As an Account Manager for the Toronto-based travel and tourism PR firm Siren Communications, it’s not unusual to find Sarah Bresler jetting off to destinations like Barbados, Mexico and Quebec City — all in the name of work, naturally. When she’s not organizing trips for the media, she’s planning her own getaways. “I’ve always loved travelling for personal reasons, and grew up going to some incredible destinations around the world,” says Sarah. “I’ve been very fortunate.” Having lived in both New York City and London, England she’s certainly a well-travelled woman, who also happens to have great taste. Read on to find out her favourite hotels, luggage of choice and an app she swears by.
Why are you always travelling? Work, personal, both?
I would say about 50/50 for work and personal. My “work” trips are mostly press trips which consist of accompanying media to client hotels and resorts and making sure they have a great time. The last trip I took was to London and St. Tropez to visit friends.
What’s your carry-on bag?
Briggs and Riley, black, with wheels — always need wheels. I tried taking a carry-on over my shoulder once and felt like I was going to break my back.
Travel & Style Pick: Briggs & Riley 19” Carry-on International Upright, $319, briggs-riley.com
What are the top 3 essentials you put in your carry-on?
Headphones — I prefer my iPhone headphones instead of using the ones they give out on flights. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream — incredible product that moisturizes the driest skin and perfect as lip balm as well. Socks — my feet are always freezing on flights.
Travel & Style Pick: Roots Womens Cabin Sock 2 Pack, $19, roots.com
Travel app you can’t leave home without?
Uber! It’s the best app for getting cars and works in pretty much all major cities. It’s all I use when I go to New York and LA.
How do you kill time waiting for your flight/during a layover?
Reading a book and/or magazine. I am very into autobiographies right now.
Favourite hotel?
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France and One&Only Palmilla in Cabo, Mexico.
Hotel amenity you can’t live without?
Good quality shampoo and conditioner! I love when hotels stock Kiehl’s products.
Current travel reading material?
Autobiographies. I just read Portia de Rossi’s on a trip and it was unbelievable.
Travel music playlist?
Depends on the type of trip I am taking, but most of the time it’s a mix of top 40 and classic rock. There will always be a Beyonce song on there as well as something by Dave Matthews Band.
Favourite travel-friendly beauty product?
My NARS tinted moisturizer. It’s travel sized so can be brought in my carry-on, and is the perfect every day cover up that’s not too heavy and wears well throughout the day, no matter what the climate is.
Window or aisle?
ALWAYS window.
Tell us what your airplane style is.
Whenever I am travelling to a relatively warm destination, I travel in a maxi dress and sandals. James Perse makes the best maxi dresses. They are incredibly comfortable and well-made, and it’s very cozy travelling because it feels like you are draped in a blanket. When I am travelling to somewhere colder, like New York in the winter, jeggings and a t-shirt are my go-to with Converse sneakers. I LOVE the jeggings by Rag & Bone — they are very soft and comfortable. For t-shirts, my favourite brands are J Brand, Enza Costa and James Perse. I always make sure to bring a sweater with me. Vince is my favourite — especially their cashmere sweater.
Travel & Style’s Pick: Chuck Taylor All-Star in Optical White, $50, converse.com
Most memorable souvenir?
I actually rarely buy souvenirs as I find I just end up throwing them out. Souvenirs to me are wonderful shopping purchases that I make. For example, when I was in the South of France a couple of years ago, I bought a beautiful Missoni bikini.
Travel & Style’s Pick: Missoni Crochet-knit bandeau bikini, $490, net-a-porter.com
Where was your last vacation and who did you travel with?
My last vacation was to London to visit friends — I hadn’t been back since I moved last year. We also went to St. Tropez for a few days for some sun.
What was the best thing you did on your last vacation?
St. Tropez was very memorable. The best thing we did was try the new beach club, Bagatelle, which has delicious food and turns into a really fun day party.
Dream destination?
Top three are Cape Town, the Maldives, and Buenos Aires.
