Ellina Astakhova

My parents took me to thirty countries before I turned eighteen - they loved to travel and brought me along with them on all trips.

Once I became an adult and started traveling alone or with friends, I realized how much effort went into saving and planning for each adventure, and must admit I've struggled to replicate my parents' traveling routine. Additionally, the older I get, the more I see how many of my successes can be attributed to those early-age travel experiences: a young mind exposed to completely new cultures, lifestyles, and mentalities is one that learns to be accepting and limitless.

Last but not least, I've also been to a couple of countries roughly a decade apart (e.g. Dominican Republic and the Maldives) to witness firsthand the damage our planet is undergoing: vibrant colors I admired while snorkeling as a child were all gone from coral reefs once I became a teenager.

Overall, traveling is one of the best gifts my parents gave me, one I continue to give myself, and also hope to grant to my future kids.

| Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia | 28 | Currently in London, United Kingdom |

| www.instagram.com/_astellina_ |