In this week’s edition of #What Vanessa is Wearing, we’re getting into travel fashion and essentials. The perfect travel wardrobe balances comfort, practicality, and looking effortlessly chic. With 250,000 airline miles under her belt, Vanessa knows how to pack smart, stay comfortable, and look effortlessly chic from take-off to touchdown. Vanessa shares her go-to airport outfits, must-have carry-on items, and the travel hacks that keep her looking polished from takeoff to touchdown. Plus, she tells us her favorite cities, dream destinations, and the meals she still thinks about long after the trip ends.
Read What Vanessa is Wearing: The Weekend Wardrobe Edition.
In a previous edition, you mentioned that you travelled at least once a month, we’re curious about that! Is it work calls or just a love for travel?
Yes, I typically travel at least once a month and it’s a mixture of work, leisure, or family and friend obligations. I’d say it’s split almost evenly. My job does require travel to events and conferences, and I have family all over the world are always getting married, having children or have milestone celebrations, sometimes even funerals. I also have a never-ending bucket list of places I want to visit so if I find a good deal, I’m out.
To me there is a huge difference between a “trip” and a “vacation.” I take a lot of trips but as for a true vacation, that happens once or twice a year if I’m lucky. I enjoy being home, so my trips are usually short. Less than three days and I’m specifically going somewhere to do something (usually work). Vacation to me is when you go on a break or travel somewhere for relaxation. The only reason for the travel is to enjoy time off from any obligations. These are longer but once I’m away from home for longer than 5 nights I start to get agitated.
Need style inspiration on what to wear to the office? Read What Vanessa is wearing: The Office Wear Edition.
What are your favourite cities (the ones you’ve visited so far)?
Right now, my favorite city is Mexico City. I just got back from visiting for the first time and it was everything I thought it would be and more. This was a personal work trip for Indijene — my passion project. I needed a creative break and an opportunity to do some research and development. That’s just code for I went to window shop and scout potential vendors and partners. I was in and out in less than 3 days, but did so much there I can’t wait to go back.
Barcelona, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro and of course Lagos round out my top 5 although I’m partial to that last one. In truth, it really should be replaced with Dakar.
What’s your dream vacation destination, and what’s the first thing you’d pack for it?
My dream vacation destination is Sydney, Australia but jeez, that flight time is insane. I know a lot of people dream of beaches and tropical resort destinations but I’m very much a city girl. I want to walk around, pop into shops, eat at fine restaurants and enjoy views from skyscrapers. Sorry, not sorry.
What’s always in your carry-on for a long flight and what’s your typical airport outfit?
My carry-on is filled to the brim all the time. It’s a habit I’m trying to break honestly. But I always have a change of clothes in case of incasity. My typical airport outfit is something baggy and comfortable. For work trips in the US, that’s usually a hoodie and leggings or loose trousers. For vacations to warm weather places, it’s usually a maxi dress or a nice bubu/kaftan. That’s really the hack to getting more perks when you travel. The kaftan gives off I’m comfortable, but I can be somebody’s madam or some rich oga’s daughter so please respect me.
Are you an adventurous eater when you travel, or do you stick to familiar foods? And what’s the most unforgettable meal you’ve ever had in a different country?
For food, I’ll try anything once, but I typically stick to the same core foods no matter where I am. Most countries have some version of rice and chicken or at the very least protein and starch so that is my go-to meal. I’ll always look for some variation of rice and stew. In Bali I ate rice, chicken, and fried egg for breakfast every morning. It was heavenly. It’s called Nasi goreng.
