5 minutes with…Instagram sensation Katerina Stavreva

By Hannah Barnard on 27th June, 2017

Instagram sensation Katerina Stavreva talks to us today about her passion for traveling, photography tips and suitcase essentials.

Katerina Stavreva

Renaissance Island Aruba

Where does your passion for traveling come from?

My first trip to Japan was the moment I realized I wanted to do this as much as I could. It was just an amazing feeling to get lost in this unique place that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie with its flashy colorful signs in a strange language everywhere, the zombie business commuter culture which I found so fascinating, and its weird obsession with vending machines. I remember spending hours and hours browsing through convenience stores 7 stories high where you could find anything from strange beauty products that promised me “Cleopatra’s nose” to full size anime figures. This feeling of being completely immersed in a different way of life is what I enjoy the most about traveling and what keeps me wanting to do it again and again.
Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

What’s your favourite island in the Caribbean and why?

I love Culebra, a small island off Puerto Rico. There are many amazing beaches there, including Playa Flamenco which is in my opinion one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The island is very small and underdeveloped, there aren’t any big resorts, casinos, etc. so it attracts an interesting crowd of backpackers, free spirits, nature enthusiasts, which I love. It gives it a very authentic feel and nothing ever seems too crowded or commercialized. It also means there are never too many people on these breathtaking beaches, which truly allows you to relax and take in the beauty.
Aruba Flamingo

Renaissance Island Aruba

What are your top tips for taking stunning vacation photos?

My number one tip, especially for visiting popular tourist destinations, is to go at a time when most people are not likely to be going. For some places that could be 6 in the morning, for other places it could be 1pm (especially in places like Singapore that get too hot around that time and most people prefer to hide inside during the day), for Caribbean islands where cruise ships dock it’s helpful to check cruise ship schedules in advance, etc.
As for actual picture-taking tips, I’ve learned the best thing to do is explore as many angles as possible, interact with the environment in a natural way and don’t pose too much. Also – smile!

Starfish Point, Grand Cayman

What are your suitcase essentials?

I never go anywhere without sunscreen, earplugs, my favorite denim shorts and a hat.
El Nido, Philippines

El Nido, Philippines

What are the top 3 destinations you would like to visit this year?

Morocco, Kenya and Zanzibar.
Positano, Italy

Positano, Italy

What’s your favorite Instagram picture?

I have too many favorites to list! Most of them include a beach and some sand though :))
Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba

For more travel inspiration and beautiful photography check out Katerina Stavreva’s Instagram channel

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Read more: 5 minutes with…global wanderer and Instagram influencer Tour de Lust