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ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Krystal Tan

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Every wardrobe has its staple, as does every life its narrative. For many, it's a relentless pursuit of more. For others, it's about seeking an escape. But for a select few, listening intently to that inner voice can lead to a discovery of a truer, more enriching life. We speak to Krystal Tan, Co-Founder of Blue Sky Escapes, as she shares about her adventure of a lifetime.

ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Krystal Tan

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It was the beginning of a career that would be the envy of most: Krystal spent her twenties as a corporate M&A lawyer, where the days were long and the breaks were few. While her career flourished, the moments she treasured most were those of escape. "Each break from work," she recounts, "I sought the unexplored, places where WiFi waned and the essence of life was raw and untamed. I soon realised, however, that those journeys were not so much escapes from life but rather, a means to discover a truer life.”

These bloomed from mere vacations to revelations: windows into a world more profound than the confines of her corporate desk. Her thirst for authentic experiences together with her partner-in-crime, Chervin, led her to go on ‘yet another’ bucket list trip, but returned with an unexpected business alliance formed in the wildest of terrains; there, the seed was planted and has bloomed into her now eight year old company, Blue Sky Escapes. But perhaps more importantly, it would mark only the beginning of her journey of self-discovery, daring to chase her passions, and savouring the simple, subliminal moments of every day.

Krystal wearing IMANR Crepe Dress in Cinnamon.

As an avid traveller, do you have any tips on how to maintain stylish and well-groomed throughout your trips?

Whenever I travel I make an effort to stick to my usual routine, whether it’s downing that morning lemon & spirulina shot I usually have back at home, maintaining my skincare and workout regime, or sleeping enough. In terms of style, I always take along a few statement pieces with me that I love. It’s got to be something that feels like second skin to you, nothing too stiff or overcomplicated. It could be that print cashmere kimono jacket I got from Mongolia or the vintage Versace jeans I inherited from mum. Then there are accessories and little details that can transform a whole look, like oversized earrings or cute socks that can add a touch of colour or character to an otherwise vanilla outfit.

Have your travels influenced your style approach?

Absolutely, My favourite thing to do on the road is to pick up little trinkets and curios, whether it’s a handwoven Moroccan carpet stained in plant dyes, a piece of vintage tableware from a 12th-generation potter in Kanazawa or a block-printed caftan handmade by a women’s co-op from Kenya. I love supporting locals wherever I go and appreciate the beauty and significance of traditional design and artisanship arising out of every custom and culture. If you come over to my space, you’ll see that it is quite an eclectic curation.

"Sometimes, the soul yearns for more than the ordinary. Sometimes, it craves a touch of the extraordinary."

Krystal in Fez, Morocco. Image Credits: @krys_say

As a frequent flyer, what are your luggage essentials? Can you share any tips on packing for summer travels?

Bag dividers to separate by category, Marie Kondo’s sushi rolling technique for clothes (it actually works to minimise wrinkles!) and colour coding. In terms of summer travels, I’m a big fan of just packing a few sets of comfy co-ords in different styles, preferably in lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, hemp or linen and then mixing and matching on the go. And then there are your own personal statement pieces for layering and jazzing things up.

What are some of your favourite summer destinations, and why?

Africa has my heart. I return every single year without fail. As a continent, it serves up the most diverse, rich and otherworldly experiences whilst not compromising on creature comforts. In Morocco, you could be breaking bread with a barber family in a remote corner of the High Atlas mountains and yet return to a luxurious riad with a butler waiting to serve you dinner on your private rooftop. In Rwanda, you could be tracking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with a man who was on Dian Fossey’s research team back in the 1970s and “speaks” gorillas. In Botswana, you could spend the day navigating the hidden canals of the Okavango Delta on a boat safari and retreating back to your eco-lodge to a dancing choir made up of the lodge staff welcoming you back like family. It’s these little micro-moments that can have deep, lasting impacts on a person.

Krystal wearing in PAPILIO Tri Acetate Jacket,
LULU Tri Acetate Pants in White.

Transformative travel experiences often require a deep understanding of travellers' desires. How do you curate journeys that resonate on a personal level?

I’m very much sensation-driven when it comes to designing experiences for guests. I always ask travellers how they’d like to feel on the road and when they return. I then obsess over creating those moments to facilitate those sensations or emotions. There’s a lot that goes into profiling and it’s very much a collaborative process, as it is also shaped by how much a traveller is open to sharing.

Blue Sky Escapes is known for its creative approach to travel. How do you foster innovation within yourself, and how has this creativity manifested in the company's offerings?

My work is my lifestyle – and I think that’s what makes all the difference. I travel for work, and I work to travel. It is certainly a privilege to be able to marry work with my lifestyle and it is for this very reason that creative energy flows effortlessly. But if I had to distil it all down, I think it all begins with a genuine curiosity about the world, the human psyche and a hunger for experimentation. Seeing the profound shifts in the deeper layers of a person that can happen with the opportunities that travel brings excites me and is what we hope to create in each of our journeys.

What are some of your favourite IN GOOD COMPANY pieces lately and why?

I’m currently loving the MALES Paper Poplin Shirt and MATLOVICH Gabardine Pants – they pair perfectly and scream safari chic. Worn alone it's super versatile and can go from day to night; it’s also extremely travel-friendly with handy pockets and in 100% breathable cotton.

Inspired to escape? Krystal has generously offered US$250 off the first Blue Sky Escapes journey for friends of IN GOOD COMPANY. To redeem, simply join the BSE community here, and use the code "BSExIGC". Terms apply.

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