Perfume Postcards: 11 Fragrances That Transport Us Around the World

We've all experienced a moment when a fragrance transported us to a certain place and time, and perfume is the easiest way to travel without stepping on a plane. Indeed, our memories and the scents that accompany them are strongly entwined. "Our sense of smell is the strongest of our five senses," says Jo Malone CBE, fragrance expert and founder of Jo Loves. "Our memory and our sense of smell sit side by side and are very close to the olfactory part of our brain, which is why certain fragrances can take you back to a very specific moment in time." Indeed, one spritz and your eau de parfum can become your passport. "You are not just teleported to that time, but you can feel the emotion around that memory, which is incredibly clever," says Malone. "You are almost sitting back in that same moment, from the music that you hear to the food you eat. That is how fragrance can allow you to travel around the world within four walls."

While I'm all for those fragrances that have strangers running after me to ask what I am wearing, there is something truly special about having a scent that is personal to you. This is why the perfumes we wear when we travel can become the ultimate holiday souvenir that lasts a lifetime. I personally like to choose a different fragrance to wear whenever I travel somewhere new. When I'm back home and the post-holiday blues take hold, I can reach for the fragrance again and be back there again for a fleeting moment. "I always think it's great to buy a fragrance from the country that you are visiting," says Malone. "It's not just a souvenir, but it reminds you of that very special trip and memory."

There are plenty of ways to maximise your fragrance while you're away. "When you are choosing and wearing a scent, you should also look at the outfits you are packing," recommends Malone. "If you're packing crisp white shirts, take a cleaner scent like Jo Loves Pomelo (£115) or Jo by Jo Loves (£115). If you have a wonderful evening dress, then bring something more powerful like Jo Loves Ebony & Cassis (£115). I always match my scent to the events and clothes that I will be wearing them at," she says. In fact, Malone says fragrance can become your greatest accessory. "Spray the fragrance on your clothes, your diary, your bed sheets—everything around you! It's a great way to remember your holidays and the things you did on that trip," she adds.

As for travelling with your fragrance, there are plenty of ways to optimise your packing. Malone recommends travel-sized vials or discovery sets if you're short on space. "They are small enough to fit in your hand luggage, and it means you can bring a few different scents with you so you can mix it up depending on what you're doing," she says. "I use fragrance very extensively, so I will also bring a 100-millilitre bottle of my favourite fragrance with me and pack them all in my trainers so that they are well protected. What's also great to do is lining your case with tissue paper before spritzing the paper with your go-to scent and laying your clothes on top," she says. "When you arrive and open your case, all of your clothing will smell divine."

As everyone's holiday fragrances are so diverse, I asked fragrance lovers to reminisce and share the scents that are inspired by their favourite destinations from all four corners of the world. Ahead, you'll find their perfume postcards and plenty of scent inspiration for your next adventure.

"The minute I first spritzed Tom Ford's Eau Soleil Blanc, I felt like I was instantly on a tropical vacation (with a mai tai in hand, of course). There are so many delicious notes to call out that are featured in this scent, but I'll start with the creamy coco de mer and floral notes of ylang-ylang, tuberose and jasmine. It's easy to imagine that this combination of notes brought me back to my recent 30th birthday trip to Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and magical places I've ever been. The island of O'ahu is also packed with rich-smelling botanicals that are present in every drink and item of clothing you can imagine there. Rounding out this delicious fragrance (and giving it somewhat of an edge) are notes of pistachio, Moroccan orange flower and radiant citrus. It's definitely more of a spring/summer fragrance for me, but now that the weather is warming up, I couldn't be more excited to whip it out and feel like I'm right back in Hawaii. 

