A simple game (and a repeat of a poll we did in 2011):
1. Name a place you've never been but you'd like to go on vacation.
2. Name a perfume you have never smelled, but that you think might be perfect for your trip.
Mine:
I'm off to Budapest (my 2011 choice, and since I still haven't been, still works for me!) in Serge Lutens L'Incendiaire (since obviously money is no object here).
Note: top image is Budapest Panorama [cropped] by Problemkind at flickr; some rights reserved.
This is a really fun poll. Istanbul (dying to go), and I’d choose Dior Collection Privee Oud Ispahan. I haven’t smelled it, but it sounds like it could be just the thing.
If you ever get the chance Julie- don’t hesitate. It’s as totally captivating as it sounds! I’d go again (and again) in a heartbeat. I haven’t smelled Oud Ispahan either but it does sound like itd be perfect!
I second Istanbul — one of the most colorful, vibrant, fragrant, ancient new and new ancient. WHEN you go, also try to go to Ephesus.
I would go back to Istanbul in a heartbeat. Also, Cappadocia in the Fall is incredibly romantic, crisp weather, beautiful light and little trees with tiny golden leaves.
My destination would be Greece. I would wear L’Enlèvement au Sérail.
I want to go to Greece too! My list is long, actually.
I’d be hiring a bicycle in Copenhagen this Fall in order to make relaxed day trips, wearing Sensuous during my sweaty days and Mohur at night. (Yes, I totally cheated! )
Copenhagen is great! I’ve only been there once and that is over 30 years ago, but I remember this lovely laid back atmosphere, and lots of water!
Copenhagen is my choice too, although probably in the summer. Don’t know about a specific perfume – maybe Fleurs de Sel.
I’ll be there in August next year and would love to hear your impressions when you get back!
Oh, but I´m only going virtually! And since it´s a virtual trip, I didn´t quite think it through… Pretty sure August is a better time for outdoor activities than Fall.
Have a great time there!
I would like to visit the Galápagos Islands and hang out with the marine iguanas. There are several species of prickly pear cacti that are native (maybe even endemic?) to the Galápagos, and I like prickly pear lemonade, so in preparation for my trip, I’d test different prickly pear perfumes (say that five times fast), starting with Demeter’s.
This sounds like a smell and an experience I’d love to have too, kindcrow!
I would love to check out those islands too, but I want to time travel back to before they became a tourist attraction and/or petri dish for scientists!
If only I could find a Tardis knock-off on Ebay!
Good point, and it probably applies to many folks’ dream vacations.
The “real” TARDIS malfunctions all of the time. Who knows where or when a knock-off would send you? :-0
Too true! and I’m directionally challenged anyway- I better nix the TARDIS idea
My dream vacation would be a trip to Bhutan, and I’d be wearing Frapin 1697 for the first time
Nice picks!
Ooooh, I want to go to Bhutan too. And of course, I’d have to wear Dzongkha.
Ugh, I’m kicking myself. Haha. You’re right. Of course.
Can I bring both??
Ooh! One thing I am dying ti
Sorry, oops! To do… Is go to Paris for New Years Eve. I would probably have to wear a huge classic Guerlain… I’ve never tried Mitsouko so that’s the one.
Ah, that sounds romantic. And a perfect perfumista choice.
1.Strangely enough, I’d choose Budapest too. I’ve planned trips there, even looking for apartments and flights, the last two summers,but circumstances have conspired to prevent our trip. However, my holiday piggy bank has remained untouched for more than two years, so I think 2015 will see my Budapest experience.
2 I’d choose an elegant leather, such as Cuir Cannage.
I have planned trips there too! We almost did our honeymoon there but chose Prague instead (also wonderful) and my sister & I considered it for our last trip but ended up in Barcelona, which we loved. I’ll get there eventually!
Someday I’d like to visit a Greek island (maybe Corfu?), and I think Santa Maria Novella Eve would be the ideal scent companion.
I have smelled Eve but have not been to Corfu…still, seems like a perfect choice.
