Meet Claire Soares: 6X Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist

Claire B. Soares, founder and CEO of Up in the Air Life, has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler six times. She has traveled to all 7 continents and visited 65+ countries, so we sat down with her to talk about her favorite places, her carry-on, and the trip still on her list.

Who is Claire Soares? She's the founder of Up in the Air Life and a 6X Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist who has visited 65+ countries. Her favorite hotel is Olonana in Kenya, her favorite country is South Africa, and her best flight tip is to bring your own good food.

Key facts

• Recognition: 6X Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist, named one of the six most influential Black women in the travel industry, and a Top Black Travel Leader on Airbnb's inaugural list.
• Favorite hotel: Olonana, a safari camp on the Kenya + Uganda trip.
• Favorite country: South Africa, for Johannesburg, Cape Town, safari and wine country. See The South Africa Experience.
• Top 3 destinations: Playa del Carmen, South Africa, then a tie between Thailand and Italy.
• Home base: Playa del Carmen, Mexico, most of the year.

The Best Hotel in the World

Up in the Air Life: Claire, you have literally been all over the world. Hands down, what is the best hotel you have ever stayed in and why?

Claire: The best hotel I have ever been to was Olonana, which is one of the Safari camp hotels on our Kenya and Uganda trip.

I just love Olonana. One of the things I love most are the rooms. They are just so spacious. Most Safari camps, you will just have a tent, but this is an actual room. It is a huge suite, with a sunken half-shaped moon living room, gorgeous big beautiful bed with the netting over it and it faces a river that is full of hippopotamuses just living their best life.

Their rooms also have a huge wrap-around balcony complete with daybed, so you can stop and take a moment to watch, not only the hippos, but elephants, monkeys and other wildlife. It is the best.

Back in the room, there is a massive slate-floored bathroom area, with a rain shower that is big enough for you to lay down in, that has windows with vantage points out into a lush garden. And then on the river side of the room, there is a sunken tub that looks out onto the balcony.

The main area at Olonana is situated over the river bed, and there are a number of dining options. You can be seated inside or outside right on the water, under the shade depending on your preference.

After a long day of adventure, the best spot at Olonana is their incredible bar, which at night time transforms into a spirit tasting lounge where you are served up all types of whiskey and, because you are in Africa, incredible gins.

It is the perfect place for a nightcap, as you sit near the roaring fire. Olonana is by far my best hotel experience in the world! (I wrote a whole post on why Olonana belongs on your bucket list.)

Why South Africa Is Unmatched

Up in the Air Life: Would you say your best experience so far has been at Olonana too?

Claire: I have definitely had some amazing times there, but nothing can beat the time I have spent in South Africa. South Africa is such an incredible place because there is so much to do! From the city, the vibe, the culture, the history in Johannesburg, there is so much to do and see.

Because I am a foodie, the dining in Johannesburg is world class! Marble, one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, looks right over the City and the food is exceptional. The local nightlife is off the charts and the bars and nightclubs are unlike anything I have ever experienced. Marabi Jazz, Chef Sanza, Pan Africa Plate.

From a historical perspective, and being a Black American, visiting Mandela's house is truly incredible. You are just immersed in history, and standing in the same places he stood at such momentous times in world history. It is awe-inspiring.

There is so much to soak in when you visit The Mandela House. From local street food, markets and dancers as well as all the important locations you stumble across that played an important role in the struggle against apartheid. It is overflowing with history.

The Apartheid Museum is a must-see and totally mind-blowing. It is unbelievable to think that was only a few decades ago. There is just so much to learn when you visit.

A quick flight out of Johannesburg and you are in Cape Town, which for me is a blend of Miami, the San Francisco wine area and Malibu.

The Camps Bay area is gorgeous, with some of the best restaurants overlooking the water. Downtown on the waterfront, I really love the Cape Grace Hotel, but ultimately being able to explore the beach area, the penguins, exploring the coast and the wine country. Just so many amazing adventures.

I discovered my favourite wine in South Africa: Pinotage, which I first tasted with chocolate. Yes, chocolate, not cheese! That totally won me over.

Definitely South Africa, there is something for everyone. Urban, safari, wines, beaches, the helicopter ride over Table Mountain. There is so much to do and see.

Claire's Top 3 Destinations

Up in the Air Life: So with that said, we absolutely need to know your Top 3 Travel Destinations because South Africa sounds incredible!

Claire: I would have to say Playa del Carmen, Mexico since I live there most of the year. It is a small town and it is walkable. Ride your bike, walk around and there is something for everyone. Within 10 minutes I can go to a local restaurant and get tacos for about a dollar (as of October 2026). Or walk down the corner and get a Mexican Soup. Or I can go to a high-end restaurant like Harry's or a steak house, or dine on Thompson Beach. So much to do from a local perspective. You are only an hour from Cancun too!

My second is South Africa! Without a doubt.

And my third one, well it is a tie. Thailand and Italy. But if I had to choose, it would be Italy. Florence is one of my favourite places in the world, and I just cannot get enough of their pasta!

Growing up and learning so much about Italy, then seeing the ruins of the Roman Empire, I wanted to cry the first time I saw it. Having dinner out the front of the Pantheon, just so mind-blowing.

Claire's Carry-On Must-Haves

Up in the Air Life: Claire, you have been to so many incredible places, no doubt you have some travel hacks for all of us. What are your MUST HAVES for your carry-on bag?

Claire: So the first must have is an Evian Water Mist, it keeps my face moist and a Magnesium Lip Balm because the cabin air can make your lips so dry!

I also cannot live without my Solar Charger, because keeping my phone charged without having to worry about an electrical outlet is super important to me.

I never travel without my Evolution Neck Pillow! Some of the flights I am on are 15+ hours, and there is no way I want a kink in my neck affecting my adventures when I arrive after a long day of travel. This pillow specifically gives you amazing support; perfect for a quick nap.

I love my beats, so my Bose Headset puts me in my own little world. Just me and my own tunes!

And last but not least, this incredible Travel Humidifier. Your face deserves it and you will breathe easier at night. Honestly, it is a no brainer.

The Top Tip for a Comfortable Flight

Claire: Having an enjoyable flight is so important!

Regardless of class of service, pack your favourite snacks for your flight. My fave in-flight snack is fried chicken, so a lot of times, before a long flight, I will pick up fried chicken and mac and cheese from a soul food place!

So that said, my number one tip is to pick up something great from the airport or make something before you go. Even if you are flying Business Class, the food can be good, but it is not always as good as your favourites.

If you can control your food, you can get on the flight and order a nice glass of bubbly and just kick back.

Dress comfortably! And wear layers. A shirt underneath, with something soft and fuzzy on. And do not forget your neck pillow! It is so important for a good rest while you are in transit.

What's Next on Claire's List

Claire: I have been to all seven continents now, so next is about going deeper. Heading back to Italy and going to the opera is at the top of my list!

Photo: Caviar in the Air

Claire B Soares is the Founder and CEO of Up in the Air Life, a luxury travel company that designs small-group and private trips around the world. Want her take on what luxury should feel like? Read Luxury Travel for Black Travelers: Transparency Defines True Luxury. Claire was recognized as one of the six most influential Black women in the travel industry and as a Top Black Travel Leader from the Inaugural Airbnb list.

Ready to plan your next adventure with Claire? Book a call or explore our upcoming trips.