Having criss-crossed the planet more times than we can count (stopping everywhere from San Francisco to South Africa along the way), American-born beauty Serena Hood certainly qualifies as a seasoned globetrotter! But wait folks, she’s not done yet—check out the destinations that are still on her bucket-list below! Here, British Vogue‘s Executive Fashion Editor steals herself away from her glamorous duties to chat with us about travel rituals, room service favorites, and how she spends her time at 35,000 feet.

City you call home?

London!

How often do you travel?

It depends on the time of year, I’d say every few months…but definitely more in the summer and around fashion weeks.

Favorite destinations to travel to?

Anywhere warm and sunny with a beach.

Where’s your “happy place” to visit?

Mustique—it’s where I met my husband.

What brand of luggage do you use?

I’ve always used Longchamp suitcases (the duffle bag on wheels). They last forever and fit SO much.

And for your carry-on bag?

I use T. Anthony weekenders and carry-on bags. I’ve started to collect them in the red/black colorway with my initials in gold.

Do you bring a camera?

I use my iPhone.

What’s your favorite airline?

British Airways—mainly because Terminal 5 is such a breeze to navigate.

What are your in-flight travel essentials?

British Vogue (obviously), Vanity Fair, CN Traveller, and on my way back from America I always buy Us Weekly.  I also love my Kindle, my iPad and to keep warm I bring my softest cashmere scarf.

Aisle or window?

Aisle for a day flight, and a window seat for overnight.

Preferred in-flight beverage?

Lots of WATER. 

What music is on your travel playlist?

I listed to my ‘jogging playlist’ (in case I ever make it running!). There is lots of Rihanna, Beyonce and David Guetta on there.

Do you have any travel rituals or superstitions?

My parents gave me a little diamond, cross necklace for my 21st birthday which I always wear.  I also say a little prayer before takeoff.   I’m not a very good flyer so my own little rituals help to put me at ease.

How do you entertain yourself at 35,000 feet?

I tend to catch up on TV series on my iPad—I just finished Suits which I LOVED and am about to get started on Damages. If it’s a long flight and I finish the series during the trip I’ll check out the new releases on the in-flight entertainment. On my last trip to NYC I watched Fading Gigolo with Woody Allen, which was great.

What’s your go-to uniform for the plane?

Frame jeans (they are so comfortable), an Isabel Marant t-shirt, sweaters from J.Crew or Gap, and my Celine or Converse trainers.  I also always keep an extra cashmere, hooded sweater and a wrap in my carry-on bag for overnight flights.

What’s the one item you never leave town without?

My work Blackberry. 

How do you deal with jet lag?

I like going to the US as it’s the only time I’m up by 6am to workout. If I can’t sleep at night there is always a new TV series to watch.

What’s your exercise routine when you’re on the road?

I love going to Soul Cycle when I’m in New York.  There is something about that NY energy in those classes that is so inspiring.

How do you manage your health + eating routine when you’re away from home?

I don’t! When it comes to food it’s all about enjoying the local food on offer. When in Italy ‘eat the pasta!’

What beauty-essentials do you travel with:

I guess the only routine I stick to when travelling is my beauty routine.  I use Chanel face serum and hydrating cream, Bobbi Brown lip balm, and Wella SP professional shampoo and conditioner (I don’t travel anywhere without it!).  If I’m heading to the beach I make sure to stock up on face and body sunscreen from Institut Esthederm—it develops into a gorgeous tan.   If I’m on the road for work I’ll bring a hard-bristled round-brush for blow drying, but at the beach I leave it be—it can go very curly! Oh, and my new favorite accessory is a small grey, crocodile pillbox for all my supplements.

What items do you never leave town without?

My black leather Iro jacket—it’s by far the item I wear the most in my wardrobe and I am never without it.  A little black dress is another item that I would recommend as you never know what occasion might pop up while you’re away—my favorite at the moment is one I bought from Derek Lam last year.  A new discovery is Teotoki, an amazing line of jumpsuits that are the perfect update to any holiday dress. When heading to the beach I can’t live without my Dolce & Gabbana sundress, Jo de Mer bikinis, Jimmy Choo beach sandals and my Lock & Co. Panama hat. I also always bring my Nike trainers and a pair of black leggings, as you never know when you might need them.

Are you an over-packer or under-packer?

I would say I under-pack, but my husband would not agree.

Do you have a packing strategy?

I lay everything out on my bed that I want to bring and then edit my selection down to what I can actually fit in my suitcase.  I have a small suitcase for short trips (3-4 days) and a larger one for anything longer than 1 week. Most of the time I end up with too many shoes!

One surprising thing you always pack?

A black, woven belt by 3.1 Phillip Lim. It can instantly change any outfit and it’s such a nuisance when you don’t have one.

Favorite item to order from room service?

Breakfast! I get the works!

Favorite item from the hotel mini-bar?

Evian and Peanut M&M’s.

Have you ever had a travel disaster?

Ryanair …need I say more?

If your luggage was lost, what are the 5 items you’d buy at the drugstore?

A toothbrush, toothpaste, mascara, Simple face wash, and moisturizer.

Favorite find/souvenir from your travels?

My husband and I have started a collection of sand from places we’ve travelled to together—we fill vintage, glass bottles that we’ve brought back and label them with the place and date.

Favorite childhood memory of traveling?

Summers out in Bridgehampton with my family.  I have fond memories of endless days with my sisters, cousins and best friend building sand castles, swimming in the sea, riding bikes and enjoying BBQ’s.   I especially loved the Fourth of July…watching fireworks on the beach and waving flags.

Travel destinations on your bucket-list?

Peru, Japan, Argentina, Sweden, New Zealand, Maldives, Grand Canyon, Texas…and Space!