Being in yet another lockdown has left many of us wistfully thinking about when our next holiday will be. We have all no doubt experienced cancelled flights over the last few months, and booking the next flight might seem a long way off. However, the power of scent can play a huge role in boosting our mood and adding a little positivity to each day. With that in mind, we’ve put together some fragrances that are designed to lift your spirits a little and provide some inspiration for your next trip.

So, if you can’t be on soaking up the sun on the Amalfi Coast or discovering the history of Eastern Asia right now, you can still smell like it and for now, we’ll take what we can get!

Inspired by Spain

There are a multitude of fragrances out there that somehow transport us to exotic destinations, thanks to a perfect blend of notes and scents. Armani Acqua di Gio for men instantly takes us under the Spanish sun, with opening notes of neroli, orange and lemon.

With a heart of violet, jasmine, peach and coriander, Acqua di Gio finishes on a woody base for a rounded finish. Its citrus notes are the perfect nod to Seville oranges, and it has a light but distinguished scent inspired by the sea and sun.

For women, Elie Saab Girl of Now Shine is a radiant floral perfume, with notes of orange blossom, almond and vanilla. Sparkling pineapple and pear add to the exotic tone of this fragrance, resulting in addictive scent that takes you to the likes of Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia.

Inspired by Greece

Greece is the home of blue skies and sea, as well as the famous blue domes of Santorini and Mykonos. With that in mind, there’s no fragrance better than Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue to transport you to whichever part of Greece you’re itching to visit. There is both an aftershave and a perfume, creating the perfect his and hers fragrances.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume has a floral-fruity scent, paying homage to Mediterranean life. Opening with lemon and apple, the perfume has a heart of jasmine and white rose, representing sun-drenched summer days.

The Light Blue aftershave is similar, with a citrus-aromatic scent opening with orange, grapefruit and bergamot. Its heart of rosemary and pepper is refreshing and invigorating, just as if you were diving into the sea.

Inspired by Italy 

Italy is a destination that has it all, with style, culture, food and sun. Whether you’ve never been, or you can’t wait to return, get a little taste of Italy at home with Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia. This unisex fragrance has an oriental-floral scent, capturing the essence of Sicily.

Opening with bergamot, orange, almond and star anise, this fragrance has a floral heart of jasmine, peach and ylang-ylang, conjuring images of Italy’s lush scenery. With a base of vanilla, cedar and sandalwood, this fragrance is long-lasting and perfect for transporting yourself to a sunnier destination.

Inspired by Eastern Asia 

If travelling further and exploring destinations off the beaten track is more your thing, transport yourself to Eastern Asia with opulent and warming fragrances. Guerlain Samsara is a perfect example, inspired by old Tibet and China. With notes of peach and ylang-ylang, combined with jasmine, iris and orris root, Samsara is a sensual and sophisticated scent. Sitting on a warm and exotic base of vanilla, amber and tonka bean, you can close your eyes and almost feel as though you are really somewhere different.

Similarly, Paco Rabanne Pure XS is a vibrant, oriental fragrance for men, opening with ginger, cinnamon and grapefruit, creating an explosive freshness. Moving into a heart of vanilla and leather, it is an intense aftershave with a hint of spice.