LEISURE LETTER 77: Pack Like a Dandy | What We Never Board a Flight Without
Here it is, Dandy, the definitive list . . .
The jet’s baking on the tarmac . . . the ship is setting sail. Let’s cut loose the mooring lines, drop the gangway and get ready to go. Chances are you haven’t even booked the ticket . . . the destination, as yet, is still hazy and obscure – but it’s out there, rest assured, lingering just over the horizon. Soon it will be found by someone like yourself: one with the proper sense and savvy for the act of world-wandering, an escape artist and hopeful romantic. Through your adventures we will be justified in crafting this careful curation of travel accessories for the modern bon vivant.
We’ll start with the cornerstone of any vacation, whether it be for a week or forever – do yourself a favor and pick up a standard duffle bag, perhaps something slightly antique. Just make sure it’s all-leather, with decent handles. I’ll further this notion by confirming that everything mentioned in this article can fit in a duffle, plus much more. There’s one pertinent rule to live by in this respect: if you can’t fit it all in the duffle, you’re probably packing too much.
With that case closed, let’s carry on . . .
With a fondness for lightweight packables, and a keen eye for color-rich compositions, the silk scarf has proven, time and again, its universal validity, lending elevation to any look. Whether draped around the neck or tied loosely to the handle of a bag or duffle, this luxurious accessory adds an element of sophistication and flair to more monochromatic dress codes. In tropical climates, the scarf functions as a make-shift sun-screen, while in colder climates, it will add a layer of coziness. For a silken spark of inspiration just watch Thelma and Louise, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, or my personal favorite, the Dick Cavett interview with Marlon Brando. They’ll show you the way!
The way is long. As we nourish the body, we must likewise learn to nourish the mind. For this we prescribe: A book. Always paperback. Unlike the tablet, the e-book, a paperback allows the reader to fully unplug. Likewise it has the potential to spark conversation from passersby, which can be even more stimulating for the mind.
In a world filled with constant connectivity and digital distractions, there is something inherently luxurious about disconnecting from the outside world and immersing oneself in the pages of a good book. For the cosmopolitan dandy with an appreciation for the finer things in life, a well-chosen novel is an essential travel companion that provides nourishment for the soul, stimulating the imagination. It’s often through novels we find the courage to make the much needed leap to the other side of the pond.
Whether lounging on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast or cozied up by the fireplace in a charming Parisian café, the dandy understands the transformative power of literature and the importance of carving out moments of solitude and reflection amidst the chaos of travel.
Here we’ll take a beat to explore a few items of greater practicality. The really important stuff . . .
Like a deck of cards and a proper set of dice. Now imagine: the sunset, the waterfront, a wooden table and a bottle of white wine. Some lovely configuration of a fellow traveler would like to take a seat. Sure thing – two is merrier than one. The two of you sit for a while, talking about this and that. When suddenly, an illuminating proposal: Let’s play a game! Perhaps cards, perhaps a roll of Old Mexico, or a cast of Liar's Dice. Fortunately, you are both prepared – she’s got the cards and you’ve got the rocks. Just don’t let the stakes get too high.
Once the game is over, these timeless trinkets may be conveniently slipped into a pocket or purse.
The sun falls below the horizon. We’re losing track of time. For this, we have a solution as well. Someone once told me “Even a broken watch is right twice a day". So I went along and bought a broken timepiece myself, mostly for the looks. It was a vintage dive-watch, a big old slugger with all kinds of levers and dials. This way I could at least be right about something twice a day, I reasoned . . . Even at 20,000 leagues under the sea! Hopefully you can do the same, adding a bit of pizzazz to the overall aesthetic. Older-model dive watches are cheap, they’re readily available, and when the hands don't spin, they’ll remind you that time is not of the essence.
Final stop: Abroad.
The Passport Carrier is a crucial statement for the international traveler, transcending its utilitarian purpose to become a symbol of sophistication and experience. Often underestimated, it not only safeguards one of our most valuable documents but also serves as a silent storyteller of worldly adventures. As you present your well-worn Italian leather carrier to the customs agent, a subtle smile of recognition acknowledges your seasoned status. In this moment, the passport carrier becomes more than just an accessory; it is a testament to your journey, welcoming you as part of the global elite.
If you don’t know where to look, Dandy Del Mar’s Departure Carrier is a good place to start.
It encapsulates the essence of travel—the thrill of discovery, the joy of cultural immersion, and the bonds forged with people and places around the world. So, as you embark on your next adventure, remember that it's more than just an accessory; it's a symbol of your wanderlust spirit and your commitment to embracing the world with open arms.
Safe travels, Dandy!
