I like my feet. Not physiclly, of course. In fact, they’re too big and a bit pale. Which is probably why I overindulge them in positive discrimination and dress them up in the nicest shoes I can afford. Last month, I bought my ugly feet a pair of beautiful Grenson shoes. They’re handmade, traditional British shoes and when I walk, they make the most beautiful sound in my little world.

I’m also saving up for a pair of Jimmy Choo paisley-embroidered velvet slippers – in other words, they’re only for wearing indoors. The only issue is that the last time I checked, the price tag was dangling on the wrong side of €500. I know I can’t afford that, so I will probably go for a pair of Church’s slippers. A third of the price, but hopefully not half the fun.

It’s not just my feet that have a nice wardrobe. I like to dress up for any occasion. Mind you, it’s not a starched, Debrett’s situation, but if an occasion calls for suit and tie, then suit and tie it is. And I don’t like shirts that come in those vague S, M, L sizes – it’s proper inches and double cuffs for me. My 32 ties are all in woven silk – they’re not very expensive and last a lifetime (except for number 33, which I mistakenly burnt with the iron). Burlington socks – tick. Handkerchiefs and not tissues – tick. Brass collar stiffeners – tick again.

So yes, I like to dress up properly. And I love the little details. When last Christmas, mrporter.com sent me a monogrammed handkerchief to thank me for my support (yes, I know that it’s a gift I bought myself thanks to my multiple purchases), I almost suffered a brief faint, Victorian style.

All this, of course, carries some disadvantages. The main one is that I rarely dress down, even when on holiday. Which means that I can never travel with just my hand luggage – I have to pack my smart shoes, suits and blazers. Which then I must showcase in the proper surroundings. It’s not cheap being smart, I tell you. But it’s worth every cent.

When travel was still an exclusive pursuit, people dressed up, even to board the plane. And when they toured the capitals of the world, they could never imagine doing so in a white socks and sandals combo.

So let’s bring back that glamour into travel and dress up for the occasion.

Dress code

Places worth dressing up for.

The Italian Bar at La Mamounia, Marrakesh

Now this is the grande dame of hotels. It’s a magical wonderland where you walk on acres of marble, sit down on velvet and leather, and sleep on 400-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. More than that, Marrakesh is just an exotic background because you don’t even need to go out – all the elegant action is here, at La Mamounia.

There’s nothing more pleasant than an aperitif at the Italian Bar. The light is the colour of precious saffron, the armchairs are upholstered in dramatic red velvet and the cocktails are like magic nectars. Elegant dress is required, and rightly so because here, you’re an actor in a glamorous film.

For him: It can be hot in Marrakesh but evenings are chilly – go for a wool and linen blend slim-fit suit and casual yet elegant loafers.

For her: Monochrome is one of the hottest trends this season – wearable yet still makes a statement.

Rovos Rails, South Africa

It’s just a slow train, I thought when I boarded this classic locomotive to make the journey from Pretoria to Cape Town. It might be slow, but Rovos Rails will take you on a fast journey straight back to early 20th century elegance. The sleepers are an ode to mahogany, the lounge areas are panelled and Edwardian features burst like spring blooms.

The dining car is like a beautiful pre-1940 museum – button-leather seats, large picture windows and crystal chandeliers. Dinner jacket required.

For him: Slim-fit suit, patterned bow tie and high-shine leather Oxford shoes.

For her: Bead-embellished silk cocktail dress and a pair of Louboutins.

Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda, Gargnano, Italy

Built by the wealthy Feltrinelli family, Villa Feltrinelli is a history lesson – even Il Duce once lived here, before the villa was transformed into a grand hotel.

Situated off the panoramic road that snakes towards the nearby village of Gargnano, Villa Feltrinelli is pleasantly sandwiched between the shimmering Lake Garda and a green forest of stocky trees which light up with clusters of lemon gardens.

Having tea on the villa’s terrace is a luxurious experience – little savouries and pretty sweets jostle for your attention. One bite and you’re in heaven.

For him: Lounge around in a three-piece linen suit and suede boat shoes.

For her: Sit pretty in a cotton kaftan and ballerinas.

Brasserie Lipp, Paris

Time flies – but here, at the Brasserie Lipp, it sits down and enjoys an aperitif in the belle époque surroundings. And as you watch the reflections in the decorated mirrors, you can almost hear the voices of Albert Camus, Francoise Sagan, Yves Montand and Ernest Hemingway.

Grow a philosopher’s beard and sit down for a plate of pickled herring. Just one piece of advice – don’t argue with the waiter.

For him: Check unstructured wool blazer, corduroys and burnished suede derby shoes.

For her: Cashmere cardigan, midi-skirt and wedge pumps. Accessorise with a book.

North Island, Seychelles

You really cannot get more exclusive than North Island, a private paradise in the Seychelles. You arrive by helicopter, stay in one of the 11 villas on the island, and indulge in life’s luxuries. Then in the evening, dress down for dinner on the beach. Your own butler will escort you to a deserted beach where the stars will shine down on you.

For him: Head to toe linen and leather sandals.

For her: White crochet-knit mini-dress and a pair of Pedro Garcia Swarovski-embellished sandals.

The Sandoz Ballroom at the Beau Rivage, Geneva

Built in 1865 on the shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, the Beau Rivage hotel embodies class in its every nook and cranny. Of course, there are no nooks and crannies here but huge, classical spreads like the Sandoz Ballroom. The domed ceiling streams golden light which shimmers on the cornices, columns and carved beauty. If you want to feel like living in Downton Abbey, this is the perfect location.

For him: Dress like a prince in a silk tuxedo and patent leather Oxford shoes.

For her: A red number by Oscar de la Renta – think lace, chiffon, tulle and plenty of volume.