Author and all-around media maven, Dayo Olopade Lamolo, currently leads dealmaking with content creators to build and grow Amazon Prime Video in Africa. She previously ran content licensing and engagement strategy for sports, news and entertainment partners at YouTube. She is also a reporter in Washington and Nairobi, a Yale Law School Knight Law & Media scholar, and a council member at Reuters. Plus, she’s helped build and launch consumer products at the New York Times and Facebook. Above all of that though, she’s a blast to have a margarita with.

Though Dayo was raised in Chicago, her parents moved to the US from Nigeria in the 80s, and in the early 2000s, she moved back to Nairobi for two years. She went on to travel through 17 countries in Africa, and her book, The Bright Continent: Breaking Rules and Making Change in Modern Africa, was born out of the experience. The reviews speak for themselves – if you haven’t read it, we suggest you add to your list immediately.  

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 Dayo Olopade Lamolo.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

Rooms with wall sockets designed with different voltages in mind. I constantly toggle between European, American and South African hardware. We have to respect diversity in devices.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling? 

I am an airport lounge lizard and proud of it.

What advice would you give someone who travels often for work?

Invest in functional luggage, and noise cancelling headphones.

What three songs are on your OOO playlist?

Young Forever, by Jay Z. Sympathy for the Devil, by The Rolling Stones. And Too Much Information, by Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra.

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

Whoever was styling Kerry Washington on Scandal.

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

I will always have a soft spot for the New York Times’ 36 Hours series. And, if updated within the past two years, Wallpaper* city guides usually offer a welcome focus on architecture and design. I run some 40 miles a month, so on the road I will also check out Strava, for any well-loved routes in a new city.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t drink on the plane. And, always take the trip!

Anxiety and burn out are big topics these days. How do you combat them, and how does travel help?

Once in a while, I will tack a Friday night onto a work trip, and spend it in a hotel bathrobe catching up on TV, email, and beauty rest. And if you can fly business, you should!

What are your favorite travel hacks?

I’m someone who always boards last – just in case there’s an open seat in a comfier class, or closer to the front of the plane. On any flight over six hours, I am doing active leg stretches and hydrating in the galley mid-way.

What’s the most unexpected travel experience you’ve had?

I received a mysterious upgrade to Air France Première, and was whisked directly from plane to connection in a posh Jaguar sedan. No idea why! 

What is your favorite travel book?

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.

What’s your favorite room service experience ever?

I tend not to order in!

Beach, city, or mountains?

City.

Alone or with someone else?

Alone.

Favorite travel app?

Google maps is best in class.

Fantasy mini bar/fridge items?

Avocados.

In-flight wifi?

No!

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Zach Para is the drummer for Brooklyn-based band, City of the Sun. You might have seen him on stage at New York music spots Brooklyn Steel and The Troubadour, or playing events around town for brands like Chloe and Vans during fashion weeks. Or, you might recognise him and his bandmates from Billboard Mag articles or various partnerships with Gilt , Sunglass Hut and Ilegal Mezcal. Those boys are always busy.

Hailing from Seattle, Zach Para found his way to NYC via Boston, where he graduated from New England Conservatory. Since then, his music has taken him everywhere from Brazil to Spain, Indonesia and back again. He has learned how to get creative when it comes to packing a bag with stuff needed for five different climates, and somehow managed to look good no matter where he steps off the plane. 

City of The Sun is one of Safara’s favorite bands to include on our travel playlists (shameless plug to head over to our curated Playlists page). Of course, we asked Zach to create a playlist for us, too. And, we’ve gathered his intel on his home city for our Seattle guide.

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 Zach Para.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

The House, Athens, Greece. A quaint hostel feel with great rooms that are inspired by the Greek Islands. The rooftop has hammocks and plant life that take you away from the bustling city life below. I’m pretty sure you can share rooms, but the private ones are perfect for a few nights going out in Athens.

Museum Hotel, Nashville, USA. Who wouldn’t want to walk through a tasteful, modern art museum after a long night out in Nashville? Rooms are spacious with high ceilings and attractive stone walls. And the fitness center felt like I was walking into a spa.

