Anna Maria Apostolakis

Originally a hostel lover and off-the-beaten-path backpacker, my travel style is becoming more refined, but no matter where I sleep I prefer to spend my day with locals. I want to learn their history through their own personal stories. It's important for me to support local businesses, tours, shops, artists, and restaurants while traveling.

Travel for me is almost never a vacation. I think of it as more of a pilgrimage. I'm there to learn, grow, observe, taste and open my senses mind, and heart. I try to leave a destination a better person than when I arrived. As an avid photographer, I never leave my camera behind as I hardly ever use my cell phone for photography.

Food, art and nature (specifically deserted beaches) are my main points of interest while traveling, all seen and experienced through the eyes and hearts of the locals. I have a passion for street food and hole-in-the-wall joints where someone's grandmother is the head chef. I love bazaars and open-air markets to absorb the local tastes and smells of the cuisine and to feel like I'm a part of the everyday hustle and bustle of the land.