Most people know Blanca as a CPA working in finance in New York City. But Blanca isn’t all numbers, she also has an intensely creative side. Blanca has a ceaseless passion for design, fashion, food, art, and especially travel. She’s channeled this through a beautifully crafted and inspiring Instagram page dedicated to her jet-setting and eye for aesthetics.

Blanca attributes her love for travel and adventure to her parents. From a young age, they instilled in her precepts like, “life is meant to be lived,” “the world is your oyster,” “take risks,” and “try something new.” She was less than a year old when she flew on an airplane for the first time, and she has been traveling ever since. 

Coming from a culturally diverse family and having family and friends all over the world, Blanca has an enduring love for travel and is always on the hunt for her next destination. While technically a citizen of both Philippines and Spain (thanks to her dad), Bianca prides herself on being a citizen of the world. 

Second only to her love of travel is Blanca’s attraction to art, culture, fashion, and food. She always incorporates these aspects into her trips, creating unique travel experiences for herself and whomever she’s with. When she travels, she strives for an all-encompassing experience, one that’s not just about where she is, but also where she’s staying, what she’s eating and drinking, and who she’s interacting with.

In Blanca’s eyes, “It is not about the destination, but rather the journey. Travel should be a full 360 experience, and a memorable one at that. When I visit a place, I try to experience how people live, as well as understand who they are, where they come from, and the reasons they live the way they do.”

Read on for more tips and insights into Blanca’s unique travel style.

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

During my visit to the Maldives, I stayed at the LUX* Maldives South Ari Atoll, and my beachfront villa had a private outdoor shower. Showering under the moon and stars was honestly the highlight of my trip! Also, the fact that my hotel occupied the entire island was pretty cool. It was very private – the most perfect place to unplug. 

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I make it a point to stay at hotels that are focused on design and art that’s specific to the place I’m visiting. I enjoy being surrounded by design and architectural elements that tell a story. In some way, this makes me feel like a true local, and gives me another taste of that place’s culture and personality. 

I truly love learning and understanding the culture of each place I visit. I try to incorporate this desire into every element of my trips, most especially where I stay.

Recently, I stayed at the Hotel Escondido in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Everything in the hotel (from the coffee cups to the mezcal) was sourced and made in the nearby town of Oaxaca. Everything about it was true and authentic to who they were and where they came from, which I felt gave me a deeply authentic Oaxacan experience. 

Do you have any favorite travel hacks? 

If you love to travel, do yourself a favor and get an American Express Platinum card – make your money work for you! Access to airport lounges and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck are just a few of their many travel perks. DM me for a referral 🙂

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

My Metier passport case, LV card case, and MontBlanc pen, along with the current month’s issues of Architectural Digest and Elle Decor (or a finance book – I’m currently reading One Up on Wall Street). 

I will also have my Biologique Recherche face mist, Augustinus Bader hand cream and lip balm, hand sanitizer, and water – always! I’ve always got my iPhone and AirPods, too.

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

Fashion influencer Bettina Looney… hands down.

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

The Maldives. And if you want a true private experience, pick a hotel that occupies the entire island. Harbour Island, Bahamas, is also at the top of my list. And so is Puerto Escondido – you can’t go wrong with either the Hotel Terrestre or Hotel Escondido. 

(Note: I know most of these places are hard to get to, but that’s what makes them so special and intimate!)

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Anthony Bourdain once said, “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.”

What’s your favorite travel book?

I’m obsessed with anything and everything from Assouline Publishing. For my home, I like the large, hardcover travel books. Their brightly colored covers are eye-catching and look great stacked together on a bookshelf, coffee table, or nightstand. They are also easy to read and filled with pictures. My top five are: Athens Riviera, Palm Beach, Ibiza Bohemia, Amalfi Coast, and Tulum Gypset. 

To bring with me when I’m traveling, I like the “In the Spirit of” destination series by Assouline – Palm Beach, Bali, St. Barths, Rio, and Capri are my favorites. There is also a list of top spots at the end of each book, which makes them perfect to bring along on your travels!

