cute tennis dress? Easier than packing two separate pieces, you’ll look like a pro no matter what skill level you’re at.

5. June Jacobs body balm, $57, ebeauty.ca.
Between all those spa appointments, sweat sessions and dips in the pool (or ocean!), your body will be craving moisture, which is why you should consider packing your own hydrating body balm. Add a touch of luxe to your holiday with this citrus-scented body balm from June Jacobs.

6. Anthropologie Fireworks Floral Journal, $14, anthropologie.com.
Part of a spa holiday is reconnecting with your spirit as much as it is about rejuvenating your body. Why not reflect your daily thoughts in a journal, even if it’s just to recount your daily activities. Tote along something stylish, like this colourful journal from Anthropologie.

7. TNA Long fit hoodie in charcoal, $75, artizia.com.
After a day of workouts and spa treatments you’ll want to get cozy back in your suite. Pack a warm sweater like this TNA hoodie to stay comfy if the temperature drops in the evening.

8. Joe Fresh weekend short, $16, joefresh.com.
Another great piece that does double-duty is a pair of cotton shorts. If the weather’s hot, you’ll want something lightweight you can throw on in a second with a simple tank or tee en route to the spa.

9. J. Crew Royal paisley bandeau tank, $104, jcrew.com.
You can’t leave home without at least one bathing suit. If you’re not in the mood to wear a two-piece, this bandeau tank is a cute option that is best for lounging poolside or in the hot tub.

10. Lululuemon Athletica practice freely tank, $58, shop.lululuemon.com.
We’re huge fans of Lululuemon and love their line of stylish tanks that are cute enough to wear out of the gym. This particular top is great for yoga, but is also great for lower impact activities like weight training or the elliptical.

11. Sephora Collection snag-free hair elastics, $3.50/set, sephora.com.
Between workouts and the spa, long-haired ladies will need to put their hair back daily. Don’t let your hair get tangles or break with these snag-free hair elastics from Sephora which come in black, brown and clear.

We’ve been talking travel musts lately, such as the ultra-versatile ballet flat to the stylish and  practical printed scarf, but it’s not just fashion you want to consider when packing your suitcase. One item every traveller is lost without is a digital camera. Amateur or budding photog, when it comes to capturing your vacation, your photos are the easiest way to share those memories with friends and family — plus, there’s no doubt you’ll want to look back and relish too. We’ve narrowed our list down to 6 digital cameras that suit just about every type of traveller. Read on to discover the best travel cameras.

1. Best for: Beginner photographer
Sony Cyber-shot W570, $170, bestbuy.ca.
A great point-and-shoot that is not only slim and compact, but it has all of the user-friendly features you want on a digital camera including a great zoom, a Sweep Panorama mode (for those landscape shots), an Intelligent Auto mode to self adjust in various settings and you can film HD movies too. For under $200, it’s a versatile camera that will do all of the basics you could want while on the road. Plus with 16 megapixels, the final image will look great blown-up or printed.

2. Best for: Pro who wants compact
Leica D-Lux 5 Digital Compact Camera, $830, henrys.com.
Besides being über-stylish, the Leica takes fantastic photos. This particular model, though compact, has a very fast lens equivalent to a 35mm. Lightweight, with features including face detection, autofocus and scene modes, there’s also a built-in flash and the option to film HD video. In addition to all of the standard features you’d want in a digital compact, the Leica is great for a pro since you can easily use the manual settings.

3. Best for: Extreme traveller
Panasonic 12.1MP Waterproof Digital Camera, $380, bestbuy.ca.
If you’re the kind of traveller that finds themselves in extreme conditions, like snowshoeing in Alaska or maybe scuba diving in the Pacific, then this is the camera for you. Waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, this digital camera will stand the elements. Plus one of its features is being able to adjust to light conditions, so your pics will turn out no matter if it’s day or night.

4. Best for: Nature lover
FujiFilm FinePix F600EXR, $300, fujifilm.com.
You’ll really be able to zoom in on that koala bear or little gecko that ran by with this digital camera from FujiFilm. You can zoom in 15X on streetscapes to up to 30X on tiny details with the Intelligent Digital Zoom feature. In addition to the zoom, this camera also has a wide angle lens to help you capture those breathtaking landscapes. Another feature that helps make your shooting easier? A Motion Detection that instantly recognizes 54 scene types and automatically adjusts your sensor mode.

5. Best for: Weekend Fun
Polaroid Z340 Instant Digital Camera, $300, store.polaroid.com.
Sometimes it’s just about having fun taking pictures, which is why we think packing this Polaroid would be a great camera to pack for a weekend. Imagine how much fun you could have taking instant photos on a bachelorette getaway or cottage weekend?