"In the best way possible, this scent also reminds me of the beach and sunscreen. Okay, hear me out. I know no one wants to smell like actual suncream, but that's the beauty of wearing a solar fragrance. It makes you think of the sun, sand and your favourite SPF without actually making you smell it. Eau Soleil Blanc imparts a fresh, crisp aroma on the skin that lasts for hours. Longevity is an important factor for me when it comes to choosing a fragrance, so that's yet another reason it has fast become a favourite of mine. If you like similar scents and love smelling like you're on a constant vacation, don't hesitate—you just might begin a love affair with Eau Soleil Blanc that extends far beyond the season." — Shawna Hudson, Who What Wear Associate Beauty Editor

"Perfume has a particular place in my heart. My father worked in the fragrance industry, and I've forever been surrounded by it, and it's the one thing that I can rely on to transport me to happy or sometimes sad times. For me, scent is linked so closely to memories that, with just a quick spritz, I'm back in my childhood, with my first boyfriend or on the best holiday of my life. A recent wonderful memory is a trip to Biarritz with Chanel. It was here that I discovered Chanel's Paris-Biarritz Eau de Toilette, a fragrance inspired by the lively energy of the Basque coastline, pure, salty sea air and the diverse flora and fauna of the inland regions. The notes of Sicilian mandarin and lily of the valley give it a fruity undertone, but the real hit is the freshness of the coast, like a splash of sea on the skin. 

"One of the reasons why I love it so much is the memories it gives me from when I went to Gaujacq with Chanel to visit the camellia open-sky laboratory farm, which comprises 40 hectares of land used for conducting research and studying camellias. It transports me back to the fresh air and the beautifully scented camellia which is encapsulated in Chanel Paris-Biarritz. Learning about how the laboratory is devoted entirely to conducting research and studying camellias from all over the world makes the scent feel more special to me, as I know the story behind how they are harvested and protected. Paris-Biarritz is inspired by the feeling of freedom and energy that emanates from the Basque coast, which is exactly how I felt when I was visiting Gaujacq, energised with nature and free." — Donna Bartoli, Skincare, Wellness and Health Content Creator

"It's amazing how the passing whiff of a familiar scent could transport you back in time. Loewe's Agua Eau de Toilette will always be dear to me because its citrusy scent takes me back to my very first trip with my now fiancé. In 2016, a month after we met in Hong Kong—where we were both living at the time—we decided to visit Hoi An in Vietnam for a long weekend. As with any budding romance, all my senses were heightened on that trip, and I remember every vignette vividly. 

"The warm, welcoming smell of bergamot, which is featured in this perfume, always somehow reminds me of a lush resort in Asia. But there's something about Agua's yuzu and Ceylon tea notes that conjure up memories of hot sand under my toes and the sound of us slurping up pho noodles for breakfast. Then there are the hints of cedar and musk that give me flashes of the salty breeze mixing with his cigarette smoke. (He's quit since—yay!) And the sweet note of tangerine most powerfully summons images of rainbow-coloured lanterns that lined the stalls of Hoi An's iconic village. 

"This trip was so special to us that we want to make it a part of our wedding this June, which will be held in a villa in Positano, Italy. We've decided to bring a bottle of this perfume with us and spray it around the common areas as a subtle nod to our first trip together but also so we can share it with our friends and family. And who knows? Maybe the scent will be part of a memory of another blossoming romance!" — Rosie Lai, Fashion Journalist

"When I visited Lake Como in Italy with my boyfriend last year, we both agreed it was the most beautiful place we've travelled to yet. It was every bit as glamorous as we had imagined. Grand Italian villas and picturesque villages are dotted along the water's edge, while the lakeside botanical gardens are a scent for both the eyes and the nose. Orange groves frame the vista of the glittering lake, and herbaceous cypress trees stand tall in the sun, symmetrically framing the beautiful architecture that the destination has to offer.

"Phlur's Solar Power fragrance is a recent launch, but the scent instantly transports me straight back to our holiday on the northern Italian lake last year. The notes of Italian mandarin, neroli and bergamot remind me of the sun-drenched gardens, while the aquatic notes of driftwood and sea salt remind me of the days spent zipping around on our hired boat, cosplaying as a budget version of George and Amal Clooney on the lake's sparkling water as we eyed up the waterside villas that we imagined were our own. This perfume has a warm, solar musk note that reminds me of tanned skin, sun cream and creamy gelatos, of which we consumed many. The bottle's bright-orange hue also reminds me of aperitivos at sunset and the brightly coloured tablecloths and crockery in the lakeside trattorias, where we devoured plenty of pasta dishes." — Eleanor Vousden, Who What Wear UK Beauty Editor

