Celebrate a unique sense (and scent) of place with our round up of the best fragrances that help you travel the world.
Scents have a remarkable ability to transport you anywhere in time and space – evoking emotions and memories like no other sense quite can. A single whiff of a family favourite can take you back to childhood kitchens, while experiencing an ex’s old cologne being worn by someone on the street can make you wince even years after a break-up.
Using travel as inspiration, it’s exactly that power of transportation that our favourite fragrances are bottling this season. Thought you needed a passport to travel the world? Think again. A new trend in perfumes – travel through fragrance – allows you to explore every inch of the globe, without ever leaving home.
Whether it’s the classic crisp citruses that evoke sun-drenched days in the Mediterranean, or fragrances that help you visit the excitement of a bazaar through warm, spicy notes, let your nose lead the way – and discover just how far a fragrance can take you.
Here’s our guide to exploring the world in 17 of our favourite fragrances.
Take a romantic dip under the waves that lap the shore of the Polynesian island of Taha'a with this salty marine fragrance that we predict will be a scent of summer 2026. Inspired by the underwater garden found on the island, leading perfumer Christine Nagel has managed to bottle the freshness of musky, floral notes, with highlights including tiare flower, tamanu nut and mineral aromas, in a way that means it smells even better on warm skin too.
Iceland is a landscape of contrasts – of ice-covered glaciers and active volcanoes – and it is that sense of conflicting wonders within the 'Land of Fire and Ice' that this fragrance so successfully bottles. Woody and aquatic in overall feel, the contrast of spices and herbal notes – plus unique notes such as Fjords Steam Accord and Sauna Accord – will have you feeling like you are ready for a great adventure in no time.
It's rather magical how Indian niche fragrance house Rahasya creates scents that make you want to travel to other places, without ever falling into cliche or stereotype. From scents that evoke Indian bookshops to those that evoke the scent of fresh mangoes, each will have your friends and family asking what you are wearing. Our favourite is Cutting Rain, a celebration of India's first monsoon rain of the year, which is brought to life through a joyful blend of saffron, grapefruit, rose, marigold, sandalwood and tea.
Each spritz of Miu Miu Miutine is a playful stroll through Paris, evoking a walk through the Tuileries Gardens wearing a chic outfit, with a pastry in your hand. First comes a burst of Mara des Bois strawberry – a French variety only available for harvest once a year, and a favourite with chefs for its 'jammy' aroma. Then comes a full-bodied floral heart of fresh gardenia and jasmine, plus the warmth of patchouli for an appropriate hit of French sultriness.
Many of Jo Loves' fragrances are inspired by adventures that the founder and legendary perfumer Jo Malone CBE has taken in her life – from Morocco to Thailand. Her latest trip, to the island of Capri, will have you falling in love all over again this summer, with a sunny hit of citrus that becomes cool and refreshing on the skin through additions of ginger, magnolia and patchouli.
Kayali actually has multiple opportunities to help you escape to sunnier climes through fragrance this spring, with a full range of perfumes inspired by beautiful locations. A particular highlight though is Maldives in a Bottle – a unique but incredibly wearable scent of rosemary, lemon, banana, ylang-ylang and coconut that will put you straight into holiday mode.
Did someone say Spanish roadtrip? This fragrance certainly does – and at less than £70 it's a much more affordable option too. Bright and sparkling at first, just like the scenic coastline, it deepens into a creamy, woody-floral embrace on your skin. That makes it the perfect wear for an elegant evening on the Mediterranean coast… or just for dinner out in the UK.
Inspired by Connecticut's Gold Coast – most notable for its luxe waterfront properties – this is an expensive-smelling fragrance. Built off sustainably sourced vanilla and benzoin, the clean aroma blends fresh mineral tones with lush florals and a creamy warmth; a combination that will beckon anyone who smells it to come a little bit closer.
Oman Luxury is an independent perfume house that celebrates Oman's rich culture and heritage, and this scent – Mariya – is a celebration of the traditional necklaces worn by Omani woman. A bold feminine aroma, the fragrance mixes fresh, fruity notes with delicate florals (including red roses) alongside a sweet base of bourbon and coffee for some 'come closer' sensuality.
Paying homage to the Greek island of Hydra, Hydra Figue is like a love letter to the region – and offers ultimate escapism. The sort of scent that will have you trying to book a holiday right now, it opens with a zesty blend of bergamot, lemon, and a touch of ouzo, reminiscent of a seaside breeze. Heart notes of fig and tuberose then follow evoking the island's lush greenery, while marine accords capture the essence of the Aegean Sea.
Byredo's latest fragrance lives up to its a name, which roughly translates to 'good vibes' in Brazilian slang. Coconut water and aldehydes kick off the scent like a stroll along Rio’s colourful streets, jasmine and incense bloom like the tropical gardens, and sandalwood with salted amber anchors it all like a golden sunset. Instantly uplifting, the notes almost dance on your skin due to the mix of aroma families involved.
Imagine slipping through the gates of an Arabian palace in Palermo: that's the experience you get with this fragrance. Opulent oud lingers like gilded ceilings and rich textiles, smoky tobacco leaf captures the dark wooden beams, carved arches, and intimate corners of the Sicilian palace's interiors, and juicy passion fruit lifts it all, like the sunlit courtyards. Warm, captivating and mysterious, it’s a top pick for date nights.
Despite the brand name evoking thoughts of Italy, this fragrance will actually take you all the way back to Ancient Egypt – and for more reason than the scarab beetle on the bottle. Inspired by the beauty of a sunrise over the Nile, the perfume is filled with smoky notes of Egyptian incense, frankincense, earthy papyrus and resins – mirroring traditional temple rituals. Wear it if you want to make a statement this spring.
The luxurious palaces of Rome are a tourist attraction that shouldn't be missed, but until you can get there fragrances like this are a very nice substitute. It’s soft and powdery, with violet lending a delicate – almost whispering – elegance, while leather adds a subtle, sensual warmth that lingers on the skin. Effortlessly sophisticated, the scent wraps around you, leaving a refined, unforgettable trail wherever you go.
Auster is named after the Roman god of the south wind, embodying the hot Sirocco winds that sweep the Sahara, from Africa into southern Europe. It's entirely fitting considering that wearing the fragrance feels like standing at the edge of a storm. It opens with a burst of lemon and aromatic star anise, evoking the intense heat of late summer. As the scent evolves, sweet geranium and spicy clove emerge, before being grounded by a warm, woody trail that's like the calm after a storm.
As delightful as the French pastries that inspired it, Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle Vanille Nude perfectly encapsulates the indulgent experience of enjoying a sweet treat. It’s also the brand’s first foray into oh-so wearable vanilla musks. There's a trip to Madagascar, too, via the vanilla gourmand notes, which are blended with florals and musks to create a scent that is comforting and sophisticated in equal measure.
Picture yourself at an intimate Japanese tea ceremony, wrapped in a soft Dior cashmere jumper, the world gently fading away. That's the feeling of wearing this fragrance, which is designed as an homage to a culture that Christian Dior so greatly admired. Gorgeously sophisticated, hints of white flowers seem to float around you, bergamot adds a sparkling lift, and the warmth of tea leaves and soft musks wraps you in an elegant hug.
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty and wellbeing. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
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