I have so many dream destinations! But my top would be New York, hubby and I were supposed to go there for our honeymoon, but never made it.
I would probably buy a perfume while there – but not sure which one…something edgy and chic?
Something from the new swanky Frederic Malle boutique would be perfect!
I’ve been thinking about visiting Iceland. If it were in the winter, to see auroras, the perfume would need to be dark with flashes of light and color. I’d need a new Duchaufour, something complex and atmospheric, more in the style of Eau d’Italie Sienne l’Hiver.
I’m realizing there are a lot of Duchaufours I have not tried yet. I don’t have high hopes for the L’Artisans. I’m wondering about TDC Oud Shamash or Penhaligon’s Lothair.
A friend of mine went to Iceland this past March and loved it! She enjoyed the towns and cities as well as the rural areas. What a land of amazing contradictions, although she missed out on seeing the Aurora, which was a disappointment for her. She said she could see herself living there quite happily!
Hope you make it there one day =)
Good to know that your friend enjoyed it so much. Did she get around on her own or do some kind of tour?
I recently realized that there are direct flights from the DC area and it’s a bit closer than Europe, and, of course, a really unusual place, so I’m intrigued.
Oh, go to Iceland! It’s gorgeous. I bought one of the IcelandAir packages from DC that was really affordable, included a whale watching tour but also gave us plenty of free time. 10/10 could not endorse more highly.
Oh and the food was amazing. I ate the best lobster dish of my whole life, and it was just a simple pasta in a little neighborhood place.
She went with a group of friends- flew out of Boston. They rented a couple of vehicles and kind of did their own thing. They had a very flexible schedule and went where the wind blew them. They stayed on a working farm/b&b and spent the days traveling hither and yon all over the place. She has already said she would love to go back again. It was a big hit, even without a glimpse of the aurora:)
Thank you, Deva and Melissa! I need to get cracking on the internet.
I’ve been there, twice. First was a horse tour, and sleeping in the same sheep shed with 20 snoring, smelly Icelanders who launder their sweaters not nearly enough. Gorgeous country! Clean air. Waterfalls spectacular. Women are so beautiful. You’d think you’re at a model convention. Even waitresses put me in awe. I’m not gay, it’s just the women are stunning. I felt like a real toothless hillbilly. The men short and a bit stubby, but reserved, yet friendly. Horses incredibly cute and willful. Their yogurt products are to die for, as are the fish products.
Easy to drive around. Famous hot pool near the airport. Blue Lagoon? Something like that. Very fun.
If you ride, well, consider a horse tour. Even a day ride.
It’s not cheap, not when I was there, but get a great sweater, at least.
I was in love with an Icelander, who later stole a horse from me, so it ended in tears, but he was a CHARMER.
Oh, and the DOGS are spectacular! The Icelandic Sheep dog. I have one. Sweet, cuddly, furry, soft, excellent breed, but shed a lot.
There’s a HUGE horse show once every couple years that’s a big deal. Racing tolts, or flying pace, which are a couple gaits of the horse. It’s crazy to watch. Check out some videos of Icelandic horse races.
Do go.
I would like to visit The Museum of Innocence in Istanbul. I will be wearing Chanel Grand Extrait.
Robin, I love your choices and feel l’incendiare is an armchair vacation to anywhere. Will you be arriving on the Orient Express?
Hey, why not…as I said, money is no object
Me too–I have been to Istanbul, but before Pamuk created his museum. I’m a huge fan of his and actually got to hear him give a reading from that book and sign my copy. (Swoon.)
Lucky you!
I’d wear Desamand from Parfumerie Moderne which I just tried a couple of days ago to go to London and then go sniffing for something I can’t smell in person in NY. I am mildly obsessed with this scent– a fabulous lilac leather scent that is sophisticated and gorgeous. If I truly have to depart with something unknown, then I’d go with Amouage Sunshine
A trip to Ormonde Jayne, maybe?
There _is_ that pricey Ormonde Jayne built around sandalwood that is exclusive to Harrods. Hmm…Or maybe visit JoLoves….or both of course
My dear goddessrena, there is NO such thing as MILD obsession when it comes to perfumes.