Who is your dream travel partner? 

I prefer to travel in twos, whether that’s with my boyfriend or one of my best friends. If it’s with my family, though, I’ll always make an exception to travel in a larger group.

For more from Blanca, check out her Menorca guide and follow her on IG.

Matt Ford is an actor, writer, and producer with eight years of New York City living under his belt. Matt describes moving to NYC in 2014 as one of his life highlights to date (along with writing an investigative piece of journalism that went viral and booking an ad campaign that had his face in trains on every NYC subway line!).

After working at Buzzfeed for almost five years, Matt ventured out on his own to pursue his dream of creating a video production company. Since then, he’s been bicoastal and bounces between The Big Apple and LA for work.

Read on to learn more about Matt and his best travel tips and tricks!

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

Probably not having any door or closable separation between the bathroom and bed area. Let’s just say it makes things fun and interesting as long as it’s only one person (lol).

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I love when there’s a USB/plug connected to the lamp so I can charge my phone overnight close by the bed. And good lighting! Too many hotels have confusing controls for their light situations and/or don’t get that bright.

Do you have any favorite travel hacks?

I pack everything I own into a carry-on and wear the bulkiest items I’m bringing with me on the plane. Otherwise, I emphasize minimalism. If I can reuse certain staple wardrobe pieces and mix-and-match for more outfits, great.

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

My dopp kit with all my toiletries, a few pairs of shoes, a few days’ worth of clothes, workout gloves and a sleep mask. Always, always a sleep mask. That thing has saved me more times than I can count.

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

Probably Beyoncé, because then I would maybe have a shot at actually meeting Beyoncé.

What is your favorite room service experience ever?

It’s a classic, but waking up to a full breakfast spread is always a lovely start to the day.

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

Try to train your body to the new time zone for a day or two before the trip (i.e. stay up as late as you can within reason). Then the worst is behind you, and you have more time and energy to enjoy your travels.

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

Either a relaxing stay in Tuscany or an amazing remote beach getaway like Bora Bora!

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

The old rolling-up-your-clothes technique really works wonders. You can pack much more in your bag, and it’s easier to locate the articles of clothing you’re looking for.

Who is your dream travel partner?

If I had to pick a public figure, probably Oprah. As for qualities: someone who isn’t afraid of spontaneity, is all about the food journey, and down for a balance of backpacking and pampering.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

Any given coffee shop in Amsterdam or Berlin that has Wi-Fi is a safe bet to get some work done.

For more from Matt Ford, check out his New York City Guide and follow him on IG.

Olivia Stutz of Olivia Stutz Design—a New York-based design studio specializing in luxury residential and commercial environments—is a highly recognizable figure in the world of interior design and an avid traveler. Her website and Instagram (@oliviastutzdesign) are a testament to her use of color, texture, and top-quality artistic elements to create unique, personalized spaces with designs that are both modern and enduring.

After growing up in Northern California, Olivia went on to complete her undergrad at the University of Colorado. Her fine art studies then took her overseas to Florence, Italy before she returned to the West Coast to study interior architecture at the University of California, Berkeley.

At the age of 27, Olivia moved to New York City and started Olivia Stutz Design, which now has offices in both NYC and Miami. 

Olivia currently resides on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, but takes every opportunity she can to jet set. Read on for tips and insights into Olivia’s personal travel style. 

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

At the Amanyara in Turks and Caicos, they tie the New York Times together with locally sourced pieces of string. It makes reading the Sunday paper just that much better. They also make their own aloe vera (in case you get a little too much sun) and will deliver it to you if you ever need it.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I always go for the most luxurious bed, sheets, pillows, etc. I will always stay at one hotel over another if I hear their beds have amazing linens and high-quality mattresses. The beds at La Residencia in Deià, Spain (a Belmond hotel on the island of Mallorca) are truly scrumptious. The best sleep of my life!

Do you have any favorite travel hacks? 

If you go to the Air France booth at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, you can verbally negotiate a better price for an upgrade to 1st class. You won’t find a better deal, and it usually works!

