Negar Mohammadi is a woman worth knowing, whether you’re looking for the inside track from the fashion industry, the secret to incredible hair or the best beaches to catch some waves on any given coastline. As a former Brand Director at Vogue, she orchestrated the magazine’s promotion, from The September Issue to collaborations with global brands, including Nike and Comme de Garcons. And, she’s now the founder of a natural vegan brand 14th Night – the hair elixir has been tipped by Brooke Sheilds as “magic in a bottle“.

Negar Mohammadi has lived in downtown Manhattan for more than 15 years, and credits her Chicago roots and Persian values for keeping her grounded. Surfing, family, and friends are her top three favorite things, and she balances her busy career with regular (and sometimes rogue!) surf trips with her best friends. A woman after our own heart.

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 Negar Mohammadi.

Name your three favorite hotels?

The Edition Hotel in Miami. Hotel Costes in Paris. And, Le Sireneuse in Positano.

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

I love escaping to Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, because everything you need is there. There’s surf and delicious food, and the best friends you’ll make are in the water, where there is no wifi.

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Gypsy by Fleet Wood Mac. Night Moves by Bob Segar. And,Wild Thoughts by Rihanna and DJ Khalid.

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

A silk eye mask by Slip. It doesn’t matter where you’re staying, once you shut your eyes – you feel like you’re sleeping in luxury.

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

Kim Kardashian — wait, actually Kourtney. I’m closer to her size.

Have you or would you travel alone?

In a world where you’re always on someone else’s schedule, nothing is more luxurious than having the freedom to do what you want, when you want.

If you’re going to a new place, and your friends haven’t been, where do you find the best advice?

Instagram!

What’s your favorite room service experience ever?    

French fries at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes – they arrive in the most elegant silver bucket. The presentation pretty much negates all calories.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

From Maya (Co-Founder of Safara!) – she encouraged me to travel alone with an open mind and agenda, letting the universe surprise me with its magic.

Anxiety and burnout are side effects of modern living. How do you combat them?    

I make sure to have a trip planned every six weeks (hoping to make it once a month). The excitement and anticipation are enough to light me up and help push me through anything. The moment I get on a flight or arrive somewhere new, I feel an immediate wave of happiness that washes away any anxiety or feelings of burnout.

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

Instead of napping when I land, I move my body any way I can – be it a run, or even a set of jumping jacks and other 80s aerobics moves in whatever space I have. Otherwise, I drink tons of water and do anything it takes to get on the local schedule.

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

Double espresso from Cala di Volpe in Sardinia. Served with a perfect square of gianduja chocolate.

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

Black skinny L’Agence jeans, black James Perse v-neck, Common Projects pink sneakers with a big black cashmere sweater – as I’m always freezing on flights. The L’Agence jeans have so much stretch in them, they feel like yoga pants.

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach.

Airplane food?

Hard no. I always bring snacks.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check-out – insurance for whatever the night before has brought you!

Read more from our Insiders series, here.