Double Duty - Renowned Travel Writer Lee Tulloch on What She Packed

Travel is more complicated these days, with the regime of testing that is required pre-flight and the various QR codes you need to access anything in Europe, from shops to restaurants. (If you’re thinking of travelling this year, my top tip is to make sure you have a phone with a good battery that can last at least a day between charges.)

As it turned out, it wasn’t more difficult. It’s just a matter of being a bit more organised and keeping your eye on changing conditions. What was challenging at first was trying to think my way around all the things I needed to take, especially as I hadn’t travelled internationally for two years.

I knew I had to pack lightly as I’d be taking the fast train from Cannes to Paris after the conference. It would be very cold in Paris, but Cannes can be sunnier and warmer at that time of the year. So, I needed a puffy coat and thicker cashmere sweaters and wraps for Paris, but in Cannes I needed lighter clothes, especially as there were a few dressy dinners and cocktail parties at night.

I needed clothes that would do double duty so that I could actually close my suitcase (and leave some room for shopping.) I wore the Slouchy Zip Pant on the plane, as it is warm enough to stave off the freezing air-conditioning but also breathes well enough for me to wear it in transit in a hot place like Dubai. I hand washed it in my room, hung it up to dry, and could wear it multiple times. It was perfect for Paris by day, worn with ankle boots, as I did a lot of walking and needed to be comfortable.

The staple for me was lightweight silk and cashmere. I have a Silk and Cashmere Long-Sleeve T-shirt that I’ve worn to death for years, so I freshened up my wardrobe with new versions in navy and black. For dinners, I packed The European in a dazzling peacock colour and a short-sleeved Cashmere T. Both looked great over a navy skirt or simple pants, dressed up with jewellery.

I always travel with a Cashmere and Silk Pilar Cardigan, as it looks smart over a T-shirt while in transit, and it was perfect in Cannes during the sunny but cool days. In Paris, I pulled on my favourite-ever sweater, the Cashmere Weekender, which is incredibly soft and light, although warm. It wasn’t too hot under my puffy coat running around, but it also looked very chic once the coat was off, which is important in Paris. I was writing about five-star hotels and meeting hotel managers, so I needed to look professional without wearing business clothes.

What would I have done without my Traveller Wrap? It was huge enough to use as blanket on the plane but light enough to wrap around myself in the street when it was very cold. I took it everywhere- wore it on the plane, the train, and at night to drape around my shoulders when I was dining. It looked very sophisticated in aubergine with a camel stripe. It worked in Cannes, too, as some days turned unexpectedly chilly. I loved that it was light enough to stash in a tote bag, even though it’s rather large.