Sure there is. I know that I have to pay rent and take care of my continuing education for my massage license BEFORE I buy an expensive new perfume…see, my obsession is mild enough that I’m still in touch with reality
I’ve been to Budapest in the summer of 2013 – what a beautiful city that is, I can understand why you want to travel there Robin.
As of me, I would love to go to to Lisbon, Portugal anf have a look at the ocean.
The perfume I would wear for my trip there? Hmm… Perhaps Ormonde Jayne Tsarina, something with a suede note anyway.
And perfume of the day is Ray of Light from April Aromatics. Happy weekend y’all!
Budapest and Lisbon both look beautiful. So does Dubrovnik. Anywhere with old walled cities
Yes, Durbrovnik is marvellous too! The old architecture can be so mesmerizing
Lisbon is a lovely city – a manageable size, lovely atmospheric neighbourhoods, fantastic food. But it’s better not to go in summer, because of the heat and, especially, the humidity. The best time of the year is probably autumn. Hope you get to go, Lucas!
Thank you for all the suggestions – now I know when to go!
I forgot to report that I’ve been to Florence for Pitti Fragranze last weekend, had a blast there!
Love Florence. Did you make it to Santa Maria Novella, or too busy at Pitti?
I didn’t make it to SMN but I’ve been to Ponte Vecchio and few other places.
Lisbon is a great choice, Lucas. I was there in December/January 2007 and loved it eventhough it rained half the time we were there!
Must be a very nice city if you liked it even in the rain
Id love to go to Iran, to visit the cities and sites of ancient Persia. I’d wear anything by Stephane Humbert Lucas 777, but maybe Qom Chilom, because I adore that red bottle!
Speaking of new experiences, I went over to Mink Chocolates this week, and while they were still out of Mermaid’s Choice I bought a Pas de Deux (amaretto and dried cherries) and it was delicious.
That sounds really good, almonds and cherries… MMMM.
Such an enabler…but I will wait and stalk the site for Mermaid’s Choice.
Oh so many….Vietnam in Fils de Dieu
I love both of your choices!
Morocco!!Or Zanzibar!Both are on my home continent of Africa,but I’ve never been!The Perfume must be from Lutens…I’ve veen intrigued by his whole Un Bois series,but have never smelled any of them yet!-Preferably in a Bell Jar too…please and thank you.It’s nice to dream…
I meant the Bois range:Et Fruits,Violette…Sepia…
The four fragrances that are derived from Feminité du Bois (Bois de Violette, Bois et Fruits, Bois et Musc, and Bois Oriental) are excellent, as is the unrelated Un Bois Vanille, but Un Bois Sépia is a (to me) very disappointing and overpriced men’s sport scent, one of the few serious missteps in Lutens’ early catalogue.
Still, I hope you get to smell them all some day soon!
Un Bois Sepia has been horribly reformulated… it smelled wonderful when it was first released, IMO.
Ah — I never tried it back in the day so I don’t know what it used to be. But now it’s just dreadful.
I’ll join you in Morocco and since this is fantasy, it’s by special invitation from Uncle Serge AND since he will be making me a bespoke perfume, I won’t be bringing any perfume.
Ha! I like your style!
There should definitely be a poll on who will make our bespoke perfume
Seconding that!
I’ll say Morocco in Cuir Mauresque, which is what I’m wearing today. Whenever I wear it I think of the interview that said Uncle Serge likes to empty a whole bottle on himself and walk around the souk. I’m one of the (probably) few who would love to smell whole bottle of Cuir Mauresque + Moroccan souk.
Morocco for me too, johanob and jirish! And as my accompaniment: both L’Air du Desert Marocain and Maroc pour Elle – and see how they differ. Anyone who knows? Do tell!
From what I remember, they are very different, although they share a Taueresque base. LdDM is smoke, wood, and resin, and decidedly unisex. MpE is more feminine, and focused on a rich, syrupy rose. At least, that’s how I’m remembering it, but it’s been awhile since I’ve sampled them.