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

Vaseline lip balm, a Mophie Battery Pack for my phone, my laptop, my Hermès passport carrier + notebook, Chanel blotting papers, water, and my The Row long jacket (no matter the weather).

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

Lauren Santo Domingo of Moda Operandi or Gilda Ambrosio of The Attico.

What is your favorite room service experience ever? 

Parisian breakfast in bed. I usually stay at Hotel Costes or their sister hotel, Hotel Bourg Tibourg in Le Marais. Upon arrival, they also welcome you with fresh red berries with whipped cream 🙂

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

Harbour Island, Bahamas is a great place to disconnect. Jamaica is a good spot, too. 

What is your favorite travel book (for at home or abroad) and why? 

I don’t have a favorite travel book, but definitely a favorite travel show: Anthony Bourdain.

Who is your dream travel partner?

My best friends. 

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

The Sunset Tower in Los Angeles has an indoor/outdoor situation by the pool that makes a pretty nice place to work.

For more from Olivia, check out her Tulum Guide and follow her on IG @oliviastutzdesign

Meet San Francisco-based insider, Chihuei (rhymes with freeway) Liu! When she’s not busy with her full-time tech sales position, you can find Chihuei jet-setting to gorgeous, culture-filled locations like Cape Town, South Africa; Cinque Terre, Italy; and Comino Island, Malta. Whether she’s spotting zebras on an African Safari or sipping on an Aperol Spritz in Milan, Chihuei experiences every destination to its fullest. 

After high school, Chihuei went off the beaten path. Rather than attending college like most of her peers, she spent five years as an American Airlines flight attendant pursuing her zest for exploration, photography, and forming new friendships. Living nomadically out of her suitcase, she absorbed all that each location had to offer before putting roots down in San Francisco. Her current role is remote, allowing her to continue a lifestyle full of travel.

Not only does Chihuei write elegant travel guides and detailed hotel reviews for her blog, Discover Over There, but she is also a seasoned freelance photographer. We aren’t kidding when we say her Instagram feed (@discoveroverthere) will make you want to book a flight ASAP – don’t say we didn’t warn you! Her eye for capturing aesthetics has allowed her to partner with notable travel companies and charming hotels to produce original content from her stays around the world.

It’s hard to believe Chihuei has downtime, but when she does, she’s nestled in her SF abode trying out new recipes with her boyfriend, jogging along the Golden Gate Bridge, or remedying her seemingly constant jet lag. 

In our Q&A below, Chihuei shares exclusive travel inspo including her top three favorite hotels, travel hacks, carry-on must-haves, and more!

For more from Chihuei, check out her San Francisco guide and follow her on IG @discoveroverthere

Name three of your favorite hotels?

The Modern Honolulu. Although Waikiki Beach is only steps away, I prefer spending the entire day unwinding at a poolside cabana here. 

The Hoxton, Paris’ entryway welcomes visitors with captivating spiral staircases from the 18th century. Located in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, this is the perfect place to get anywhere in the city. Not to mention, the bar and restaurant is lush, inviting, and absolutely stunning –oh là là!

ARRIVE Palm Springs is the quintessential mid-century modern hotel located in California’s Palm Springs. I am in love with the entire ARRIVE brand, and the wallpaper in all the guest rooms is so photogenic. 

Side note: did you know that Palm Springs was a popular oasis for Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and other L.A. elites? 

What is it that you love about staying at these properties?

The hotel decor at all three locations is impeccable, and the attention to detail and design is so aesthetically pleasing. Also, having on-site bars and restaurants is extremely important to me because there is nothing better or more convenient than walking downstairs to enjoy a delicious meal or cocktail in the evening. Additionally, the location is crucial. I’m in my 30s, so while I don’t prefer to be right in the heart of the hustle and bustle, I still want to be within walking distance of the action. 

What do you like about the neighborhoods these properties are in?

I would describe all three neighborhoods as being central yet quiet. Since they are not located in the thick of it, the properties are not overcrowded with tourists, yet they are still in safe and quiet areas that are close to everything.

