Emma Svensson started out as a photographer in 2002, shooting music artists and concerts, and went on to become one of the most hired fashion photographers in Sweden. She now runs her own studio, complete with a team of photographers, working on projects for adventure brands including The North Face and Oakley. And along the way, she’s collected some incredible (and at times death-defying) travel experiences.

Through her work, Emma has successfully combined her skill for framing the best shot with her love of mountains. Just a few years ago, she knew nothing about climbing, but after watching a life-changing film (see below), she decided she wanted to attempt to break the world record and climb the highest mountain in every European country within a year, a total of 49 peaks. Ever the over-achiever, Emma surpassed that number, climbing 61 mountains in 12 months. An impressive new high.

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 Emma Svensson.

Have you or would you travel alone?

Yes, I love to travel alone! It allows me to do whatever I feel like, and to never have to compromise. I also get to know so many more people than I ever would if I was with a friend all the time. I feel traveling alone develops you as an individual. It also makes you more spontaneous – I’m never scared when I travel by myself, for whatever reason. I also feel very welcomed when I’m traveling alone, wherever I go.

What inspired you to start mountain climbing?

I was on a plane to New Zealand and decided to randomly watch the movie Everest. After it was over, I had this life-changing feeling in my body. I have only felt like that one other time in my life: when I photographed my first concert. And that was why I became a photographer. I just knew I had to do this! The primal instinct was strong, and impossible to ignore.

What mountain had the largest impact on you?

Monte Rosa Dufourspitze, the highest mountain in Switzerland. When I climbed it, I did it with a friend who had not done alpine climbing before, and it was the first time I was ‘the guide’. To be able to feel like I could lead a climb of that caliber, only a year after I started rock climbing, was amazing. Also, it was the hardest mountain in the 49 peaks!

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

Everything at the Tree Hotel in Northern Sweden. It’s such a cool place! I love the mirror cube, it’s like art.

What beauty items can you not travel without?

I climb mountains. So, I don’t really care about beauty. But, I would never go up there without sunscreen. That is the only thing I take on the mountains except for toothpaste and deodorant. I must be the most care-free person working in fashion in Sweden when it comes to beauty!

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

A power outlet next to the bed. I always work from bed in hotels, I don’t know why, but I’ve found that most desks in hotels are not really made for working (either the chair is too low or too high, or it’s just not comfortable). To be able to charge both your laptop and phone next to the bed is a modern necessity!

Where would you go for a digital detox or to get off the grid?

I love to travel to remote places where there is no wifi connection, such as mountains or National Parks. Patagonia, the Highlands of Iceland, New Zealand – they all fit the bill. Next on my list is Nepal, where I plan to go up a mountain on a one-month long expedition. Climbing mountains is like meditation for me.

Name three songs are on your travel playlist?

Elastic Heart, by Sia. I Dare You, by The XX. And Life Round Here, by James Blake.

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

My phone, camera and laptop, because I always have work to do, and I don’t trust checking those things in, just in case. When I remember to, I bring Swedish candy as well. I love sweets, but think we have the best kinds in Sweden. Unfortunately, I always eat everything on the plane, so they don’t last long!

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

I would love to go on a climbing road trip with Alex Honnold (a pro climber, and the only person to have free-soloed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park). That would be so inspiring.

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

I notice that the more you travel, the better it gets somehow. I just sleep everywhere, all the time. On the flight, in the taxi… trying to get into the new time zone as soon as possible.

Beach, city or mountains? 

This one is obvious! Mountains.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check out.

Window or aisle?

Window.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Sarah Murrell is the Founder of BY SARAH LONDON, a brilliant, all-natural and organic, plant-based skincare brand. Sarah passionately believes in empowering our wellness choices (by listing all the ingredients, clearly, on the labels, for example – something simple, but surprisingly rare). The brand’s inspiration began with her sister Lauren’s recovery from Leukemia in 2012 – when she couldn’t find any products that had clearly labelled, all-natural ingredients, Sarah started mixing her own.

How did she know where to start? Well, prior to launching BY SARAH LONDON, Sarah spent 10 years in branding and communications for some of the world’s leading beauty brands – so, she had picked up a lot of intel along the way. Fast-forward to February 2022, and BY SARAH LONDON became the first UK independently owned and female-founded skincare brand to achieve B Corp status, joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit.

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 beauty and travel inspiration from Sarah Murrell.

What beauty items do you always travel with?

Our organic skincare minis! For long-haul flights, I apply two to three drops of our Organic Facial Oil, to keep my skin hydrated and deeply-nourished. And, I’ll top up just before landing for healthy, radiant skin on arrival.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I love a roll top bath! Does that count? There’s an amazing one at Gleneagles, an incredible luxury hotel in Scotland that made me feel fully rested and rejuvenated after celebrating a special birthday.

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

I recently took a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland and cannot recommend it enough for the nature, breathtaking scenery and sense of calm. We stayed at the Hotel Christiania, which is family-run and has the most charming and welcoming atmosphere. The setting is equally spectacular, nestled at the foot of the Swiss Alps, with views of the Matterhorn.

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

I’m never without our Organic Lip Balm, as it’s a wonderful multitasker. Plus my Swell water bottle, and a good podcast series (currently listening to How I Built This).

Have you or would you travel alone?

Yes! Traveling alone gives an amazing sense of achievement and adventure.

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

I look for the latest plant-based restaurants and yoga studios to give me the lay of the land. In NYC, I love The Butcher’s Daughter. And, I always recommend getting there early, as the queue is often out the door!

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

Water, water, water!

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

I’m a lover of tea, and the most aromatic brew was in Copenhagen at Royal Smushi Cafe. The scent, flavour and even the tea cup itself were divine!

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach in the winter, and (Swiss) mountains in the summer!

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

No!

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check-out

Read more from our Insiders series, here.