6. Best for: Action seeker
Nikon J1 10.1MP Compact System Camera, $650, bestbuy.ca.
There is a lot to love about this digital camera from Nikon including its ability to capture action thanks to its high-speed focus. The camera also has a really cool Motion Snapshot feature that allows you to capture each second of a moment — whether it’s a crashing wave or athlete in motion. Plus if you want to film you can record in full HD.

In addition to our new Frequent Flyer feature, this week we are introducing another fashion feature called The Packing List which puts the spotlight on a designer’s collection you’ll want to tote on your next trip. Today we’re launching with a swimwear designer who knows a thing or two about bathing suits, as she started her career off as a swimwear model. Not only that, but originally heralding from Hawaii, where a wardrobe of swimsuits is a year-round affair, it’s not surprising that Tori Praver knows a thing or two about stylish swimwear.

Since launching her line, her work has already been featured in the pages of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Glamour, as well as seen on the likes of celebrities like Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens and Marisa Miller. Admittedly inspired by her travels, Tori recently shared with Fashion Television that her Resort 2012 collection (pictured), was inspired by deserts and sunsets, specifically Africa. “I just love all the natural colours and the animal prints, so that’s my theme for this year,” she told them. Her design sensibilities definitely stemmed from the fact that she grew up in Maui and had modeled for so many years, appearing three times in Sports Illustrated, as well as numerous other publications. “I knew what swimsuits fit me well, so I took that and created a line that I think fits the woman’s body perfectly,” she continues.

We absolutely love the feminine yet fashion-forward styles of the suits and the subtle details, from the fringes to the braided straps, the pieces are fun and flirty and have a great fit too. You can find Tori Praver’s swimwear at many retailers online including net-a-porter.com and shopbop.com, with tops starting at about $105 and one-piece’s for about $145.

Image credits: Tori Praver image courtesy Marie Claire 2010. Swimsuits courtesy net-a-porter.com. Editorial pictures courtesy toripraverswimwear.com.

Pieces from the Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective exhibition. Photography courtesy A. Guirkinger.

We can’t say no to a great museum exhibition, especially if it’s fashion-related. On our list for 2012 is the Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective coming to the Denver Art Museum. On from March 25 – July 8, 2012, this will be the exhibition’s only U.S. showing after it already appeared in Paris and Madrid. The retrospective covers 40 years of YSL including a selection of 200 gorgeous haute couture outfits (including the ones pictured above), photographs, drawings and films.

The exhibition is organized by theme and starts at Yves Saint Laurent’s days at Dior in 1958 to his 2002 evening gown designs. Some of the themes include “Yves Saint Laurent and Women” which displays clothing from women who supported the designer including Princess Grace of Monaco, Catherine Deneuve and Diana Vreeland, and “Le Smoking” that showcases a wall of more than 30 tuxedos.

Tickets are $22 and include a free audio guide. To save yourself time, it’s a good idea to purchase in advance.

Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy
Denver, CO 80204
denverartmuseum.org

Welcome to Pretty Chic Travel’s newest feature! We’re going to turn our spotlight on jet setters who love to travel and do it in style. We’re so excited have Natalie Bahadur be our first Frequent Flyer. Senior Web Editor of Styleathome.com and author of the fashionable blog Trendytravelista.com, Natalie beyond qualifies and has a passport to prove it at 36 countries and counting. Her most exciting trip to date however, might just be her recent visit to Florida, where she got engaged to another travel aficionado, Johnny Jet. We chat with Natalie about the proposal and get her latest travel musts.

Pretty Chic Travel: What city do you find yourself landing in the most often?
Natalie Bahadur: Since my fiancé lives in LA, I’m often visiting the City of Angels. But London is another popular destination for me — sometimes to visit family and sometimes as a stopover as I make my way to other European destinations, since Heathrow is a major hub.

PCT: What’s your carry-on bag?
NB: Finding the right carry-on bag can be a challenge and I’ve gone through quite a few before settling on my current favourite. Right now, I’m using the Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM in Damier and it’s the perfect carry-on bag. It’s large enough to carry all my essentials, including my laptop, and the straps are comfortable on my shoulder, which is essential when you have to carry it for a long time.