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

The Pendry in San Diego had a Möet & Chandon vending machine in the lobby! This was the perfect touch for when my boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary in SoCal. 

Do you have any favorite travel hacks?

1. Roll everything when packing. You can fit so much more in your suitcase with this hack! 
2. Sign up for a travel credit card. I haven’t paid for a flight in over two years because I use my points to book them every time. 
3. Bring the flight attendants something small such as a bag of candy or a $5.00 Starbucks gift card. Something little can go a long way. You are guaranteed to be treated like royalty during your flight and you might even get free snacks and drinks!

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

I never go anywhere without a spare change of clothes, a Hydro Flask, a universal adaptor, and all the snacks I can fit! 

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

Unpopular opinion: I personally love jetlag – especially when I work while traveling. In Europe, my days are spent waking up with the sun, exploring and creating content, napping, and then starting my workday in tech from 3:00 pm to midnight (usually later). I fully embrace it because jetlag allows me to be twice as productive as I normally would be at home.

Also, powdered Nescafé cappuccinos are my kryptonite. All you need is hot water and a Nescafé cappuccino packet – they are SO GOOD and they don’t taste like regular instant coffee. Since you can’t find these easily in America, I always stock up when I go overseas. Every time I fly, I pack one for the plane and drink it before landing. 

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

I’m not very good at going off the grid, so I would need to go somewhere that has absolutely no signal and no temptation to hop online. Namibia is at the top of my bucket list and it seems like the perfect place for a digital detox. You can drive for hours on the roads, camp out in the desert where the sand meets the sea, and stargaze at night without any other humans around.

What is your favorite travel book (for at home or abroad) and why?

This might seem strange, but I bring my copy of The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil on almost every trip. I enjoy learning about the production of wine and how every region of the world specializes in a different varietal. You can learn so much about a country’s history, culture, and food and drink palette by learning about the wine. 

What do you seek most in a hotel experience?

Design first, location second. I’m a sucker for a brightly painted wall or fun wallpaper. Location is also extremely important as a solo female traveler. 

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

I prefer a quiet wine bar or a trendy hotel lobby as a second office. Anywhere with a tasteful environment and strong Wi-Fi will work for me!

Rapid Fire

Beach or city or mountain?

Beach, beach, beach.

Solo or with someone else?

I love both! Both are wonderful and completely different experiences.

Lost luggage or lost phone?

Lost luggage

Airplane food – Y/N?

No. I ate airplane meals for five years straight as a flight attendant, so I may be biased. 

Fantasy minibar/fridge item?

Anything chocolate! I have an out-of-control sweet tooth. 

Early check-in / late check-out?

Early check in!

Chirag Choatalia knows his way around a good investment – and isn’t afraid to take risks. After gaining his Masters at The Wharton School in Philadelphia, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a venture capitalist, and has since led early-stage and growth investments in consumer internet, marketplaces, proptech, healthcare and software. If you’ve got a great startup, with potential for huge success, Chirag is your man.

Born and raised in Chicago, Chirag’s parents migrated to the US from India in the late 1970s. For the last 10 years, he’s enjoyed a high-powered, sunshine-filled life on the West Coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles. But recently, he and his husband have returned to New York City, where they’re now trying out new neighborhoods for size – so far NoHo and Brooklyn, with no clear winner, yet. When he’s not making companies successful, he’s traveling, doing Crossfit, reading, throwing dinner parties and reacquainting himself with NYC’s great cultural institutions.

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 Chirag Choatalia.

Name three of your favorite hotels? 

Il Monastero, Ischia, Italy. This former castle has been converted into a small 20-room hotel, with stunning views from all sides. It’s simple but comfortable, a beautiful blend of old and new. I would split my time in Ischia between here and Mezzatorre, for something a little more plush as well.

Vila Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This small seven-room hotel, sits deep within a 200-acre private estate, high up above Rio. The views of the city are unreal and the property itself has plenty to keep you busy. It feels like you’re at your fabulous Brazilian friends family estate. 

La Minervetta Maison, Sorrento, Italy. This is a must for design lovers. The views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius are spectacular, but equally spectacular are the owner’s curated books, art works and furnishing from all over the world. And there are only 12 rooms (notice a trend here?).