Hotel Unique, São Paulo, Brazil. Stunning modern architecture, amazing views of the city scape, with one of the best rooftop bars/restaurants I’ve seen.

What hotel room design element can you not live without? 

Lots of sunlight. The bigger the windows the better.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling? 

My “offices” usually consist of recording studios, stages and practice rooms, but when I need to get some computer work done, I would say the pool/spa at The Standard Hotel in Miami Beach. Not a bad place to hang with your laptop.

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

Uvita de OSA, Costa Rica or Lake Chelan, Washington. I have family in Costa Rica with a gorgeous Airbnb by the ocean. The gardens are a perfect place to disconnect. Lake Chelan is a special place for me. My dad’s family has had a cabin there for generations. You literally have no cell service unless you head into town, so it forces some peace. 

What three songs are on your travel playlist?

Yeahnoh (Powe Handa Blingabe), by Kondi Band. Cloak by Jordan Rakei. And It’s All Over by Pionel.

What are your favorite travel hacks?

When flying, try not choosing your seat. It’s a gamble, but on the right flights they’ll upgrade you simply because they are the only single seats left on the plane.

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

Sennheiser headphones and a MIDI keyboard.

Have you or would you travel alone?

Definitely. I’ve traveled solo to Zakynthos, Greece and it was great. It gives you the space to focus on yourself and truly tune out the noise.

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

It would be Anthony Bourdain, hands down.

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

Xi’an, China at Lubai Farm Wu. It’s a tea farm and I had a cup of freshly dried Pu’er tea straight from the source. 

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?

Sifnos, Greece.

Beach, city, or mountains?

Beach!

Fantasy mini-bar/fridge item?

Kombucha.

Early check-in or late check-out?

Late check-out. 

Along or with someone else?

Someone else – if I can choose who that someone is. 

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

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.

Alexis Cuddyre is the creative mind behind one of our favourite brands to travel in, ADAY.  Think season-less silhouettes, technical fabrics and a sustainable supply chain, which make for the most versatile capsule of essentials. Previously, Alexis was Creative Director at a global branding agency, where she worked with the likes of IKEA, Vodafone and Diesel. And, she loves a side hustle, having previously brought an app to beta launch with All Saints and set up her own mini wedding business, OMG I’m Getting Married.

Alexis was born in LA, but spent the majority of her childhood abroad, including 10 years in Hong Kong, three years in Dublin and three years in Seoul, before heading back to America for university. Now, she’s lived in London for over a decade, making it the longest she’s ever been in one place. That said, she still loves to travel, and has the best idea for regular holidays with friends we’ve ever come across (scroll down, thank us later).

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 Alexis Cuddyre.

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

The on-site veggie patch at Tafika Safari Lodge in Zambia.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I love a good bathtub tray. My husband planned a weekend away and the best part was walking into the bathroom and seeing the latest issue of Vogue on the rack. He didn’t get it!

What are your favorite bouji offices while traveling?

The rooftop bar at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel was a favorite. However, the humidity totally destroyed my laptop, so with hindsight, I cannot recommended. Karma for combining holiday with work? So, I would now go for Hilton Head, and working while watching the sun rise over the marsh, with a cup of coffee in my HK mug.

You travel a lot for work, what are your tips for making it as easy and relaxing as possible?

Take carry-on only when traveling as much as possible. And, if you’re based between two cities, keeping duplicate wardrobe staples in both locations is a life saver. For about two years I spent enough time in New York and London to have a place in both, so I kept life essentials in each flat – my core ADAY pieces, a pair of Nikes, Weleda face wash and face cream. It all made going “home”  simpler and lighter.

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

Without fail, my ADAY cooler days culottes and something borrowed shirt, worn open as a jacket, over our dream harder tank. Allbirds and an Everlane duffle are also mandatory for me. Yes, I’m a walking millennial cliché, but hey. They’re all machine washable, wrinkle resistant, and super comfy.

