Getaway Tips from the World’s Biggest Models
Models are expert travelers. They bounce from fashion week to fashion week, shoot to shoot, all with a suitcase, a sense of humor, and the bare necessities. ELLE asked five models to dish on their favorite destinations, tips included. You may want to take notes
LIU WEN: BEIJING
As one of Estée Lauder's new faces and the latest queen of the runway (having walked 53 shows in the fall-winter 2012 season alone), the 24-year-old splits her time between New York City and her hometown of Beijing.
What do you pack for a summer trip to Beijing?
Bug spray-the mosquitoes can be pretty relentless in the summer-and an empty stomach…there are simply too many delicious places to eat!
How do you stay fit and healthy while traveling?
A great healthy snack I have in the mornings is honey water, which is delicious and wakes me up. Some tips for the road are just to get enough sleep, drink lots of water, and always take care of your skin. Avoid the sun more in the summer when you travel.
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What's the best way to see and experience the city?
Definitely find a bilingual tour guide-you can hire me, actually. I studied tourism back in school after all.
What's the best view of the city?
Without a doubt, from the Great Wall! There's a Chinese saying: If you don't visit the Great Wall, you are not a good man. It is a national-and world-treasure, so definitely don't miss it if you visit. The Commune by the Great Wall is a group of incredible villas in the mountains with spectacular views.
ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO: FLORIANOPOLIS, BRAZIL
The Victoria's Secret Angel recently gave birth to her second child in Florianópolis. A sunny island off the southern coast of Brazil, Florianópolis is one of Ambrosio's favorite getaway spots, and she's not alone-thousands flock to its beautiful beaches each summer.
What do you pack for a summer trip to Florianópolis?
My favorite bikinis.
How do you stay fit and healthy while traveling?
I'm a huge fan of yoga and Pilates, so I'm always exploring the studios in the cities I visit. Also, I take walks along the beach. As for food, it's important to eat as fresh as possible. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, but I do like to indulge in local delicacies wherever I travel.
What's the best way to see and experience the city?
Definitely by boat, so you can travel around the island and go to secret spots! You'll be able to enjoy the ocean and at the same time see all the amazing beaches that Florianópolis has to offer.
What's the best view of the city?
The top of the mountain of Lagoa da Conceição is perfect for a romantic moment or taking photos with friends.
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CHANEL IMAN: L.A.
The 21-year-old runway darling, who began her career at 13, spends her time jetting around the world for ad campaigns, cover shoots, and shows but still calls L.A. home. When in town, Iman helps her mother run a boutique in Culver City and kicks back SoCal-style.
How do you stay fit and healthy while traveling?
My favorite healthy snack is avocado toast, and always being active keeps me in shape.
What's the best way to see and experience the city?
Cookies from Diddy Riese Cookies-my guilty pleasure. Freshly baked, it's the best $1.75 you'll ever spend. Don't let the long line wrapped around the corner turn you away-it's worth the wait!
Or indulge in a Burke Williams spa retreat.
What's the best view of the city?
The Hollywood sign.
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HYONI KANG: SEOUL
The South Korean stunner's career took off when she won Ford's Supermodel of the World in 2008. Now a fashion idol in her hometown of Seoul, Kang has hosted several TV shows and is working on a reality series that introduces the hippest spots in New York City to Seoul natives.
What do you pack for a summer trip to Seoul?
My iPod Touch.
What's the best way to see and experience the city?
One of the best things about Seoul is that practically everything is open 24 hours a day. From the mini-mart on the corner to the karaoke bars, Seoul is truly a city that never sleeps. There is so much to do and see here, why close?
What are the best views of the city?
Comparable to New York's Hudson River, the Han River runs through the northern part of Seoul. This is a great spot to ride a bike, run, swim, and have a picnic with friends. At night, the riverside also houses some restaurants, or it's just a great place to sit with friends and have a beer.
Seoul Tower. Accessible by car, it's a nice ride up the northern tip of Seoul to Seoul Tower. You can see the entire city from up there. There's even a fence where couples can write a wish or note to each other on a lock, and lock it onto the chain link to symbolize a love eternal.
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ERIN HEATHERTON: CHICAGO
The Victoria's Secret Angel-and frequent flier-is a born-and-bred Chicagoan and often heads back to the Windy City to visit friends and family.
What do you pack for a summer trip to Chicago?
Two sets of clothing, warm and cold. In a city where the weather changes as fast as a coin flip, you have to be prepared for any and every clothing situation.
How do you stay fit and healthy while traveling?
My motto is everything in moderation. I really enjoy running and yoga, so I try to remind myself to take some time out of my busy schedule for myself. Even if that means 10 or so minutes just rocking out to music.
What's the best way to see and experience the city?
With good people, a map, and a pair of awesome shoes to tote you around.
What's the best view of the city?
Nothing beats the view from a boat off Lake Michigan looking at the skyline.
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