1. Why do you travel?
Traveling is my biggest passion and biggest priority. Since I was a little girl, my parents told me that experiences matter more than things. I’ve learned that and since then I try to travel as much as I can. Since I am a professional photographer, I can usually combine work with travel, which is great too.
2. What do you think of when you think of a woman traveler?
When I think women traveler I think traveler. We should definitely encourage women to travel more and break the cliches that women prefer to travel rather than explore.
3. What was your favorite travel experience?
Last year’s Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert. Nevada was definitely a highlight of the past years. I’ve never experienced anything as visually compelling as well as crazy and unusual as this festival. My road trip around the USA, as well as Salar de Uyuni – the biggest salt flat in the world in Bolivia also made a huge impression.
4. Which place(s) do you want to go next, why?
I am hoping to go to Burma (Mynmar) soon. First it is not as discoveredas other south-east Asian countries and secondly it is warm and I want to escape the winter.
5. When did you start traveling?
I started traveling with my parents when I was a little girl. As I’ve mentioned above, traveling – even short ones, road trips, short distances and cheap hotels, was their priority.
6. Who do you prefer traveling with?
I like traveling alone or with a very small group of people. I actually quite enjoy traveling on my own, since I can do whatever I want and stop for photos without disrupting anyone’s plans. Sometimes lonely travels can be a bit dangerous, so it depends on the destination
7. Why do you enjoy photographing/writing about travel?
Traveling and photography are my life and my profession. I think that exploring other lands, other cultures as well as meeting other people, expand our personal horizons, develop tolerance and broaden our view of the world. If all the people traveled more, they would be less hateful towards others.
8. What is your favorite souvenir?
I collect snow globes from different countries as well as small postcards which I frame and hang onto the wall.
Alina is a talented photographer and creative director, for more inspiration check out her site wherever.me and Instagram @rrrudya.