Rosemary Ferguson is a model, author and nutritional therapist. Here, she talks us through how she manages life on the go.
PART ONE
PRO TRAVEL TIPS
What luggage do you travel with?
“I use an Eastpak holdall and a vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase. It’s a mix of functionality and being chic(ish)”
What do you use for hand luggage?
“I use either a Nike rucksack or my Smythson tote bag. I can fit everything in there – travel documents, liquids, blanket, socks, you name it!”
What’s in your carry-on/ hand luggage that you never leave home without?
“I can’t leave without my wide range of tinctures, face oils, serums and bag of hydrating beauty. Some of which include a lovely Contour Lift Effect, Dewy Glow Botanical Oil by Orveda. I also love Penny Frances Apothecary who has a lovely Rose Geranium and Hibiscus flower Botanical mist which is perfect for instant hydration. I am also a big fan of Augustinus Bader‘s The Rich Cream.”
What’s your approach to eating on travel day?
“Depending on the time of travel, I make sure food leading up to my flight is hydrating, full of fibre to keep things moving and rich in protein, fats and vegetables as opposed to carbs. I think this is really important as travelling is quite sedentary.”
What’s your approach to skincare when travelling and flying?
“HYDRATE. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight. I always take a hydrating serum and face oil especially on long haul and apply that to keep my skin hydrated and feeling fresh, before I land.”
How do you approach your wardrobe on the road?
“I’m not the sort of person who has new outfits every day. I always plan what I’m going to wear but make sure that shoes can be worn with a few outfits, and that also goes for jumpers, vests and T-shirts. I always take jewellery to accessorize.”
What do you wear to travel?
“I tend to always wear a good pair of jeans and a classic black t-shirt or vest and some black ballet pumps. I also always take some silk pyjama bottoms or cashmere joggers on the plane and change.”
Do you have any in-flight routines?
“I always change into pyjamas when flying long haul and I also take a massage ball to roll with my feet whilst seated to promote blood flow. I also try to stick with the time zone I’m going to, so if it’s night time where I’m heading, then I’ll try and sleep or I’ll read and rest. This game plan doesn’t always work but it does help at the other end.”
Plane food or own-food?
“I eat plane food but always opt for a gluten free vegan meal as it’s less irritating to the gut.”
Do you carry snacks with you when travelling and if so what?
“I always take my own snacks like nuts, seeds, protein balls, crudité and hummus so I have something healthy at hand.”
What do you read, listen to and/or watch in flight?
“I love podcasts, which changes depending on what the theme is that month. I’m a big fan of Dr Mark Hyman ‘The Doctor’s Farmacy’ which I’ll usually download before a flight. I also like a good series on the plane or a comedy like The Big Bang Theory.”
What is your seat preference and why?
“Window seat always as it feels like I have more room.”
Do you have any safety measures when travelling?
“Not really. I just like to ensure there is always enough time to reduce any possible stress.”
If you are a nervous flier, how do you cope?
“Through all the years of travelling with modelling I’ve never been a nervous flier. However Rescue Remedy is a great thing to have on hand if you are. Another would be CBD oil.”
Is there anything you take onboard to feel ready on touch-down?
“I always change back into my jeans and I feel naked without perfume. A spritz of Penhaligons Malabah or Dior Rose Gipsy and I’m good to go.”
PART TWO
KEEPING UP WITH LIFE ON THE GO
What is the best experience you have had travelling for work and where was it?
“It’s really hard to pick one. I’ve been super lucky and been to some amazing places – The Bolivian salt planes were pretty amazing. More recently I went to Elsewhere in Goa, where I did a yoga retreat at Ashiyana and learnt about Ayurvedic methods. It left me feeling amazing and so inspired.”
What was a terrible travel experience that wasn’t funny then, but is now?
“Driving from London to Deia in Majorca. To sum up, there were forest fires everywhere, all the main highways were closed and we opted for a cross country route which resulted in a completely shredded tyre on top of a deserted mountain at night time. Then we missed the ferry. Oh and we had 3 kids and 3 dogs in the back of the car.”
What do you do before a trip to ensure life at home runs smoothly whilst you are away?
“I make a thousand lists and make sure everything is scheduled and completed before I go. I also have a little team that run things whilst I’m gone. “
How do you keep connected to loved ones whilst on the road?
“Facetime, Whatsapp groups, emails…”
What situations related to travel do you find hard?
“Delayed flights are never good as you plan everything around reaching your destination at a certain time”
How do you make your hotel room feel like home?
“I love to have all my skincare products out in the bathroom with my straighteners laid out by the mirror. Also I make sure I have great lounge wear to put on if I’m ever in the room relaxing.”
How do you manage your wellbeing when away?
“When I’m away I always try to meditate in the morning for about 5 minutes and do some form of exercise whether that’s a run, walk, hike, dog walk, or yoga. I also always take my supplements wherever I go to which keeps me feeling well.”
Do you have any do’s and don’ts about nutrition and food when travelling?
“Eat plenty of fibre, good fats, hydrate a lot and take in as much green veg as and when you can. Avoid processed food and sugar as they will only make you feel worse and irritate the balance in your gut.”
How do you manage your mindset if you feel overwhelmed when away from home?
“I’ll make a call home, talk to my kids, husband and our little sausage dog. Or I arrange to do something nice like a massage, go for lunch or take a Yoga class.”
Is there any outsourcing that you do to ease the burden?
“I have the most amazing team and a sensational PA and they help with a lot of planning and logistics.”
What are your tips for combating jet lag physically, mentally and facially?
“Hydration – it’s so simple but so crucial. Next , take a probiotic to help your gut plus a fibre supplement to get things moving and maybe 4000mg of vitamin C to keep your immune system up. Make sure you get as much natural sunlight as possible after travelling to help reset your body clock.
Facially I would say always have a great hydrating sheet mask to hand… I like the Decorte and Verso ones.”
