When talking to our Insiders and the Safara travel community, the subject of travel books always comes up. What are you currently reading? What’s the best travel book you’ve ever read? How many books do you try to cram into your case? Kindle or paperback?
Travel writing is our gateway to other experiences, journeys, countries, places. It allows us to travel, wherever we’re based. Below are just a few of the travel writers and travel books that come up often in the conversations we have about reading and traveling.
From Hemingway to Bill Bryson, Joan Didion to A. A. Gill, these are the travel stories our Insiders love to get lost in.
“His acerbic writing style speaks to me more than most. He traveled far and wide, writing about some notoriously dull and difficult places and yet always found a story, because, there always is one. Even where I don’t agree with his opinions I find his absolute conviction compelling.” – Louis Sheridan
“They’re well curated and cater to travelers like me, who want to hit up all the newest and coolest (slightly off the beaten path) hot spots.” – Sabrina Meier
“The story itself is based on a small cabin, which was built for the purpose of experiencing ‘the lightning field’ as the sky and landscape change throughout the day. You can visit alone or in a small group – and with no cell service for miles, you’d better make sure it’s people you like. More importantly, it’s a magical place for introspection and appreciation of the artwork and the beautiful high desert of New Mexico.” –Kimiko Ninomiya
“Hemingway always reminds me of my Dad, who was my favorite travel partner, so A Moveable Feast would have to be one. Another is Donna Tartt’s A Secret History, which I read while traveling between Shelter Island, CA, and NYC. I’m a little late to this one, but I am a huge fan of her writing and this book is definitely one you can get lost in during those hours in transit.” – Georgia Zeavin
“He makes a compelling case for why you should not wait to travel until you’re retired or you’ve saved ‘enough’ money – if you really want to travel, make it a true priority now. Take the money you’d otherwise spend on a few dinners or fancy jeans and buy a plane ticket instead. This philosophy really inspired me to change my career path and, in fact, my entire lifestyle.” – Christina Perez
“I’ll name my own book, The Bright Continent, which is an investigation of technology and development in Africa. I reported it across 17 countries in two years, and while it covers meaty issues like education, health care and finance in Africa, it’s also a contemporary travelogue that brings back memories of some of the most unusual and fascinating places I’ve been.” – Daya Olopade
“For her packing list on page 34 and her devastating essay on Hawaii. Among newer works, I’m obsessed with Flights by Olga Tokarczuk for her beyond-inventive descriptions of airports and travel-sized toiletries.” – Amelia Mularz
Travel has been part of Emilie Hawtin’s life and career for quite some time, and it’s that way by design rather than chance. A New Yorker at heart, she’s worked in fashion for most of her career as a copywriter, strategist and all-round creative thinker for brands including Belstaff, Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu, Atelier Bomba and Mr Porter. In 2021, she’s become Editorial Director for beloved American brand, J. Crew.
Emilie’s creative heart lies in menswear, demonstrated by her own personal style – think chic sports coats and an infinite collection of neck scarfs – and her committed attendance at Pitti Uomo every year. She’s our go-to woman for trip planning resources, tips on the best remote offices and hotel picks.
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).
Duc de Saint-Simon, Paris. A celebration of chintz in Paris on a sweet little street. I love how fresh and elegant it feels.
Borgo San Felice, Tuscany. In a small town of its own, everything here feels quiet, peaceful and personal.
Deetjens Big Sur Inn, California. I love this place for the worn-in, salt-of-the-earth feeling that epitomises Big Sur.
Tell us about a place and hotel that’s next on your wish list?
I want to ride horses! I’m heading to Buenos Aires and have a feeling I’ll want to return to one of the small estancias or Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, where my boyfriend likes to fish.
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
Scarves and bandanas. I end up wearing the same thing most of the time, but these change things up. In the summer, a bandana in the hair addresses sweat, sea and sun. I also use them on planes as a full-faced sleeping mask. It’s a collection that takes up little space and I can justify!
What is the best hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?
Fresh exotic flowers in the shower at the Aman in Cambodia. It’s not a useful amenity, but felt special. Also, hotels whose staff know and remember your name, a rarity that means the world.
What hotel room design element can you not live without?
Big windows that open, natural light, and soundproof walls.
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
I like going to a local library when I’m in Europe, sometimes you have to get a library card like at Bibliothèque Mazarine in Paris or ask very nicely. But there’s something grand and very sweet about being in a library that I enjoy much more than working from say, The Bowery Hotel lobby. You feel more connected to the place you’re in.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
If I’m going somewhere close, upstate NY is great for lack of phone service. I go to Italy, Florence usually, when I want to be off the grid – even though it’s on the grid, I lay low and can just be. Or I go hiking, camping, horse riding, surfing, or to Montauk in the offseason when it’s empty. I feel the happiest in nature or in a sleepier foreign city.
You travel for work, a lot. How did you get into doing what you do? What advice would you give someone who wants to travel to be a key part of their job?
Travel keeps me interested and excited about everything else. I’ve worked to position myself to travel in a sustainable way. For me, it takes a certain structure and doesn’t always go the way you’d like. I’m usually working when I travel: on trains, on planes, on nice days in places I don’t feel like doing work in. I consider it part of how I’m able to be there, which is what keeps me disciplined. I’ll go work outside, or explore in the morning, then work in the afternoon.