And, a couple of honorable mentions… (Because I can’t stop at three!)

Francis House, Calistoga, California. This one is a former hospital that’s been converted into an upscale five-room bed and breakfast, complete with a pool and a clay tennis court. It’s super intimate and relaxing, perfectly located to stroll into town or just hang poolside all day.

The Inn at Newport Ranch, California. This nine-room hotel is located on a 2,000 acre ranch on the northern California coastline. From the door there are beautiful hikes, and a super fun ATV tour that takes you deep into their own rainforests. 

I could go easily go on with recommendations of hotels, there are so many more: Ottmanngut in Merano, Italy; La Minerva in Capri, Italy; The Greenwich Hotel in NYC; The Oberoi in New Delhi, India; and Hotel Bouton d’Or in Courmayeur, Italy, which is nothing particularly fancy, but has the cutest, most loving couple, who make beautiful pastries. 

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

The over the top snack and candy box at The Greenwich Hotel in New York. It includes, like, 15 different snacks and they are all (dangerously) free and delicious. I’ve had to make them take it out of my room, because otherwise, I’d devour the entire basket in a night.

What is your greatest travel-related extravagance? 

I love driving vacations, so an awesome car is a must. It’s usually pretty easy to talk the rental car agents into offering upgrades, so I tend to book a mid-full sized, but pay a little extra at the rental counter to get upgraded to a luxury car. We ended up with a new Mercedes S-Class in Italy on our last trip.

What traits do you most value in a great travel “co-pilot”?

A balance between intention and spontaneity. I think the best trips are ones where you have a couple of “must dos”, but also more than enough time for new discoveries and going with the flow.

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

Marfa in Texas. It’s my special place (I was married there).

I love the big sky, the juxtaposition of ranchers and artists. It’s hard not to be fully present when you are there.

Tell us about one special item that you brought back from a trip. Why did it catch your eye? Was it hard to bring home?

As we were leaving The Oberoi in Delhi, India, we commented on how nice their art was. We had a couple of hours before we had to be at the airport and luckily for us, the gallerist who provided most of their art was 10 minutes away from the hotel. We ended up visiting his home, and falling in love with several Mughal miniatures that are now hanging on our wall.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

USB ports by the bed. It’s crazy that you sometimes have to move furniture to find a plug for your phone!

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

I just started following one of my favorite IG influencers (Tinx) advice. Skip meals on flights and try to maximize sleep! I usually don’t drink and try to book a workout within 24 hours of landing. Going to cool boutique fitness studios is also a fun way to meet people in a new country!

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 you do it?

In the Maremma, on Italy’s Tuscan coast. For the most part, it’s not frequented by visitors outside of those staying at Hotel Il Pellicano. The landscapes are stunning, the beaches are beautiful, there’s a cool local cowboy culture and delicious food and wine.

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

Eyeshades (because you never know how blackout the curtains are going to be), a white noise machine (ditto on noise and because my husband snores, lol), and bags of black tea (better than having to gamble on when the local coffee shop is open each morning!)

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

Yes, it’s a must. I love trying (and failing) to get to inbox zero on long flights.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost phone! It’s not terrible to be off the grid for a minute, but replacing clothes at the outset of a trip is stressful.

Airplane food?

No! It’s sadly usually awful. I always eat before and bring enough healthy snacks to avoid the food.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

As former Executive Fashion Director at British Vogue, Serena Hood created countless fashion edits, set up sell-out events and traveled the world to sit front row at every show. She has also worked for Vogue US, Giorgio Armani and Marc Jacobs, fine tuning her skills for curating and consulting on all things style.

Now, she’s channeling over a decade of experience into digital shopping platform Collagerie, an expert curation of fashion, interiors, beauty and lifestyle. Serena co-founded Collagerie in 2019 with fellow Vogue alum Lucinda Chambers, who was Fashion Director of British Vogue for 25 years, directing some of fashion’s most memorable shoots. Together, they’re a real force.

