Your Holiday Capsule Checklist

By Jason Basson and Steve Marais

The countdown to your annual leave feels like Chinese water torture, doesn't it? It started out pleasant enough, but becomes fairly excruciating the closer you get to the finish line. Don't be a prisoner of your aspirations. Happiness is not something you can or should postpone for the holidays. As Abraham Maslow once said, "the ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." Don't wait for this year (or your sanity) to come to an abrupt end before you venture outdoors to see or do something interesting. Life waits for nobody. Go now! Be happy! Be vital! And make sure you're dressed appropriately for wherever you may find yourself. 

Man Around Town

Spend a weekend away in another city, or dorp. Sure, Paris might be a bit far for a weekend, but Parys has a lot to offer, too, and is only two hours drive from JHB. Here's what to wear.

• A golfer
  
• Jeans or fitted chinos
  
• Loafers
  
• A matching belt
  
• A retro watch
  
• Shades
  
•  A cross body bag
  
• An optional denim trucker for cold flights, biker bars, overly air-conditioned cars and cool nights.
  

Resort Ready

Water crisis or not, South Africa is blessed with two oceans and many lakes, dams and riverside destinations where you may soak up some tranquility. So, whether you're heading to Zanzibar for a weekend of bad curry or simply trespassing at your closest hotel pool, here's what to wear.

• A vertical-striped resort shirt
  
• A curved-hem tee
  
• Surf & turf shorts
  
• Retro shades
  
• Slip-on slides
  
• A straw hat
  
• A beach towel (not the bleach-stained bath towel you thought was appropriate, you monster!)
  

Haute Hiking

Yes, utility is the foundation of outdoor apparel, but that doesn't give you license to abandon style at the foot of the mountain. Here's what you need to get that balance of tough and trendy.

• A sporty cap
  
• Reflective shades
  
• A slogan tee
  
• A check shirt or lightweight breathable jacket
  
• A utility belt
  
• Cargo shorts
  
• Tough outdoorsy hiker boots
  
• Racy socks
  
• A sporty backpack (The Scout Motto is: BE PREPARED which means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY. Ensure you've got the necessary tools to do so).