Having lived in Hong Kong for over 15 years, accessories designer and Hong Kong Mom of four boys Fiona Kotur knows a thing or two about packing for holiday — whether her family is off to a beach or urban destination. Here, she shares her top essentials for a well-stocked suitcase.
Beach Holiday Essentials
Portable Cabana I have a surprisingly-portable, awning-stripe beach tent, which I love — it provides shade and it feels like my own little cabana.
Sunscreen to protect my family’s skin from the sun — I travel with Tatcha’s Pore Perfecting sunscreen. And I use and self-tanning lotion to tone down the white glow of my pale skin! Self-tanning lotion is the only way my skin can achieve a “sun-kissed” look.
Kaftans For me, my suitcase always contains a slew of kaftans, for day and evening, long and short. One of my favorite places to buy them is at Tabla in Prince’s Building.
Books The ocean is the most relaxing place to enjoy a great book, so I pack enough for the whole family.
Totes A set of L.L. Bean nesting monogramed canvas tote bags (a classic!) — from XL to mini, to always look coordinated. They organize me!
Big Jewelry — but never the real thing! Stacks of bangles, oversized shell or horn pendants. Casual and sometimes fun, always statement.
City Holiday Essentials
Comfortable Shoes I love to walk everywhere possible when exploring a city. My Black Vans are the usual go-to shoes.
Easy Dresses A slew of Lanvin dresses, from the Alber Elbaz days. Usually drape-y silk or cotton-knit as they pack easily, always look great and can be worn with Vans during the day and strappy sandals with a smoking jacket at night.
Metro Card/ Octopus Card or equivalent for the family as public transport is the best way around a city when it’s too far to walk. As wonderful as the water taxis were in Venice, the boys had a truly fantastic time on the water bus!
Travel Guides A list of friends’ suggestions, Luxe City Guides where possible, and a Lonely Planet book. The best way to see cities is high/low and to know what the city is known for — the best restaurant, street food, museums, galleries, and graffiti for example. You need a little grit to discover the soul of a place.
Monopoly: My sister introduced this as a family sport, and now we travel with our Monopoly board and the four boys, my husband and I play together at night in our hotel room!
Shop Kotur bags and shoes, and learn more about Fiona’s effortlessly-chic style on www.koturltd.com.