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 style and travel inspiration from Serena Hood.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

La Residence in Franschhoek, South Africa. My husband proposed to me over a picnic in the gardens, so it is a very special place to us. Every suite has a different theme and all uniquely decorated.

Le Bristol, France. The perfect home away from home in Paris.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman. A real hidden gem, the resort sits under the mountains along the most beautiful sandy beach.

What is the best hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?

The heated loo seats at the Malibu Beach Inn.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

Black-out shades.

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

Sha Wellness Clinic in Spain is a sanctuary where you can really switch off. I remember leaving after five days feeling completely reset, recharged and “like new”.

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

As an editor at Vogue I traveled a lot for fashion weeks and felt incredibly lucky to have a job that took me to beautiful cities, incredible hotels, and unforgettable fashion shows. A swimming pool while staying in a city is always a highlight and a great way to wake up and start the day.

What three songs are on your travel playlist?

I actually listen to a lot of podcasts these days. Working on my own start-up, I love the stories and advice from entrepreneurs on How I Built This.

What are your favorite travel hacks?

I am too scared to try this myself, but a good friend I know always waits to be the last person to board the plane and sits in the first free seat in Business class. Apparently it works a charm!

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

Having recently lost my luggage, I now bring a complete wardrobe for the first 24 hours.

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?

It would have to be a vineyard in Provence. We would make our own rosé and drink it over long lunches with family and friends.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve purchased abroad and brought home (or tried to carry-on) from your travels?

A suitcase filled with my favorite fabric print to make curtains in our new home.

Beach, city or mountains?

Beach every time.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost phone.

Airplane food?

Never – bring your own.

Window or aisle?

Window for long haul, aisle for short trips.

Yoga or hotel gym?

Neither – get out and discover the place you’re visiting!

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Think of the coolest places you know in New York, and they’re most likely one of Gavin Moseley’s projects. Co-Founder and Principal of Den Hospitality, Gavin is responsible for the good times that take place at The Garrett (West, East, and Nolita), The Lately, Borrachito and Chillhouse.

A Boston native, Gavin moved to NYC after completing his degree in hospitality at Cornell, and has since taken the city by storm. When he’s not opening pop-ups and creating the atmospheres you can’t help but want to be part of, he’s holidaying in Europe and collecting inspiration from travels further afield. His tips on how to pack are particularly well-honed.

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 Gavin Moseley.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

One Hotel, Miami, FL. The aesthetic is so dope. It feels like you’re in a cloud! Truly an escape. Eco-friendly/ sustainable hotel so it feels good to stay there too.

Finca Cortesin, Malaga, Spain. Everything about this hotel is first class! Landscape is breathtaking with the mountains in the background and I love the architecture.

Deer Mountain Inn, Tannersville, NY. Adorable. Feels like Thanksgiving every day there. So warm and welcoming.

What do you love most about working in hospitality?

You have the ability to make someone feel good every day. A guest may not remember a specific dish or drink – but they’ll remember how they felt.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

I find the neighborhood coffee shop and post up. The Elk in the West Village is one of my local favorites.

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

Senegal. My friend has a non profit there that I volunteer for. It’s in Africa so it sounds far but it’s only a 6hr direct flight.

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Whatever You Want by Sports. Places and Spaces by Donald Byrd. All Night by Romare.

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

A pen and noteboook for ideas, napkins because I’m messy, and my latest book.

Have you or would you travel alone?

I love traveling alone. That’s where you learn about yourself. Placing yourself in uncomfortable situations is where you grow!

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Speak to a local elderly person, you’ll learn everything. Advice from my good friend Bryant Toth.

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

Toro coffee in Nicaragua (only coffee I drink black).

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

Super comfy outfit ( joggers and oversized sweater) but fresh kicks, a nice watch, and a beanie. Feet, wrist, and head is where you make the statements.

Beach, city, or mountains?

Beach.

Alone or with someone else?

Alone.

Lost luggage or lost phone?

Luggage.

Favorite travel app?

Velocity Black.

Window or aisle?

Window – I need to see what is out there.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.