A Globetrotter’s Guide to Scents

By Mai Wang, Birchbox
A Globetrotter's Guide to Scents
Get your travel fix with these transporting scents, all inspired by far-flung locales

Summer may be months away, but we're already mentally compiling our dream travel list. Till then, the quickest (and most affordable) way to get our fix is with destination-inspired scents. Every single fragrance on our list takes cues from exotic locations--and you won't even have to overcome jetlag.

Related: Perfume Basics: The Science of Scents

ITALY
For a real taste of la dolce vita, travelers know to get off the grid and explore Sicily's verdant orange groves (not to mention the island's famed olive oil and wine). Cult French fragrance designer Annick Goutal captures the spirit of the region with her Eau d'Hadrien, a refreshing blend of Sicilian lemon, grapefruit, and citron.

MEXICO
History buffs go crazy for boutique fragrance house Arquiste's meticulously researched scents. Their Flor y Canto was designed by Carlos Huber, an architect who specializes in historic preservation, and authentically recreates the aromas of a Tenochtitlan temple altar circa 1400.

Related: The Best Fragrance For Every Age

ENGLAND
Whether you've always dreamed of sipping tea with the Queen or are a diehard Downton Abbey fan, Serge Lutens's unisex Five O'Clock au Gingembre is a must-add to your collection. Inspired by England's high tea tradition, it evokes candied ginger, tea leaves, honey, and other scents tied to the nation's most beloved ritual.

INDIA
For BYREDO's appealingly musty Encens Chembur, creator Ben Gorham took inspiration from the Indian city of Chembur, where his mother was born. Layers of spices and incense recreate the atmosphere of a Hindu temple.

Related: Picking Your Signature Scent

NEPAL
For her first scent, up-and-coming perfumer Anne McClain drew on her experiences traveling through Nepal. The resulting rich fragrance combines notes of jasmine, vetiver, and spice and pays homage to the country's spiritual culture.

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