Travel Talk with Friends of STOW: Anna Hart
STOW speaks to Anna Hart, adventure travel writer and author of Departures
To where would you most like to stowaway?
Dominica is one of the dreamiest destinations on the planet, a Caribbean island with quirky B&Bs and boutique hotels (and no chain beach resorts at all), a long list of adventurous activities and a genuinely remote feel. This is an island for independently-minded travellers and adventurers, and it’s everything I love about a destination.
Who would you take with you?
I love travelling solo, but my dad, my friends Katharine and Katie, and my boyfriend can turn even a weekend away unto a life-changing adventure.
One essential piece of kit you cannot travel without, and why?
I never travel without my Lifestraw water bottle, which filters water and makes it safe to drink even in countries where the tapwater isn’t considered drinkable. It’s an amazing innovation and a major way to cut down on single-use plastics.
What is your favourite STOW piece, and why?
The See-View Folio is elegant and insanely practical, and I never lose my book, my notebook and my travel documents anymore.
Luxury or practicality – which one are you?
Do we really have to choose? Practicality can feel luxurious because it spares us hassle, and the only sort of luxury I’m interested in will be practical, never pointlessly decadent or excessive.
Best piece of travel attire to stay stylish when on the move?
I love Ops&Ops flats, which are lightweight as flipflops, but stylish enough to wear with vintage Pucci dresses, and comfortable enough for a full day’s sightseeing.
How do you stay stylish when travelling?
I really refuse to choose between style and comfort. I buy stylish clothes that are also comfortable – from silk Equipment shirt dresses to Kit & Ace cashmere to comfortable Penelope Chilvers boots. I never buy anything that needs to be ironed, or that I couldn’t wear in a riverboat in Laos!
Best piece of fashion advice you’ve received?
To treat your wardrobe as you would your suitcase – only your best-loved and most practical belongings deserve a space in there.
Who is your travel hero/heroine and why?
I love Freya Stark, the intrepid British explorer and travel writer born in 1893, who wrote, “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure.”
Which luxury item can you not travel without?
My Denon noise-cancelling headphones allow me to minimise the stress of airport lounges and economy class. I’m an infinitely more zen traveller since I discovered them!
You can keep up-to-date with Anna’s adventures by following her on Instagram, Twitter or by purchasing her new book, Departures: A Guide to Letting Go, One Adventure at a Time which is available now.
STOW speaks to Anna Hart, adventure travel writer and author of Departures
To where would you most like to stowaway?
Dominica is one of the dreamiest destinations on the planet, a Caribbean island with quirky B&Bs and boutique hotels (and no chain beach resorts at all), a long list of adventurous activities and a genuinely remote feel. This is an island for independently-minded travellers and adventurers, and it’s everything I love about a destination.
Who would you take with you?
I love travelling solo, but my dad, my friends Katharine and Katie, and my boyfriend can turn even a weekend away unto a life-changing adventure.
One essential piece of kit you cannot travel without, and why?
I never travel without my Lifestraw water bottle, which filters water and makes it safe to drink even in countries where the tapwater isn’t considered drinkable. It’s an amazing innovation and a major way to cut down on single-use plastics.
What is your favourite STOW piece, and why?
The See-View Folio is elegant and insanely practical, and I never lose my book, my notebook and my travel documents anymore.
Luxury or practicality – which one are you?
Do we really have to choose? Practicality can feel luxurious because it spares us hassle, and the only sort of luxury I’m interested in will be practical, never pointlessly decadent or excessive.
Best piece of travel attire to stay stylish when on the move?
I love Ops&Ops flats, which are lightweight as flipflops, but stylish enough to wear with vintage Pucci dresses, and comfortable enough for a full day’s sightseeing.
How do you stay stylish when travelling?
I really refuse to choose between style and comfort. I buy stylish clothes that are also comfortable – from silk Equipment shirt dresses to Kit & Ace cashmere to comfortable Penelope Chilvers boots. I never buy anything that needs to be ironed, or that I couldn’t wear in a riverboat in Laos!
Best piece of fashion advice you’ve received?
To treat your wardrobe as you would your suitcase – only your best-loved and most practical belongings deserve a space in there.
Who is your travel hero/heroine and why?
I love Freya Stark, the intrepid British explorer and travel writer born in 1893, who wrote, “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure.”
Which luxury item can you not travel without?
My Denon noise-cancelling headphones allow me to minimise the stress of airport lounges and economy class. I’m an infinitely more zen traveller since I discovered them!
