When she isn’t jetting off to art fairs like Frieze, speaking at international conferences, or hosting Ted Talks, Marine Tanguy is working on her company MTArt Agency. She first opened a gallery at the age of 23, before progressing to set up her agency, which now champions some of the most forward-thinking artists in the world and nurtures a community of global art lovers, like herself.

Marine has lived in three countries – the US, England and France – and her love of art means she’s always got a good reason to travel. She was listed in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2018, and given that it’s pretty early on in her career, we’re super excited to see how she continues to impact the arts and culture industry for the better. Feel free to also obsess over her two TEDx Talks (you can find them here and here) on how to transform cities with art, and how social media visually affects the mind.

Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).

Read on for travel inspiration from Marine Tanguy.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

The Bloomsbury Hotel in London, because it’s where Virginia Woolf, Duncan Grant, and others in the Bloomsbury Group used to create new works and come up with inspiring ideas.

The Standard Hotel in New York, as you can make love with a full view of the Hudson.

And Cafe de Flore in Paris, which isn’t a hotel, but deserves a mention as one of my favorite places to have a coffee while discussing philosophical matters.

What is the most unique hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?

I was offered a face mask with Tweety on it at the Mama Shelter Hotel in Bordeaux. I love Tweety, so I loved it.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I love it when I’m offered a good book on the bedside table.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

I change them all the time, so this is hard to answer. I love discovering new things and places, so I am not into routines while traveling, and am always switching it up.

Where would you go to digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?

Back home, on Île de Ré, off the west coast of France.

You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? And how do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?

I love it! I love meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and discovering. It’s more than I could’ve hoped for when I was younger, and I am incredibly grateful for it.

Name three songs are on your travel playlist?

An incredibly cliché selection: Flashdance… What A Feeling by Irene Cara (which I’ve loved since I was seven years old); all of the Amelie Soundtrack, by Yann Tiersen; and anything by Fleetwood Mac.

What makes or breaks a trip for you?

Lovely service and people. Be nice – it’s simple to say, but will take you a long way to receiving better service, as well.

What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?

A book and my headphones.

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would you swap with?

An artist.

Have you or would you travel alone?

I love traveling alone, as I find that I have more time to process and reflect on what I see. Equally, I find that traveling with the people you love is where you develop the most special bonds. I love traveling with my artists, and next month I am off to Ethiopia with my boyfriend.

If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?

I am terrible at this. I tend not to ask, and enjoy discovering and wandering myself. 

What’s your favorite room service experience ever?

Flowers in the room – it’s not food, but flowers make everything better.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

My granny bought me a notebook when I was little and she used to say: open your ears and eyes and take notes.

Who is your dream “co-pilot” or travel partner?

I can’t choose one – all my loved ones are. Otherwise, Simone de Beauvoir is an icon and someone I would have loved to have met and traveled with.

Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how do you use travel to do so?

I am lucky to do a job that I love, and that inspires me daily. I feel that my passion and my loved ones are the best medicine against anxiety and burn out.

Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?

Ignore it!

Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee or sweet treat. Where was the best you’ve had?

I love tasting haribos from each country. They are different everywhere you go, and walking around the world with a bag of haribos is my special treat.

What is your favorite travel book?

It changes – I tend to go for very lengthy books when I travel. Currently it’s War and Peace by Tolstoy.

What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?

Ballerina flats and a little French dress. I also never check-in a bag. I always have my carry on.

If you could quit your job and follow the Mamma Mia dream (ie. open a small hotel in another country or on a remote island), where would it be?

I don’t want to quit my job!!!

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach.

Alone or with someone else?

Both.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

Yes! Sorry.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost luggage.

Airplane food?

Hmmm, still not convinced.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?

M&Ms.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Early check-in.

In flight cocktail?

Gin & Tonic.

Favorite travel app?

Cool Cousin.

Window or aisle?

Window, to see the view.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.