Very different in character. LdDM is quite austere in feeling and introspective while MpE is a floral cornucopia with plenty of personality
Thanks! This confirms that I would like to try both!
Oh, I have been eyeing a trip to the Dordogne River Valley in France with the Smithsonian (no affiliation), which hosts a tour led by an anthropologist that explores the area and the caves at Lascaux.
I have been drooling over this trip for the past 3 years and am no closer to getting there, but I continue to hope and plan.
As far as perfume goes, I think I would wear Un Rose de Kandahar because for some reason it smells like history and mystery to me, which is analogous to the art on the cave walls and ceiling.
I need to start playing the lotto
Sounds like a great trip, Deva!
Speaking of Lascaux, I see that there is a documentary on the art in the Chauvet cave.
Film: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_Forgotten_Dreams)
Photo Gallery: http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/chauvet/chauvet_cave_art.php
Meant to say “speaking of cave art.”
Oh thank you! I am currently beading a peyote bracelet which features some of the wall art. Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated by those paintings and even more so by those who were able to create such beauty while struggling minute by minute for survival! I’m going to check out that link ASAP:)
Oh, your bracelet will be lovely. I am definitely embroidering one of those Chauvet rhinos.
Loved that movie!
I watched that movie three times and highly recommend it for Deva. I was absolutely transfixed that a human 33,000 years ago could create such incredible beauty.
I did watch it and thought it fantastic. Leaves me speechless as a matter of fact.
What a testament to human endurance and creativity.
I think the question has always been for me is: WHY do humans, of all living being, have this incredible drive to create? Whether it’s paining cave walls, composing music, or mixing a aromatic concoction- WHY??
Is it a way we as a species organize the world to create a sense of order, or a way of telling our story, as hinted at in the movie??
Wonderful stuff- Thanks to KINDCROW for the link =)
You are welcome, Deva! Now I need to see that movie!
Best. Trip. Ever.
Have you been? Do tell if so! I know the caves are closed to the public for preservation purposes but they have an exact replica on site that was created using the same techniques as the original.
Oh, maybe one day I’ll get there…*sigh*
No I haven’t, but I’m pretty sure it is, still!
Dordogne was one of my thoughts too! I’ve also seen that Smithsonian flyer – drooling and dreaming. It would be so wonderful to have a guide, but for that price I could take my husband and we could just wing it. If I had a Tardis, I’d go back and see the caves a long time ago.
Perhaps we could get group rates and book a tour to Copenhagen and Greece. I don’t know what scent I would wear. Any suggestions? No salty/beach stuff. For Greece I see something that reeks sunshine, so perhaps a citrus with some tree/herbs…..in Copenhagen I have no clue what to wear, but maybe a Byredo would be in order since they’re almost next door.
Terralba from Masque Milano for something bright and herbal
Miller Harris Fleurs de Sel smells exactly like the out of doors in Greece. In doors is something saturated with rich incense: SSS Champage de Bois. I was very lucky to do study abroad in Athens when I was in college, and we traveled all over the country to see antiquities and ruins. Anytime I smell either of these fragrances I am instantly transported back.
I’d like to join Julie and juicejones in Istanbul, wearing vintage Guerlain Vol de Nuit straight from that gorgeous bottle.
When I can determine the precise birthplace village of two of my grandparents (I already know the other two) I would love to visit the cities, villages and countryside of Krakow, Warsaw, and Poznan, Poland (pretty much the whole country). I have no idea what scent I would wear – something that expresses the fortitude and courage of the Polish people throughout their turbulent history? (suggestions are welcome). More important to me is, what would I bring back with me to provide a scented memory of my visit to my ancestral country – Lucasai, any thoughts?
I have never been to the Bay Area nor ever smelled any Afteliers, which seems a pair of omissions I should remedy with one trip! Maybe this year’s Aftelier holiday open house??
