Explorer Spotlight: Serena Guen
In the ever shifting landscape of modern print, Suitcase Magazine has established itself as a leader in expertly curated travel content, complimented by stunning photography and a point of view that feels as committed to realness as it is respectful of the destinations it covers. The quarterly publication was started in 2012 by a then 22-year old Serena Guen, and undoubtedly owes its depth to her intrepid spirit.
We chatted with the ultimate explorer about buying flights in incognito mode, Leonardo da Vinci, and which hotel to stay at to feel like a Bond villain.
Full name (as on passport)
Serena Anneliese Lucia Guen
What is your earliest memory of falling in love with travel?
I remember being on a plane when the Titanic first came out as a child. I was sitting in economy of a Virgin plane to America – it was back in the days where there was one massive screen at the front for everyone to watch – and everyone was so involved. I thought that moment was so exciting. I have also always loved experiencing the culture and food of different places and would look forward to visiting my family in Italy and America in the summer.
Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you want as a seat neighbor on a plane?
Leonardo da Vinci.
Thoughtful planner or spontaneous adventurer?
Thoughtful planner.
Ideal vacation
Anywhere with great food (that's also gluten-free) and lots of culture – museums, galleries etc.
What is your most treasured possession from your travels?
So many! My latest favorites are a collection of wooden fans from Tokyo and a lucky stone from the Isle of Skye
Carryon or Checked? (And what kind?)
Carryon always if possible but if it's more than four days then forget it, the big bag is coming out!
Packing rules
I lay out my clothes sporadically the week before and then the night before trying to fit as much as I can in the suitcase. I also always carry a tote bag with me in my handbag for extras.
Travel uniform
James Perse t-shirt, Adidas trainers, Joseph or James Perse stretchy trousers (they look nice I promise), cashmere jumper (I've bulk bought from Marks & Spencer!) and some kind of shawl/scarf.
Always in your carryon
A steamer.
Current travel playlist
Guardians of the Galaxy playlist.
In flight routine
Lots of hand sanitizer, Charlotte Tilbury magic cream, good book or laptop to do some work.
Best travel accessory
My personalized Misela passport case.
Favorite plane read
Anything by Chimamande Ngozi Adiche or new, yet to be published articles from SUITCASE.
Strangest thing you’ve carried across a border
100x face masks from Japan (I am a bit of Naomi Campbell when flying).
Best travel hack
Buying flights in incognito mode.
Best place to ring in the New Year
The Maldives! I'm not a big partier so I'd rather just be somewhere beautiful with people I love.
Favorite beach
Bagno Royal in Forte Dei Marmi. Not because it's a beautiful natural beach, it's just so nostalgic and I go every summer. I love the little cabine as well (small wooden houses where you get changed).
Favorite hotel
That's like choosing a favourite child! Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen is always a firm favorite. Il Sereno in Lake Como to feel like a bond villain.
Favorite hotel bar
Boom Boom Room wins for views.
Room service order
An enormous breakfast – fried eggs, bacon, orange juice, gluten-free pastries and toast.
Favorite workout on the road
Mat pilates.
Place you’d like to go next
Valencia, Texas, any of the national parks in America.
Best quality in a travel partner
Being up for things!
One city you’d like to live in
Copenhagen.
Strangest thing you've eaten in a foreign country
I went to the wild food festival in New Zealand once and I ate some pretty strange things including a lot of bugs chased down by shots of Red Bull.
If you knew that you could only visit one more place before you die, where would it be?
Tanzania or Botswana and then the Seychelles. I'd love to have an adventure and see nature up close and then relax somewhere afterwards!