Planning a spring break or summer holiday? Then these might come in handy. 

1 Liquid image camera mask (above)

Unleash your inner Attenborough with this underwater mask complete with HD camera; capable of taking full-field video capture and 12MP photos. Good for depths of 40m or just messing about snorkelling. ($400, liquidimageco.com)

Essential because: Check out the results by YouTubing “LiquidImageCo”.

2 Paul Smith block colour trunks

Though pattern is big this season, when it comes to poolside style nothing says, “I’ve embraced spring” like a pair of block primary colour trunks. These, from Paul Smith, are our pick. Not only are they eye-catching and comfortable, they’ll show off your tan a treat, too. (£79, paulsmith.co.uk)

Essential because: Unless you’re an actual real surfer, patterned trunks are pretty hard to pull off.


3 Intrecciato passport holder by Bottega Veneta

Given that each adult passport you own will last for 10 years, you want to look after them. A posh passport holder, then, pretty much pays for itself.

This sleek, woven Nappa version is as understatedly elegant as you’d expect from Bottega Veneta, the dons of Italian leather goods. Beautifully crafted, it’ll look the opposite of showy at the check-in desk. And it’ll last you a lifetime of passports. (£200 bottegaveneta.co.uk)

Essential because: For the well-dressed traveller, it’s all in the details.


4 Johnny Marr’s Ray-Bans

It’s all too easy to choose the wrong sunglasses. If the frames are too thick you’ll look like a hipster, if you pick the wrong shape for your face you’ll look ugly and if you don’t get the right lenses, you’ll damage your eyes.

So, do as Smiths/Cribs/whoever guitarist Johnny Marr does and make your own! These limited edition Ray-Bans, created in collaboration with the rock “ledge” feature a pair of unusual pale blue lenses and some very manly steel frames. The shape is also surprisingly flattering and works particularly well on those with darker features, like Johnny himself. Funny that. (£156, ray-ban.com)

Essential because: There are only 1,500 pairs in existence.


5 Espadrilles

A few summers ago, espadrilles came shuffling back into our lives following a decade or two in style purgatory.

Last year saw lace-up versions, but this year it’s all about the hybrid-espadrille (the hybradrille, if you will). These slipper-esque velvet creations from Giorgio Armani are our pick for the season. (£275, armani.com)

Essential because: It’s now acceptable to wear ’drilles with a dinner suit, if you’re brave enough.

6 The One Sport

The One Sport, Dolce & Gabbana’s latest take on classic fragrance The One, is bold, striking and clean. With woody notes of sequoia and rosemary, it’s advised to be sprayed on post-gym workout — which is exactly what we’ll do. Just as soon as we actually make it down there. (£32 for 30ml dolcegabbana.com)

Essential because: The pec-happy campaign, featuring French-born model Adam Senn, looks set to give David Gandy’s “y-fronts in a boat” billboard a run for its money.


7 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

Some convertibles are for trundling down country lanes in knotted neckerchiefs, looking for picnic spots while guffawing loudly. The Jaguar XKR-S is not one of these. The quickest and most powerful convertible Jag has ever produced boasts a top speed of 186mph. With the top down. That is going to play havoc with your girlfriend’s new haircut. To keep everything stable while driving at those crazy numbers, Jag’s engineers have installed some aerodynamic tweaks that also double to give it a meaner and angrier look. Appropriate. (£97,000, jaguar.com)

Essential because: It’s probably the closest you’ll ever get to the power of flight.

8 And where to go...  The San Juan islands
Enjoy the nature, but stay for the food. Washington’s San Juan Islands are home to jaw-dropping landscapes — think hills, forests and fjords — but they’re also experiencing a booming restaurant scene. Blaine Wetzel, a former chef at Noma, Copenhagen, now serves up locally sourced seasonal food at the Willows Inn on Lummi Island. Fly from Seattle or take the drive-on Washington State Ferry.

Essential because: They’re remote enough for you to be in the US but escape the presidential slugfest happening in Washington DC.