Summer has a way of awakening our curiosity. Suddenly, every conversation turns into "Where are you travelling this year?" or "Where should we go next?"
In a world that moves faster than ever, travel isn't simply about seeing new places. It's about slowing down. Resting. Disconnecting from your routine long enough to reconnect with yourself. Some of our best ideas, conversations, and memories are born while wandering unfamiliar streets or watching the sun disappear over the sea.
As someone who has been fortunate enough to live and study abroad, I've discovered places that have profoundly shaped who I am, not only as a designer, but as a person. The cities below continue to inspire the way I think about craftsmanship, timeless design, and the beauty of everyday life.
Whether you're searching for your next European destination or simply dreaming from home, I hope these places inspire your next journey.
Florence, Italy: An Open-Air Museum
Someone once told me when I was younger, "Florence is an open-air museum." They couldn't have been more right.
Every street tells a story. Around every corner you'll find Renaissance architecture, centuries-old piazzas, sculptures that most cities could only dream of displaying, and a level of craftsmanship that has defined Italian culture for generations.
Florence is where I completed part of my fashion education and where my handbag journey truly began as a Junior Handbag Designer at Salvatore Ferragamo. Living there immersed me in art, architecture, leather craftsmanship, and a way of designing that continues to influence Wearshop today.
The scent of leather drifts through the workshops surrounding Mercato San Lorenzo, while crossing the Ponte Vecchio each day on my way to my Accademia felt like walking through history. I never grew tired of admiring the jewellers' windows, each one a reminder that beauty often lives in the details.
Even the Florentine accent is unforgettable. The "c" sounds become gentle "h" sounds, giving the language a rhythm unlike anywhere else in Italy.
If you're planning a trip to Florence, I highly recommend visiting in September. The weather remains beautiful, but the intense summer heat and peak tourist crowds begin to ease, making it a far more enjoyable experience.
Marseille, France: Where the Mediterranean Meets Many Cultures
Marseille holds a very special place in my heart.
It's where my mother was born, where my grandparents settled after leaving Sicily and Libya, and where a small piece of my own identity began long before I was here.
I moved there in my twenties, and it quickly became one of my favourite places I've ever experienced.
What makes Marseille extraordinary is its diversity. French culture blends beautifully with North African influences, creating one of the richest culinary scenes I've lived anywhere in Europe. Some of the best Moroccan, Algerian, and Egyptian food I've ever eaten was found in neighbourhood restaurants tucked away just a few streets from the Vieux-Port.
Life moves differently here.
The Mediterranean stretches endlessly before you. The sun seems to shine every day. By late afternoon, terraces begin to fill with people sharing a glass of rosé, conversations linger for hours, and no one seems to be in a rush.
Even the southern French accent has a melody that feels warm and inviting. It reminds me of my grandmother when she isn't speaking Sicilian, then of my mother, and occasionally, of myself.
If you love independent boutiques, local designers, and discovering fashion away from the typical tourist streets, Marseille offers wonderful hidden gems throughout the Vieux-Port and surrounding neighbourhoods like Le Panier.
Favignana, Sicily: Italy's Hidden Island Paradise
Three years ago, I spent nearly two months travelling through Italy with only one bag: my Via Duffle.
By the end of the trip, its vegetable-tanned leather had developed the kind of rich patina that only comes from real travel. Like all good leather, it became more beautiful with every journey.
One of the most unforgettable places I visited was Favignana.
Located just off the western coast of Sicily, this small island feels worlds away from modern life. The water is impossibly clear, the pace is wonderfully slow, and the landscape carries a warmth that comes from being so close to North Africa.
You'll find restaurants where couscous sits comfortably beside fresh pasta on the menu, a reflection of centuries of cultural influence across the Mediterranean.
The best way to explore the island is by electric bicycle, winding along quiet rocky roads toward hidden coves and bright turquoise beaches.
Favignana isn't the kind of destination that overwhelms you with attractions.
Instead, it quietly settles into your soul.
It's where many Italians escape during the summer, and once you've experienced its magic, you'll understand why.
Travel Light. Travel Well.
Whether your next destination is a familiar city, or somewhere you've never been before, there's something incredibly satisfying about travelling with fewer, better-made pieces.
This season, we're excited to introduce our new leather passport cases, handcrafted in Canada using beautiful Italian leather.
Designed to age gracefully with every journey, each passport holder protects one of your most important travel essentials while becoming more beautiful over time. Like your favourite suitcase or well-worn journal, it's made to collect stories alongside you.
Available in smooth calf leather and suede finishes, our passport cases are designed for travellers who appreciate timeless craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and products that last for years, not seasons.
Because the best travel companion isn't the one you replace after every trip.
It's the one that comes home carrying the memories with you.
Safe travels,
Gabriella
Founder & Designer, Wearshop
Enjoy 10% off your new passport case with the code TRAVELWELL10