I’m always grateful to have the work and a career that allows flexibility more often than not. Travel informs the way I think. There’s so much to learn and spending real time in places is humbling and expanding, it makes me a better person.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Well, the bandanas for starters. Sunglasses, something to bundle as a pillow – which has been a sport coat lately – Laundress travel soap to hand-wash clothes, melatonin, and water.
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world (alive or dead) at baggage claim, who would you swap with?
Oh lord. I think Bryan Ferry’s kit would be interesting.
Have you or would you travel alone?
I travel alone a lot. As much as I enjoy being with someone else, namely my boyfriend who I travel with the most, I think it’s really interesting and important to understand how you are in a place when you’re simply with yourself. It teaches you.
If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?
^I do tons of research and make lists. I’ll research the titles I trust and then I’ll research a lot more. Condé Nast has always a good resource but times are changing. I like guides by people whose taste I trust, personal things. Magazines like Yolo Journal,NYT, and Sometimes. I have about 47 folders on Instagram, but I don’t end up using them all that much.
What was your favorite room service experience ever?
I had a mandolin delivered to me on a train in Malaysia and the piano player started playing Moon River. I performed, terribly, for the train.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
The fastest road to jet lag recovery is being active the moment you arrive, if only for 20 minutes. Repeat outfits and bring few. And make an effort to understand and respect the culture you’re in, not expect people to bend to what you’re used to or expect. Make an effort to speak even a little of the language and tip well at places you’d like to return to. Those are collected insights.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee or dinner. Where was the best one you’ve had?
At the home of my friend Silvio in Tuscany. He is an incredible biodynamic winemaker and makes the freshest, homemade food, from bread to wine to meat, in what has become my favorite kitchen. It’s natural, stylish, calm, warm and inviting – the most important qualities in just about anything.
What is your favorite travel book or magazine?
YoloJournal, for its personal insights and off-the-beaten-path places from the most tasteful people around the world.
What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
A sport coat, trousers, velvet slippers, and a scarf.
IIf 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’m pretty sure it would not surprise anyone if I did. In Italy, if I could figure out the tax system and politics.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve purchased abroad and brought home (or tried to carry-on) from your travels?
Copper pots and pans, and wooden cutting boards – nothing crazy, but a lot of heavy things.
You have an hour to spare at the airport. What would you be doing?
Reading at a closed gate or in a lounge.
Beach, city or mountains?
All three.
Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?
Kombucha to combat everything else.
Early check-in or late check-out?
Late check out, usually.
Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?
I forget life before Spotify.
Favorite travel app?
Hopper.
Yoga or hotel gym?
Yoga, especially in a foreign language or on-demand with YogaVida.
How many ‘creative matchmakers’ have you met before? Well, allow us to introduce you to Deanne Moser. She’s the founder of DM Public, Canada’s only cultural communications firm that inspires connections between people, ideas and places in the arts and culture space. A pretty cool M.O.
Alongside matchmaking, Deanne is also an art consultant, a board member for Luminato Festival Toronto, Co-Chair for the Art Gallery of Ontario young patron fundraiser, Co-Chair for Creative Current, and a committee member for Canadian Art Foundation and Art Toronto Opening Night. So, when it comes to travel, it’s no surprise that exploring places via art is her favorite thing to do.
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).
El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas. Marfa is a 2,000 person art town in the middle of nowhere and El Cosmico is just as crazy as the town. Think colorful airstreams, yurts, and outdoor showers. The place screams of personality.
Fogo Island Inn, Fogo, Canada. If you want to go off the grid and unplug, this is probably one of the nicest hotels to do it in.
Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There is something very romantic about staying in the former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Tell us about a hotel that’s on your to-do list?
Chateau La Coste in Provence, which is basically my idea of an all-inclusive. The art, the food, the wine, the design, the views – everything I want, all in one place.
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
My Away Suitcase – I really like the USB phone charger that is always there when you need it.
What is the best hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?
Good customer service – because no chocolate on the pillow can replace kind humans.
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
Soho House, especially during art fairs like Basel Miami and Frieze. I hate asking for a wifi password, so I really appreciate the auto-connect in all cities and countries. And, obviously, the after-work offerings like the infamous Miami Beach tent is always a plus.
When you travel for work, how do make sure you take time to see the city?
I make it a priority to slip into a museum or gallery exhibition, even if it’s just for an hour. You can buy a timed exhibition ticket and put it in your calendar like a meeting so it forces you to go.
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?
Lauren Santo Domingo. I think her style is perfect and I love how she includes new and upcoming fashion designers on Moda Operandi from all over the world.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t bring back packaged prescription drugs that you do not have a prescription for, especially if you have a government-issued fast-track card. Hot tip coming from Daniel Rechtshaffen, my friend and criminal defence lawyer.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve purchased abroad and brought home (or tried to carry-on) from your travels?
Two vertical, wood-slat panel oil paintings and a paper/acrylic canvas collage from Havana, Cuba, gifted to me by Richard Branson. Getting original art out of a country can be a challenging process.