The Bay Area is nice — Point Reyes National Seashore, Golden Gate Park (California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, etc.), Muir Woods, Berkeley, Amoeba Music, and the list goes on!
Everything kindcrow said plus perhaps you could extend your trip a bit to include the beautiful wine country of Napa/Sonoma and Sonoma Scent Studio. Just sayin’ . . . .;-)
I have always wanted to go to Europe. That is on my bucket list. Although I own a Chanel perfume, I would like to go and sample all of their fragrances. There are too many to name, but there are several I have never had the pleasure to try.
I’d like to visit Brazil, and I think a light leather would be just the thing, so maybe Bottega Veneta.
I’ve never been to Brazil…I came very close to it at Iguazu Falls on the Argentina side. I keep hoping to go there on a business trip since I am working on a project focused entirely on one of our Brazil-based businesses.
If any of you come, I´d be happy to help you through.
The only place I’ve never been that I really want to see is Prague, which everyone tells me is very beautiful. I guess I would have to wear something really old-school, so probably I would want a bottle of seriously vintage Guerlain Mouchoir de Monsieur for the trip: I’ve never smelled any version of it but it sounds like the vintage would be my kind of thing. It was launched in 1904 and I would want it to be as old as possible.
Oooh, Prague is also on my never visited but want to visit places!
I have been dying to go to Berlin for a long time, especially for their music scene. It might be cheating since I already love it but I’d wear CdG Black, a perfume I really need to go ahead and buy!
I think I need another trip to Berlin…when I was there, Museum Island was under construction but I understand it is now open.
I want to go to Wrangel Island to see the polar bear denning sites and to Kamchatka for the sables, arctic foxes, lynx, Stellar’s sea eagles, and big brown bears. And the volcanos, of course. I see myself bundled in furs, a la Dr. Zhivago, and wearing something classic–probably L’Heure Bleue.
Yes! And maybe a wolverine, too, at Kamchatka! OK, now I’m getting greedy
Besides joining johanob, jirish and ida in Morocco, I would also like to visit Barcelona and Madrid. I think Le Galion Iris would be perfect. Do check out Lucas’ blog if you want to know more about Le Galion Iris – I have not FB lemminged something as badly as this one since…um…maybe March/April of this year.
I’d like to go to Montreal or Quebec City. I’d like to try Serge Lutens Rose de Nuit.
Quebec City is beautiful! I was there this January – not, I think, the most popular time to visit, but I was staying (for a nite) at the Ice Hotel there, and you can’t exactly visit that in the summer! Funny enough, I wore another Lutens rose the whole time I was there – La Fille de Berlin.
My honeymoon was in both Toronto and Quebec City (I couldn’t convince the hubs that Iceland was lovely in March) but both cities were lovely in the early spring. Good food and nightlife. I was wearing DVF Tatiana then, I think.
The southern part of Spain… Andalusia, Granada, Seville. I think Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger, which I’ve never tried. Or maybe Encens et Lavande?
Don’t forget L’AP Seville a l’Aube!
The pomegranate is the symbol of Granada, so you might consider some fragrance that includes that note!
Peru and, since I love Peruvian coffee, I might choose either DSH Coffee Absolute or A*Men Pure Coffee
Coffee is an intriguing match!
Italy! Wearing 1920 Extreme (’cause it’s Italian and I keep forgetting how much I want to try it). I have a pretty useless classics background and those hours of memorizing the gates and statues of Pompeii should count for something. I really regret being too shy to have gone on that dig and included Italian tour that my advisor wanted to sign me up for in college. I had the money to sign up but not the balls to go by myself :/
I know it would have seemed daunting at the time. I hope you find another way to Italy – and you’ll probably appreciate it more now than you would have then.
Robin, I visited Budapest some time ago, around 1990. I know it’s changed tremendously, nonetheless, it might be worth mentioning two places that I particularly enjoyed. One was the Museum of Applied Arts, which has not only a fascinating collection but also fabulous Art Nouveau architecture incorporating Islamic and Hindu designs.
