Travel is a huge inspiration for many spring summer collections. From the orient to the pacific islands, influences from around the world play a key role in major collections. What’s more they’ve even helped create a new genre in clothing Resort wear. Make sure you hit the stores before you pack your trunks!

The sun is scorching, the heat is fierce and holiday season will begin in full swing. It‚s time to take off to exotic places and build up fantastic memories for a holiday to remember. Wake up late, go shopping on pebbled streets in the afternoon, get a sexy bronze tan on the beach, a cocktail rendezvous at the local hotspot and so much more to do. Only one piece of advice travel, do it with style. There‚s even help at hand, not in Paris or Milan but so close by at your favourite stores in Delhi and Mumbai.

Travelling and foreign lands have been a big influence for spring summer 05. This holds true not just in India but internationally too. The best and most interesting show therefore going with the travel trend was JJ Vallya's, that opened with a short slide show on tin tin and his travels to exotic places like Peru, Turkey and Tibet. From Poncho‚s to long wrap over jackets Vallaya‚s show packed exotic locations from the globe into a very creative collection indeed.

A new foray into clothing genres is Resort Wear. With cruise ships and attractive fares to the Maldives beckoning all, Fashion can't be left behind. Surily Goel showcased some very sexy resort clothing with colourful beaded kaftans worn over hot bikinis. Surily says "The collection is easy, wearer friendly, certainly hip but with a twist. If I had to define my design philosophy with three adjectives they would be clarity, wearability and most of all versatility. For the person travelling today, its uncomplicated clothes that they can take with them anywhere at anytime."

In today's return to elegance, the goal is to travel light, but come prepared for all options. There are basically three things to take with you to wear: something you can dress up in; something casual for beach cocktails and dinner; and something functional for active sports, whether it's snorkeling, golf, climbing or the gym. That's where Suneet Verma and Varun Bahl step in. Suneet has designed refreshing floral and marine life inspired floaty sundresses, skirts and kaftans. Varun Bahl, also inspired by easy going palm trees and minty freshness showcased a light summer collection full of refreshing yellows and pale greens.

You struggle with what to wear on a daily basis, so simplify your vacation wardrobe to maximize relaxation time. With a few key pieces and a streamlined strategy, you can look chic and relaxed at the same time. Take at least one sarong. This is a lifesaver, because you can wear it to and from the beach and pool. Wrap it around your swimsuit and take off for a four-wheel adventure, pair it with a tank top for brunch or cocktail hour. Don't travel too light. It's better to have an extra outfit or two than to be stuck with nothing to wear (or worse -- overpay for something you'll never wear again from the hotel shops). Here's wishing you a happy journey!