"Even the faintest hint of Jo Malone's English Pear & Freesia Cologne immediately takes me back to Benalmádena Pueblo—the charming Andalusian village where we were married in 2012. As a regular wearer then of Jo Malone's Lime Basil & Mandarin for the daytime and Midnight Black Tea for the evening, I chose the blend for its light and fruity-floral fusion. Now, its delicate scent never fails to send me straight back to those winding cobbled streets lined with white-washed buildings still warm from the Spanish sun and pretty shuttered houses decorated with displays of geraniums in wall-mounted plant pots.

"Our marriage took place in Benalmádena's oldest church, which was built on a hill during the 17th century. Lightly misting the perfume over my nine-foot-long lace cathedral veil helped carry the top notes of just-ripe King William pear together with the heart of the fragrance—crisp white freesias—while its sensuous patchouli base notes danced with the afternoon breeze just before I entered the church, holding its own down the aisle, mingling amongst the scent of altar candles. From the chatter of guests to the chime of church bells and crystal glasses [to] the bubbles, the canapés, the laughter and the love… For me, this scent, just like a ribbon on a bouquet, has pulled itself gently around our day, containing the excitement and capturing the light, forever reminding me of this magical moment in Spain." — Fatima Truscott, Stylist and Writer

"A few years ago, I spent a winter (turned summer!) in Australia wearing Byredo's Bal d'Afrique. My fragrance choice was very intentional. I always like to wear a new perfume when I travel so I can associate the scent with the place and the memories I've created, and Bal d'Afrique was the perfect choice for Sydney's balmy late-summer climate. Simultaneously fresh but warm, it's a woody and aromatic fragrance with notes of lemon, bergamot, violet, musk and amber. To me, it screams summer, but it has a richness which works for both day and evening wear. 

"I spent my time in Sydney eating and drinking my way around the city's best bars, restaurants and coffee shops, swimming on crystal clear beaches, hiking along the iconic Coogee Coastal Walk, trawling thrift stores in Newtown and wildlife-watching in the Blue Mountains. Smelling Bal d'Afrique instantly transports me back to those golden summer days, even when I'm staring at Manchester's rain-filled grey skies. The fresh green and citrus notes paired with the warm, woody base give me visions of palm trees crisscrossing the sky and barefoot walks on Bondi Beach." — Grace Day, Who What Wear UK Beauty Contributor and Aesthetician

"One of the most evocative fragrances I have ever smelled is the Au 17 candle from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. I first came across it in 2018 in Paris while shopping with friends. Instantly, the scent painted a mesmerising image in my head: a dream life living in Paris hosting a dinner party at sunset with R&B music playing in the background. The scent is made up of amber, firewood and incense, which create a warm, sexy, smokey and luxurious scentscape. Whenever I light the candle in my home, I transform my space into a luxurious and comforting space.

"Most intriguing, the scent was fashioned over the perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and his home in Paris. The inner black colour of the vessel is based on the paint in his apartment. The dusty-gold lid is based on the specific colour of the roofs in Paris when the sun shines on them. It turns out that I was not far off. The colours, the scent, the exquisite perfumery and the experience that the complex scent emitted were evocative of personal tales of living in Paris. 

"What's most mind-boggling to me is how I stumbled upon this candle and into the world of home fragrance. Before this candle, I enjoyed scents that were universally loved, but after it, I started to appreciate the artistry, technique and passion that goes into bringing fragrance into someone's home. From that moment on, I have looked at home fragrance like art. Just like the art you hang in your home, the scents you bring into your home tell the story of who you are, what you care about and where you have been. What story do you want to tell about your life? Every time I light this fragrance, I am choosing to bring joy and light into my life. This fragrance is special to me because every time I light this candle it takes me back to a glorious time with friends, my initial step into fine fragrance and, most importantly, the realisation of the power of fragrance to light up your life." — Kudzi Chikumbu, Fragrance Expert and Content Creator

"After almost two years of lockdowns and a seemingly never-ending stream of bad news, my sister and I finally decided to take the travel plunge and join the swaths of holidaymakers heading to Ghana for the diasporic pilgrimage now widely known as Detty December in late 2021. It was a trip of firsts for me—my first time flying since 2019 and my first time in West Africa sans parental supervision. This coupled with the emotions of the previous years solidified it as a reset point for me. 

