Naiise Conversations With Jaclynn, The Occasional Traveller

For us at least, the first 2 months of the year usually feels like a holiday with New Year, Chinese New Year and Valentines' Day; March is the first 'real' month of work; by the time April rolls around, we're ready to take an Easter break.

But until we're there, it's OK to daydream of your next vacation. We invited Jaclynn Seah of The Occasional Traveller to curate a collection of things that inspire wanderlust, even when you're stuck at home or in the office. Read more about Jaclynn, her favourite cities for design, and more.

1) Who is The Occasional Traveller and how did it come about?

I have a full-time job and I really love to travel, and can only do it on my leave days, hence I'm only able to travel occasionally! A couple of years ago I realized that I had these extra annual leave days that were going to be forfeited at the end of the year, and it made me realize that I wasn't travelling as much as I wanted to. So I started The Occasional Traveller as a way to inspire myself and other regular working folk like myself to remember to travel more.

2) Thank you for curating this travel collection for Naiise. How do the products reflect your own style?

The items are all things that you can use in your everyday life that have a tinge of travel to them, small reminders to yourself that a larger world out there is waiting to be explored! Most of the items are generally quite affordable for the working person, yet a little quirky and out of the ordinary, which is me in a nutshell.

3) Top 3 picks from the collection, and why?

Holstee Manifesto Cityscape Poster - this print is so pretty and would look great in any room. It's inspiring me to plan a city vacation next. Higher Scarf - it's probably the most expensive item in my list, but I love the print and can imagine myself wearing this anytime and everywhere, at home and on my trips. Definitely wanderlust inspiring. Peel N Stick Postcards - it's a simple and fun way to keep a physical souvenir for yourself, or to inspire a loved one. Versatile and cheap, what's not to love?

4) Best vacation spot you've been too?

This is a toughie, every place I've visited is a little special to me! I am very fond of Taiwan which is where I spent 2 weeks in after graduation. It's more than just Taipei which most Singaporeans visit for the food and shopping - the more rural Eastern coast Taitung is quite beautiful.

5) Most inspirational city for design?

Everything that comes out of Japan either has exquisite design detail or is immensely cute.

6) Why is design important to you?

Beyond being beautiful, good design is thoughtful and meaningful. For a traveller who can only carry around so much, a few well-designed items can save lots of luggage space and make the trip much smoother.

7) What is The Occasional Traveller reader like?

The Occasional Traveller readers are anyone who really loves to travel - whether they are a round-the-world tripper or just someone who loves a quick vacation. They are always wanderlusting and are creative in finding ways and means to explore more, even if they can't get on a plane somewhere. I've had messages from young fresh graduates eager to embark on their first long overseas trips, to older more seasoned travellers just passing through on their holidays, the diversity is amazing.

8) Destinations on the cards this year, and what else can we look forward from you in the future?

Bali and Perth for short getaways, and my annual solo trip will be to Lisbon, Portugal later in the year! I do extensive trip journals to show how others like myself can travel more if we choose to, and for the busy person, it's an easy way to get some ideas or an itinerary for their own travels. Expect more ideas and articles on travel inspiration and tips!