Being restricted from holidaying abroad over the past two years has been only a minor inconvenience compared with the wider impacts of the pandemic, but it has certainly left us with a serious case of wanderlust and a lengthy travel bucket list. And as restrictions are lifted in many countries, the world really is our oyster again. So, to help narrow down your destination choices, we asked some of Chelsea’s most clued-up locals to tell us where they’re going and what they’re packing this summer.

I went to Villa d’Este on Lake Como for my birthday earlier this year and it was so incredible that I have put it on my summer travel list too! I’ll also spend a week surfing on the Peniche coast of Portugal, and another week in Portofino. Italy is one of my favourite destinations for its food, weather, beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

On my packing list is swimwear (Vilebrequin and Casa Raki in Harvey Nichols are my favourites), skincare from La Prairie, some silk scarves and a summer handbag from Salvatore Ferragamo (I just got the new “Cage” style), a pair of Bulgari sunglasses, and classic black stilettoes from Saint Laurent. For date night, I’ll pack a black or gold dress and a red purse, then a couple of floral dresses for beach walks (I love Gucci and Borgo de Nor in Harvey Nichols), and a pair of Tod’s sandals.

Follow Ciinderella at @ciinderellabalthazar

After last summer in the UK I’m happy to be heading to Greece, to the island of Syros. My partner and daughters are part Greek and it’s the perfect retreat from a busy year. I’d love to relax and switch off as it’s a slow-paced place with amazing food and culture, but that’s pretty unlikely with two young children!

I’ll be packing Dolce & Gabbana’s latest men’s fragrance “Light Blue Pour Homme Italian Love” because it’s a great summer scent, and my go-to hot weather outfit from David Gandy Wellwear: the Poolside polo and shorts in navy cotton towelling, along with our brand new Short swim shorts in red.

Follow David at @davidgandy_official

I’m currently planning my holiday wardrobe for my trip to Sicily with the family. We will be doing a lot of sightseeing across the beautiful coastline and of course trying different Sicilian dishes. When you’re running your own business, you never know when you’ll need to jump on an important video call, so I always need my classic Almeida ivory jacket from my brand The Fold, which instantly makes me feel polished and put together. It’s also crease-resistant – so it’s the perfect throw-on-and-go jacket.

I’ll also pack a lightweight floaty dress – I absolutely love our Delphi dress because it’s comfortable for sightseeing during the day but still smart enough for dinner in a beautiful restaurant. The final item I never travel without is a large basket bag, and Anya Hindmarch’s Walton style is divine. It’s so good for travel documents, a beauty bag and beach-day essentials.

Follow Polly at @thefoldlondon

Every year I look forward to my trip to Gamvik in northern Norway, where I relax under canvas, swimming in the Barents Sea by day and reading Milesian philosophy by candlelight at night. 

Fortunately, every year, I come to my senses and continue my love affair with the Italian coast, with trips to Portofino, Sardinia, and Capri. Vital pre-trip preparations include a haircut from Marcelo Dominguez at Urban Retreat, a visit to John Sandoe’s bookshop to pick up some summer reading and, most important of all, a visit to Hermès to buy a new swimsuit. Forget about the expense – no other bathing suits keep their colour so well, last as long, and guarantee that you will never be mistaken for a former participant on Love Island. And this year, most of my summer wardrobe comes from Prada and Miu Miu – from a beach bag to evening dresses. 

Follow Luna at @lunadecasanova