"The dry heat, an empty calendar and endless dancing till sunrise—each week that passed felt like the gasp you let out when you finally submerge your shoulders into a pool, that adjustment before your brain hits you with the 'It's okay to breathe—it's safe.' Now, especially during the cooler days or times that I feel overwhelmed here in London, I like to reach for scents that remind me of the warm breeze and unabashed joy I felt whilst away that December. Currently, it's Byredo's aptly named Bal d'Afrique with notes of African marigold and zesty bergamot balanced out by elegant violet and smokey vetiver. The scent serves as a conduit to restful memories of that time away." — Ata-Owaji Victor, Who What Wear UK Beauty Contributor

"Jo Malone's Red Roses Cologne is one of my favourite perfumes of all time. I wear it most days, and it always reminds me of the first time I picked it up at the airport to go back to my home country, Sri Lanka, for my best friend's wedding. The perfume in itself is nice and light for the hot weather they have there, as it's not too strong and overpowering. The notes of lemon and honeycomb always remind me of sunny evenings sitting by the beach with friends, sipping an iced beverage—with a cheeky drop of rum.

"The gorgeous notes of red roses make me feel so special, feminine and sexy when I wear it. This scent always makes a subtle statement and is never overpowering in any way. It complements all occasions, and I promise you will always, always get compliments on this fragrance. The notes always take me back to sunny morning walks and quick dips in the pool and sitting on the beach with a good book or friends." — Chiara Perera, Style Content Creator

"At the start of this year, I went on a four-week trip to Columbia and Brazil for my honeymoon. Packing light isn't something that comes naturally to me, especially when it comes to beauty products, but there was one fragrance I knew would instantly make the cut. An oldie but a goldie, Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess smells like warm summer sun on your skin and takes me back to watching the sun setting on Copacabana Beach. Described as being part of the 'solar floral' fragrance family, it contains notes of Italian bergamot, vanilla, amber, musk and coconut––the star of the show in my personal opinion. The sweet and creamy notes of this tropical fruit have an undeniable ability at transporting you to a faraway paradise.

"Bronze Goddess isn't something I've really worn in Britain, but it felt right at home when paired with the white sandy beaches, blue seas, vibrant streets and fresh coconuts that South America has to offer. Every time I smell it, I'm reminded of the adventure I got to share with the love of my life, perfectly demonstrating the sheer power of perfume on our memories and emotions." — Mollie Burdell, Who What Wear UK Beauty Contributor

"The Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum scent echoes Mallorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain perfectly for me. The notes of the fragrance are fresh amber wood, pepper and sandalwood with a light smokiness which reminds me of walking through the streets of Palma and driving through farmlands with beautiful vegetation to visit Fincas in the countryside.

"Some of my favourite places have been Valldemossa and Deià, visiting beautiful interior shops fully knowing I can't take it back home but getting all the inspiration for Inside House Co. This area is also home to the La Residencia Belmond Hotel surrounded by lemon trees and green mountains. Here, we enjoyed a dinner with beautiful views and ambience. If you want to romanticise life, this is a perfect place.

"Mallorca has endless picturesque views. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range close to the famous Sa Calobra Road is one of the most scenic drives on the northern part of the island. All of these areas remind me of the Eidesis scent, especially that Mallorca is filled with beautiful architecture, limestone mountains, wineries, fresh produce, farms and stunning beaches with pockets of sweet coves as well as beautiful museums. My favourite is Es Baluard Museu d'Art Contemporani de Palma. The Eidesis scent and Mallorca as a destination are timeless, each offering a balance of everything." — Taffy Msipa, Fashion, Lifestyle and Travel Content Creator