The other was the magical park and gardens on the Margaret Island (Margit-sziget), where, tucked away in the forest, one finds busts of poets, an Art Nouveau water tower, and the ruins of medieval churches and a convent destroyed by the Ottomans.
I thought Budapest had a fairy tale quality. You might also tuck away a samples of Vagabond Prince and Traversee du Bosphore.
That is how I felt about Prague, too (the fairy tale quality)…thanks for the recs, hopefully I will get there eventually!
In the meantime, some of the Museum’s collections can be viewed on Google Cultural Institute – amazing zoomable photos of elaborate costumes, jeweled objects, carpets, etc. Might need that Viktoria Minya Hedonism perfume!
I dream about going to Alaska In the summertime.
And while I’m there, I’ll be wearing Aqua allegoria Winter delice, even if it will be summer, I imagine the pine note will work nicely.
I’ve been all over India but never to Tamil Nadu. I would visit Madras, Pondicherry and Tiruvanamalai and wear Trayee.
Definitely Marakesh for me and I’d be wearing Cuir Mauresque for the first time. I’m crossing fingers I’m going there this year but we’ll see how the funds hold out!
Great poll! So many wonderful ideas to add to my list.
I always like to mix culture with relaxation and my choice would be Madrid and the Balearic Islands – Formentera for starters.
I’d try something from one of the Madrid perfume houses, such as Loewe, maybe Aura.
For island time I’d go with El Born by Carner Barcelona.
Booking my tickets!!
I would like to visit Corsica… Corsica Furiosa would be the obvious choice!
NICE! I love my sample of this and would love to wear it while horseback riding all over the island!
My parents were from Budapest and while I do speak the language, I’ve never been. People always tell me it’s the Paris of the East.
My soul longs to go to Cape Cod. I’d wear Bond No. 9 Hamptons which I have smelled and find so wonderful, I’d like to bathe in it.
Going to Maui soon. Should I wear Aqua Motu or EL Pure White Linen Pink Coral?
Wishing for a trip across the Atlantic lately, and since I’ve never visited anywhere in the UK, I will add Brighton, England to my list of someday-vacation-destinations. I love seaside cities.
My scent would be Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt. I like the cologne aesthetic almost without exception, and I smile every time I see a fragrance described with a driftwood note. Whaaa?
You’d love the now discontinued Michael Kors Island! Warm driftwood. Mmmm!
Tokyo- I’ll pick up a bottle of Le Labo Gaiac 10 while I’m there!
Having broken open my F Malle Dries van Noten sample today (really LOVE the subtle sandalwood, non-foody foodiness and the fact that it would be rare to bump into someone who owned it), I want to go (again) to Belgium to experience the Belgian aesthetic and to enjoy the way Belgian people can be both direct and warm. I agree with Robin, who said in her D v N review that she could consider this as a signature scent – if she really had to! For the 3 day challenge I chose Dior J’adore, but I would have fared better with D v N. Really well done and unusual.
Well, I want to go back to Yemen, the way it WAS, one of my favorite places, before everything went to hell. Now, it’s impossible or foolhardy, but at the time, it was incredible–the cities in the desert, the men who were bird-like and small, but with great shining eyes, long lashes, and loved to dance, and sing. They were BEAUTIFUL. I was with an assistant to Bruce Weber, the fashion photographer from years ago. He wanted to fly several young Yemeni boys to NY just to take photo shoots of them. I LOVED Yemen. Drove across the Empty Quarter in a Land Rover with armed 14 year olds bearing Kalishnikovs. I was there to practice my Arabic, which I have now long forgotten. The perfumes–attars–were gorgeous.
Alas, I don’t think I’ll be there ever again. Sad. It was a magical place, at one point. The sky in the desert at night, with the dunes all around, was amazing. I’d wear something oriental from Serge Lutens.
That does sound magical! I would love to experience some attars in the land where they originated.
I would like to go to Bali. People I know who have traveled a lot say it’s the most beautiful place they’ve been. I’m honestly not sure of the fragrance to plan to take. Something with mango or frangipani, or some spices like sandalwood and cardamom?