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Both Meg and Nina, the ADAY co-founders, champion the “find a job you don’t need a holiday from”, which has helped me to approach life, work, travel and space in a completely new way.

Anxiety and burn out  are side effects of modern living, how do you combat them? And what restorative trips or wellness adventures would you recommend?

A recent visit to Zambia literally forced me not to check email (or Instagram) for five days ,because we were so remote that we didn’t have any service. It’s a bit extreme, but if that’s the only way you’ll shut off, I’d highly recommend it. Tafika Lodge runs amazing walking safaris and super minimal campgrounds, which run entirely on solar panels, so when the lights go out, you literally have to go to sleep, or tell stories in the dark.

I also still very much value the traditional holiday. Bleisure (or whatever people call it these days, ie. “business” x “leisure”) is wonderful, but total time off is healthy, too. My friends and I have a group called #ShitsOnTheMove (yes), where one person every quarter plans a top-secret weekend away. The rules are simple – stick to the budget and ensure no time off work is required; it’s often a carry-on only trip, too. The rest of us just show up at the train station ready for an adventure.

I’m the type of person who gets as much pleasure out of planning a holiday as I do when I’m actually on it, but at the same time I sometimes have crazy expectations, and can’t ‘just let go’ and enjoy the moment. Having someone else take care of all the details means I don’t have to worry about anything and can just focus on spending time with friends.

Alone or with someone else?

Both.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Lost phone. Sounds lovely.

Fantasy minibar/fridge item?

Face mask.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Bryan’s career in digital media, marketing and advertising spans over 15 years, and during that time he’s worked on some of the world’s most influential travel brands. Prior to joining AFAR, Bryan was the Travel Director at National Geographic Adventure, Sales Director at The New Yorker, and Associate Publisher at Outside Magazine. Basically, he has lived the dream travel media career, and picked up an impressive amount of travel intel along the way – some of which, luckily, he’s shared with us.

When he’s not agreeing big travel publishing deals, Bryan is an active conservationist and philanthropist, with a particular interest in sustainable ways to conserve water where it matters the most. He’s been a member on several non-profit boards, including the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, Benefit Committee of the Africa Foundation, and GreenTeam USA. He’s usually based between the leafy Hastings-on-the-Hudson, where he lives with his wife and son, and New York for work.

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 Bryan Kinkade.

Name three of your favorite hotels?

Casa de las Olas, in Tulum. Scribners Lodge, in the Catskills. And Anvil Hotel, in Jackson Hole, right on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. All of them give access to some incredible landscape with the potential for read adventure.

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

At the Amangani in Jackson Hole, a snow-sports paradise, they gave a wonderful little wooden carved bison as a gift to all the kids that stayed there. Such a small touch, but one that my son still cherishes and we talk about years on.

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

A coffee maker in the room, ideally by Illy.

What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?

Any porch or veranda looking over crystal clear waters.

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

Isla Holbox – a car-free island and nature reserve, north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Or, for a quick weekend reboot, Phoenicia, New York.

Name three songs on your travel playlist?

Bruce, Bruce, Bruce. (Springsteen, of course.)

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

AFAR Magazine, a New Yorker, plus one random new magazine picked up at the airport. I like to roll the dice.

Have you or would you travel alone?

Yes! Solo travel breaks down barriers, local access opens up to you more, and conversations are initiated when you’re not staring at your travel buddy, as long as you’re not looking at a phone. 

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

Very biasedm but honest answer, AFAR.com.  It might not cover everything there is to see in a place – but there’s always going to a be a local or secret gem that you wouldn’t find out about otherwise.

What’s your favorite room service experience ever?

&Beyond Ngala camp in Kruger, sipping on champagne and enjoying Namibian oysters while being visited by a mother elephant taking a drink out of our plunge pool. 

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

Robert Young Peloton. The dude has talked his way out of kidnappings in Colombia, partied with militias in Somalia, and navigated his way through the world’s most dangerous places with an intrepid spirit and open mind. There are a lot of conflict zones and countries in flux I’d love to visit, but only with RYP as a co-pilot!

