Travel, Fragrance & Restoration: A Conversation with Carrier

Travel has the power to stay with us long after we've returned home. Not only through photographs or souvenirs, but through fleeting sensory memories: the warmth of the morning sun, the scent of flowers carried on the breeze, the stillness of a landscape at dawn.

Much like fragrance, travel is often remembered through feeling. Certain places become inseparable from the emotions they evoke, while a familiar scent can instantly transport us back to a moment, a destination or a state of mind.

In conversation with Caroline, Head of Luxury & Private Clients at Carrier, we explore the connection between travel, memory and scent; from the destinations that leave a lasting impression to the rituals that help us feel at home wherever we are in the world.

On Travel & Memory

Luxury travel has evolved far beyond simply visiting a destination. What do you think travellers are searching for most today?

I think people are searching for experiences that feel genuinely meaningful. Luxury is still important, but it’s often less about the destination itself and more about how the trip makes you feel. Many of our clients want quality time with family, opportunities to connect with local culture and nature, and the chance to step away from busy everyday lives. Ultimately, they’re looking to create memories and return home feeling enriched in some way. 

Looking back on your own travels, is there a particular place, moment or experience that has stayed with you more vividly than any other?

I’ve always loved sunrises, and one that really stays with me was during a recent trip to the Maldives. Waking up to the complete stillness and watching the colours change as the sun came up was incredibly special. It was one of those rare moments where everything felt peaceful, and time almost seemed to stand still. It’s a feeling I still think about now. 

Travel has a remarkable ability to awaken the senses. Which sense do you think creates the strongest connection to a place, and why?

For me, it’s scent. Smell has a unique ability to transport you back to a specific moment in time. A familiar fragrance can instantly revive memories and emotions from a trip, even years later, making it one of the most powerful ways we remain connected to a place. 

The Connection Between Travel & Fragrance

Scent is often described as the sense most closely tied to memory. Have you ever encountered a fragrance that instantly transported you back to a specific destination or moment in time?

Absolutely. The scent of coconut, frangipani and warm sea air instantly takes me back to the Caribbean and memories of relaxed days by the ocean. The fragrance of tropical flowers reminds me of peaceful mornings where everything feels a little slower, calmer and more connected to nature. 
 
Both fragrance and travel have the power to shape how we feel. Do you see any similarities between curating an unforgettable journey and creating a lasting sensory impression?

Definitely. Both are really about creating an emotional connection. The trips people remember most aren’t usually defined by just one moment. They’re a collection of experiences that come together to create a lasting feeling. Fragrance is very similar. Different notes reveal themselves over time and tell a story. Whether you’re creating a journey or a fragrance, it’s about leaving someone with a memory they’ll carry with them long afterwards. 
 
If you could bottle the essence of one destination you've visited, what would it smell like?

I’d choose Dubai. Whenever I visit, I’m struck by the combination of warmth, luxury and energy that seems to define the city. I'd imagine a fragrance built around amber and oud, with softer floral notes like rose and jasmine. There would also have to be hints of saffron and sandalwood, which remind me of wandering through the souks and experiencing the city's rich cultural heritage. What I love most about Dubai is how it blends tradition and modernity so effortlessly, and I'd want the fragrance to reflect that. Something warm, sophisticated and full of character.
 

The Art of Restoration

Carrier's Revive collection is centred around restoration and renewal. What does feeling truly restored mean to you?

For me, it’s about much more than simply feeling rested. It’s having the space to step back, clear your mind and refocus on what matters most. When you return feeling calmer, more energised and with a fresh perspective, that’s when I think you’ve truly had the chance to restore and reset.

In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced, what role do travel experiences play in helping people reconnect with themselves? 

Travel gives us permission to step away from our routines and be more intentional with our time. Whether that's spending time in nature, enjoying wellness experiences or simply having uninterrupted time with family and friends, it creates an opportunity to reflect and recharge. I think that's something many people are looking for now more than ever.

Are there particular destinations or types of journeys that you find consistently leave people feeling changed, even in small ways? 

Nature-led experiences tend to have the most profound impact. Safaris, remote island escapes and wellbeing-focused retreats often give people the opportunity to gain perspective and reconnect with what matters most. It’s something we’ve seen reflected in Carrier’s REVIVE collection, where the focus is on restoration and renewal through travel experiences that encourage balance, relaxation and a sense of perspective. Destinations that immerse people in nature, support wellbeing or offer a change of pace can be surprisingly transformative. Even small shifts in mindset can have a lasting effect, and often it's those feelings of calm, clarity and renewed focus that people remember long after they've returned home.

On Travelling Well

Seasoned travellers often develop rituals that help them feel at home wherever they are. Do you have any personal travel essentials you never leave behind?

My kindle is always one of the first things I pack. Whether I'm on a flight or relaxing by the pool, a good book helps me switch off. I also never travel without a cashmere scarf. It's practical, comfortable and always comes in handy. And I usually carry a small fragrance with me as well. There's something about a familiar scent that instantly makes you feel more settled, wherever you are in the world. It’s the smallest personal touches and rituals that make the biggest difference when travelling frequently. 

Miller Harris recently introduced Pocket Editions, designed for life on the move. Is fragrance something you consciously pack when travelling, and how does it become part of your journey? 

Definitely. Fragrance is one of the simplest ways to create a sense of familiarity wherever you are in the world. It becomes part of my travel ritual, whether that's pre-flight, before dinner or simply to mark a special moment during a trip. Pocket-sized fragrances are ideal because they allow you to carry that sense of comfort and connection with you effortlessly.

Do you tend to wear the same fragrance wherever you travel, or do certain destinations inspire different scent choices?

I tend to adapt my fragrance to both the destination and the mood of the trip. Lighter, fresher scents feel perfectly suited to warm climates and beach escapes, while richer, more complex scents often complement city breaks or cooler destinations. 

If you were planning the ultimate restorative escape tomorrow, where would you go and what would the experience look like? 

I'd choose a private island in the Indian Ocean. The focus would be on simplicity, wellbeing and space to unwind rather than a packed itinerary. My days would begin with a sunrise walk along the beach, followed by a swim, spa treatments and exceptional food. Most importantly, there would be plenty of uninterrupted time to pause, reflect and recharge.

Finally, what destination is currently at the very top of your personal travel wish list? 

Japan is definitely at the top of my list. I'm fascinated by the contrast between its deep-rooted traditions and its innovation, which feels unlike anywhere else in the world. The idea of experiencing both the tranquillity of Kyoto and the energy of Tokyo on the same trip really appeals to me. It feels like a destination that engages every sense and offers something new at every turn.

Discover the Pocket Editions collection online and in-store now.

Ready to book your next journey? For holidays crafted with heart, visit Carrier. For every travel request there is a Carrier expert who is solely dedicated to your personalised trip from start to finish, armed with your dream destination, boundless imaginations and a goal to make you love a place as much as they do.