Elana Lesse

Imagine what it felt like when you were five, six, seven years old — learning language for the first time, seeing letters and words that started to look familiar — traveling brings me back to that childish wonder. Stepping into new countries, exploring the unique differences and viewing the world through the lens of a culture vastly different than my own. I never leave for a trip without my camera, Google Maps downloaded offline and a list of must-visit coffee shops and markets. Whether it's exploring the Christmas markets in Prague sipping muled wine or taking a step back in time to the salt mines of Poland, travel has opened my eyes far beyond what any textbook or teacher could provide. My travel and planning style leaves me feeling energized from new experiences, yet rested just enough to wake up and catch the sunrise over the London bridge the next morning.