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

Digital detox and traveling unplugged can absolutely change the way you look at the world, interact with your family and reflect on your priorities while traveling. Whether for a long weekend or your next longer trip, I’d so strongly encouraging everyone to travel unplugged.

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

Ambien.

What is your favorite travel book?

On holiday I’m a sucker for crime/spy/mystery paperbacks – usually the first one I see at the airport bookstore or left behind at the hotel where I’m staying.

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

Ever since Levi’s started adding some stretch to their jeans, I can leave the sweats behind on red-eye flights and stay warm, comfy and hit the ground ready to go.

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?

Near a solid surf break in Latin America.

Beach, city or mountains?  

Mountains.

Alone or with someone else?

With someone.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

TERRIBLE idea.

Lost luggage, or lost phone?

Phone.

Airplane food?  

Yes.

Fantasy minibar/fridge item?

Local IPA.

Early check-in or late check-out?  

Early.

Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?  

Amazon.

In-flight cocktail?

Vodka.

Favorite travel app?

Fishbrain.

Window or aisle?  

Window. Always.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Alice MacKinnon is a plant-based chef, cooking teacher and product consultant, mainly based in London. After heading to culinary school at the age of 21, Alice went on to work with the Jamie Oliver Group in London, before consulting with some of the UK’s best-known food brands. In 2015, she headed over to Los Angeles to deepen her love for plant-based foods, where she taught and learned under Matthew Kenney. 

Now, Alice can make raw, vegan desserts that taste as good as the sugar and butter-laden versions, as well as some delicious savoury options. And, her other skills include the ability to make anyone laugh over a glass of wine or two. Given her healthy take on chef-ing, she’s our go-to for how to stay well while traveling. And her Instagram feed of beautiful food photography is a source of much culinary inspiration.

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 food and travel inspiration from Alice MacKinnon.

DIY plant dies while cooking in LA

What supplements or vitamins do you travel with?

Magnesium, for restful sleep and relaxed muscles post-flight. Essential oils, for during the flight – I love DeMamiel Altitude Oil, it smells amazing and completely alleviates stress. And good quality probiotics. 

What’s the best airplane snack?

An avocado. You can grab a sachet of salt and pepper from any airport now, and its filling and full of good fats.

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

To Norfolk, England, where my family has a home. There’s limited wifi and it’s extremely peaceful, just being there is a tonic! Or, I’d do Panchakarma (an Ayurvedic therapy) in India, but that’s more of a commitment.

One of Alice’s favourite restaurants in LA, try Shima in Venice, and definitely order the spiced ginko nuts!

Have you or would you ever travel alone?

Absolutely. I love traveling alone. I like doing whatever I want without having to discuss the details!

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Food wise, if there’s a more expensive restaurant on your list, try going for lunch. There are often lunch specials that tend to be cheaper, and if you go mid-week it’s quieter, too.

Also, always pack earplugs and an eye mask. Game changers. 

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

Don’t eat on the plane. Just drink A TON of water, more than you think you need. It really works. Eat before or after the flight. 

Alice’s healthy “nut pulp” cookies (made from leftover homemade nut milks) are a treat for the eyes, as well as the taste buds)

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

In Tanzania, at Nomad, a moving safari camp. Every morning they bought fresh coffee and fresh shortbread to your room. It sounds small, but I still dream about that shortbread. The camp had no electricity, but you barely noticed because the attention to detail was extraordinary.

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

I wear the same thing for every flight! Vince slip-ons, Lululemon pants, and a cozy sweater. I always have a big scarf because I am usually cold.

Is in-flight wifi a good idea?

NO. Enjoy the offline time.  

Airplane food?

NOOOOOOO.

Window or aisle?

Aisle. So you can get up to walk around, and go pee after all that water you’re drinking.

Read more from our Insiders series, here.

Cha-Cha Matcha in NYC is one of Alice’s favorite pit stops for a caffeinated pick me up- or a soft serve matcha swirl

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.