5 QUESTIONS TO ANNA KATINA
Fashion & Travel Blog
Luxembourg
Instagram : annaktina
annakatina.com
Anna loves photos, writes texts, creates content, and blogs about fashion and travel. She describes herself as follows: “I quickly realized that my heart belongs to photography. I would describe my style as photojournalism with a touch of nostalgia and romance.” Take a look at her blog, as it speaks for itself…
How many countries have you visited and how do you choose your travel destinations?
I have visited about twenty countries in total; some I visit regularly, while others I have only been to once. My selection criteria vary. There are business trips and those I take purely for pleasure. I usually try to choose a place that is in the off-season to avoid large crowds. For example, Mauritius is very busy in winter, so I visited in summer and was very satisfied! Contrary to general information, the weather was good, and there were few people there. I also like to travel to the French Riviera or Spain in winter because the temperatures are pleasant, and there are not too many tourists. Therefore, I could say that one of my selection criteria is the off-season.
How do you organize your travels?
I create a mood board for each trip. I collect inspiring photos and addresses that I find on blogs or Instagram, and I exchange ideas with friends who have been there before. I only make a list of the places I absolutely must see and the things I would like to experience. For the rest, I let everything come to me; less planning is more exciting.
Your advice on finding the best deals?
I often find the best deals in apps from travel agencies or airlines, for example. There are plenty of platforms where you can find the best flight and accommodation.
Do you have any insider tips on how to explore a country best?
In my opinion, the best way to explore a country is to inform yourself a little about the culture beforehand. If you arrive at the destination with some background knowledge, you can avoid making some mistakes. For example, in Japan, wearing shoes in private homes or houses is not allowed. I recommend quickly leaving the tourist spots behind. Experience the locals in their daily lives, observe their way of life, how they express themselves, talk to them: This way, you learn a lot about a culture. The beauty of a country is discovered with a curious eye!
What is your best/worst memory?
I don’t necessarily have a worst or best memory. Every trip has something unique and leaves a special feeling. My favorite places so far are Tokyo, Havana, Malta, Moscow, and the Belgian coast. People are often amused when I mention the latter, as it is right next to Luxembourg, but I have had a special connection to this place since my childhood. In my opinion, it is precisely these connections that leave the most beautiful memories. That’s why you should always be open-minded and not shy away from new encounters.
Photos: © Anna Katina
