From the quiet charm of Switzerland to the glittering avenues of New York, Audrey Hepburn’s travel diary would blend effortless glamour with home comforts.

Just last week, actress Lily Collins revealed she will be portraying Audrey Hepburn in an upcoming film about the making of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A fitting choice, one might say, the announcement got me thinking about Hepburn’s life beyond the screen and the way she might have travelled during that era. As one of the great style icons of her time, she would undoubtedly have travelled in style, from New York to Capri, always surrounded by elegance. It left me wondering: what might travel have looked like through Audrey Hepburn’s eyes?

If I were to imagine the kind of places Audrey Hepburn would choose for her holidays, of course, there would be glamour. But I believe she would also look for character, culture and a deeper meaning. With that in mind, these are some of the places where I imagine she would spend her most coveted escapes.

I picture Audrey arriving in Rome as if stepping straight out of Roman Holiday. Rome feels inseparable from her cinematic legacy. I see her wandering quiet piazzas in oversized sunglasses, pausing for espresso before drifting towards the Spanish Steps as the sun sets over the city. Rome for Audrey would be about simple pleasures. The beautiful, winding streets, the hidden, quaint boutiques, the centuries of history, and the romance of Italy itself.

Paris would undoubtedly be another stop on her imaginary travel diary. As the muse of Hubert de Givenchy and one of the world’s most important style icons, Hepburn had a deep connection to the world’s most elegant fashion capital. Perhaps she would begin her mornings with coffee outside a cosy café, before wandering museums, galleries and quiet streets near the Seine. No trip for Hepburn would be complete without a visit to some of the world’s most loved fashion houses.

For a slower Mediterranean escape, I imagine Audrey retreating to Capri, a destination long associated with effortless European glamour. Here, her days would be spent overlooking turquoise waters, perhaps checking into one of Capri’s picturesque boutique hotels overlooking the coastline. I picture her wearing simple linen dresses and enjoying lunches beneath lemon trees before meandering through the winding streets, taking a look at souvenirs made locally by skilled artisans.

And finally, on the last stop of her European tour, she would visit Tolochenaz, the quiet Swiss village near Lake Geneva, where she owned a property and spent much of her time in her later life. This would be the place she goes for peace and quiet. I imagine gentle mornings overlooking fields and calm lake views, wandering around the local village and enjoying the quiet life, far from the flash of Hollywood.

Of course, no Audrey Hepburn-inspired travel list would be complete without New York City. Ever since Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the city has felt forever linked to her image. I imagine her early morning walks along Fifth Avenue, perhaps passing the iconic Tiffany & Co. Fifth Avenue Flagship Store before the crowds arrive. She would retreat to an exclusive apartment overlooking Central Park, soaking in the views and the unmistakable magical spirit of The Big Apple.

And finally, I also picture Audrey travelling to Kenya, this time for a more meaningful trip. In her later years, as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, she spent significant time in Africa and developed a profound connection to the continent. Kenya would be a place she would return to for reflection. Early mornings on safari, the golden light stretching across the horizon, animals in the distance, and Audrey taking the opportunity to truly appreciate the beauty of nature. Away from the distractions of Hollywood, it’s a different kind of luxury.

With Audrey Hepburn’s travels, a sense of glamour would always be present, but it would be balanced by simplicity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. And so, as I return to my own breakfast, perhaps I think that’s what would make her travel diary so timeless.

by Lindsay Judge