PCT: What are your top 3 essential pieces you put in your carry-on?
NB: Oh, it’s hard to choose! But my list goes something like this:
1. Laptop: I never go anywhere without my laptop because it’s how I stay connected no matter where in the world I am.
2. Kobo eReader: I’m an avid reader and I like to have a book with me at all times. My Kobo Touch is as light as a feather and holds up to 1,000 books so I’m never stranded without something to read. It’s an absolute essential for whiling away long flights.
3. Charlotte Ronson makeup bag: Especially after a long flight, it’s nice to freshen up before deplaning. It’s filled mostly with M.A.C. makeup, moisturizer and Chapstick.

PCT: How do you kill time waiting for your flight?
NB: When I travel, I’m not a huge shopper. I prefer to spend my time in new cities exploring must-see sites and local markets. But when I’m killing time in an airport, the shopping bug seems to kick in. Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is one of my favourite places to shop. The clean, bright terminal is filled with all kinds of great shopping from high-end designer boutiques to the Marks & Spencer food hall, which is great for picking up duty-free treats to bring home. I don’t leave without picking up some English Breakfast tea from Harrods, too!

PCT: Favourite hotel?
NB: That’s another tough question but I would have to say that my favourite hotel is the Le Meurice in Paris. When I walked through the doors of my room at this luxury, 5-star hotel, I think my heart skipped a beat and I was left momentarily speechless. Silk, cashmere and velvet combine in the rooms to create a space that is so stunningly beautiful I never wanted to leave. A Juliet balcony provides a view of the Eiffel Tower and the service was second to none. The Four Seasons Bora Bora is a close second!

PCT: Best meal on your last trip?
NB: The best meal on my last trip is one I’ll never forget. It was the night I got engaged! My now-fiancé John proposed over an impossibly romantic dinner at Caretta on the Gulf at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, Florida. Think: fine linens, rose petals and the gentle glow of candlelight everywhere. My meal started with a jumbo shrimp cocktail with ginger dressing, followed by a butter lettuce salad with seasonal vegetables, cucumber and red wine vinaigrette. My entrée was diver scallops with cauliflower puree and balsamic pearl onions. Our decadent dessert was the signature cake for two, made with Valrhona chocolate and a raspberry and chocolate sauce. We dined in a private beach suite and everything — from the meal to the proposal — was perfection.

PCT: Current reading material?
NB: I just finished reading Jeffrey Eugenides’ The Marriage Plot. I’m currently reading The Hunger Games. When I travel, I’ll both read my book on my Kobo or fire up my iPad and read my magazines – everything from Glamour to Travel & Leisure. I love how magazines display on an iPad and instead of weighing myself down with three or four actual magazines, I can have as many as I want loaded on to my iPad.

PCT: Favourite travel-friendly beauty product?
NB: One of my favourite beauty products is Moroccanoil. Especially when I’m traveling and don’t have a lot of time to spend on my hair, this product helps to give it a lift and a shine. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come in a travel-friendly size (I travel with carry-on only so I have to adhere to all the liquid restrictions), but that doesn’t mean I leave my favourite beauty product at home. I bought a travel-size plastic bottle at the drug store and fill it up with Moroccanoil every time I travel.

PCT: Window or aisle?
NB: Window! For me, one of the thrills of travel is to see everything I can — and what an exhilarating perspective from all the way up there in the air! I especially love to see out the window when I’m landing in a new destination. That really gets my blood pumping.

PCT: What’s your airplane style?
NB: My airplane style depends on the time of year I’m flying and where I’m going. If it’s warm, I opt for a maxi dress and a pair of Tory Burch flip flops. This is the most comfortable thing you can travel in — it’s simple, you don’t have to worry about removing a belt when you go through security and flip flops are easy to remove when you have to take off your shoes. I try as much as possible to simplify the process when going through security!

If the weather is cooler, I might wear my dark denim Mavi skinny jeans with a comfortable shirt and my Michael Kors leather jacket. Ballet flats are perfect for traveling because they’re comfortable and easy to remove when going through security. My current fave is a camel-coloured pair of flats from Oka B. And I always have a light scarf with me — it gets chilly on airplanes!

PCT: Where was your last vacation and who did you travel with?
NB: My last vacation was with my fiancé John — we met in Miami for a quick weekend visit. He travels for a living so we try to squeeze in visits whenever and wherever we can!

PCT: Dream destination?
NB: I have been so lucky to travel to as many countries as I have. I never take it for granted. It’s a true blessing and privilege. I’ve been to 36 countries so far … and counting! Any new destination is a dream come true but if I had to pick my dream destination, I would have to say Italy. I dream of Florence, Rome, Tuscany, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, the islands like Capri and Ischia, the Lake District — I’d love to spend a month (or two, or three) in Italy, eating fresh pasta and gelato, soaking up the history and reveling in this country’s beauty.