Anna Maria Apostolakis

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

Food, art, local culture and history, live music and nature (specifically deserted beaches and reggae bars) are my main points of interest while traveling. I have a passion for street food and hole-in-the-wall joints, where someone's grandmother is the head chef. I love absorbing all the sensations of local bazaars and open-air markets, while imagining that I'm a part of the everyday hustle and bustle of the land. I hunger for unique and traditional experiences that aren't found in your average travel blog or guide books. Getting lost or feeling displaced has led to some of my most cherished travel memories. Like the time I hopped on a local, city bus in Rome, just to get out of the rain, and I was transported past all the famous sites one would want to see in that glorious town!

As a Fora Travel Advisor, not only can I plan and arrange an epic itinerary for you, book you a killer hotel with possible perks and discounts, but I can also offer you a deeper insight into the land you will be visiting. I can extend my knowledge of geography, history, cultural mores and taboos (don't hand an Indonesian anything with the left hand!), navigating public transportation, understanding local laws (chewing gum is strictly outlawed in Singapore!), how to bypass language barriers, general packing and travel tips and fun facts about the destination you plan on visiting.