In this series, we shift the spotlight from client coverage to the PR pros behind the scenes, discovering the destinations they’re traveling to and what they’re bringing with them. This week, we spoke with LA-based Sarah Robarts, President and Founder of Ballantines Public Relations; Canada-based Jessica Myers, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at American Express; and London-based Anna Pearson, Executive Vice President at Bacchus Agency, to discover where they’ve been of late, the next locales they’re headed to and the items they don't leave home without.
Sarah Robarts | President & Founder, Ballantines Public Relations
I am so excited to visit Malta for the second time, attending a major moment on the European Cultural map with the opening of MICAS, Malta International Contemporary Art Space on October 23rd. I love Malta, the amazing people, the food and its history.
Also looking forward to returning to India a second time to visit Dharmsala and to meet His Holiness The Dalai Lama in January of 2025. What an honor, especially to be travelling with an incredible small delegation of powerful and diverse female leaders.
Kenya is always my favorite (where I grew up!) but this time I am excited to do something I have never done and go on a yoga retreat with Laura Bunting and The Sheldrick Wildlife Foundation. Excited for a week of incredible yoga, healthy food, great company, extraordinary wildlife, hiking, learning and being so immersed in nature at Tsavo National Park.
Lastly, I’m delighted to be returning to gorgeous St. Regis Maldives Vommuli next spring to enjoy so many of their amazing offerings such as watching the sunset at the overwater Whale Bar or dining at T.Pan- their dining options are unmatched, and their butler service is impeccable. The personalized attention and service throughout the trip - whether it was to book a yoga class, recommend a beautiful spot to snorkel, or assist with luggage – is unmatched.
Packing list:
My Hardy PM Goyard tote is amazing for travel and the perfect size for long haul flights
Nili Lotan Shon pants (navy and cream pairs pack well and great for dressing up or down)
Looking for some new travel sneakers – likely going to be some Golden Goose ones, maybe the brown suede ones
Running shoes – my favorites right now are OnCloud Cloudneos
Ami bags – my small cross body rich tan suede purse… gets better with age
Jo Malone Lime Basil hand cream because the soap on airplanes is hideous
Irene Forte face oil… a must for travel and skin my age!
Santa Barbara Sage Jasmine body butter – incredible for all day body moisturizing and a light scent
My Le Mieux portable oxygen ionizer with serum and glow activator that I use in flight and three times a day to reduce puffiness and give you that all day glow… obsessed!
My two new books, Crossing The Desert by Payam Zamani and The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer
Swim goggles, cap and triathlon bikini – always pack them for ocean swimming
For sleep – Eberjey cami and shorts, my eye mask and silicone earplugs
Great BOSE headphones for the plane
Salt aviators
Jessica Myers | Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications, American Express
I’m someone who’s constantly planning my next trip and adding new destinations to my (already long) bucket list! Last summer, I went on an incredible trip through Italy and Switzerland with my husband. Together, we explored the mountains in Switzerland and the Amalfi Coast, taking in amazing sunsets and indulging in lots of delicious food (fondue and pizza, anyone?).
This year, we’re headed to Hawaii with our two boys where we’ll take full advantage of being by the ocean. As someone who lives in Toronto, there’s nothing better than escaping the city and being oceanside with my boys who are snorkelling and boogie board enthusiasts.
When it comes to what’s next on my bucket list, it's so hard to narrow it down to my dream destinations, but over the next few years I’d have to say my top picks include Tokyo, Copenhagen and finally visiting the east coast of Canada.
Some travel essentials you’ll never catch me without:
I don’t go anywhere without my Amex Platinum Card! It’s truly my essential travel companion. I get so much value out of it. It allows me to elevate my travel experience with premium benefits starting before I even leave, with priority security lane access and complimentary valet service at Toronto Pearson Airport, as well as access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection. Throughout the trip it also gets me special perks at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties like early check-in and late check-out, not to mention the annual $200 travel and dining credits!
Vacuum packing bags are my major travel cheat code that lets me easily pack 30% more.
My go-to luggage has to be the Bigger Carry-On from Away with a bright monogram! In a world full of dark-coloured suitcases, it makes identifying my luggage extra easy.
My multi-port charging cable has been a life saver on every one of my trips. Between my phone, air pods, external charger and laptop, I would have a tangled mess of cords without it!
Anna Pearson | Executive Vice President, Bacchus Agency
I plan holidays as far ahead as possible, especially as many are limited to the British school holidays. I’ve already set as far as summer 2025 and I am constantly adding to an iPhone note of hotels and destinations to try.
We have just got back from visiting one of the Ikos hotels in Corfu, a wonderfully easy option when it comes to family travel. Forget what you think about all inclusive, this takes it to another level, with incredible food from some of the world’s best chefs.
Coming up, we are spending time in Cornwall, as we do every summer, renting a house by the beach, and popping into Fowey Hall hotel on the way back. As the weather cools, we’ll fly out to Mallorca to the gorgeous pine grove-flanked beaches of Playa de Muro in October for some Autumnal sunshine. I also really want to get back to Six Senses in Ibiza with my husband for a much-needed adults-only trip.
Next year, we’re trying skiing with the children for the first time and I’ve been excited to try one of the Austrian “Kinder Hotels” for a while. With a 3 storey play barn, featuring a mud room, paint studio and wood workshop and activities rooted in nature, Feuerstein in South Tyrol is meant to be one of the best.
Workwise, I’ll be travelling to Dubai to visit our office out there and our hotel clients. I’ll also be heading to Florence to have a sneak peek of the new Auberge Resorts Collection property, Collegio alla Querce before the end of the year.
I’ve also planned a few girls’ trips to San Sebastián and to Grace Hotel Auberge in Santorini.
Despite packing dozens of times a year for work and leisure, I never seem to get any better, or quicker. I am an overpacker and have a spreadsheet which I adapt for each holiday, with colour coded columns for each family member. Yes, I am that person but otherwise I know I will forget something.
Packing list:
Drowsy eye mask and ear plugs because sleep is everything - especially when travelling for work
Mario Badescu facial spray - provides rehydration in-flight and while in hotter climates
Celine oversized sunglasses for hiding tired eyes just off the plane
Antler packing cubes - makes packing and unpacking the other end so much easier
Extension lead with multiple plug sockets - yes I have been known to pack these, for charging multiple items overnight and with few available hotel room sockets, these are a lifesaver!
I always split everyone’s belongings across our suitcases in case one gets lost in transit (and use Apple AirTags)
