An Interview with Andra Oprea | Wanderlust

Wanderlust
a wish to travel far away and to many different places
“a woman consumed by wanderlust”

Here at Grow Gorgeous we’ve well and truly got the travelling-bug, and we’ve been looking for some inspiration. If you are too, look no further than Andra Oprea, a travel-blogger who, with her husband, takes incredibly beautiful photographs to document their trips. We chat to her about the most magical place she’s ever visited, how she takes such incredible photos and her top packing tips , get ready to feel inspired…

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

My name is Andra, I am 34 years old and married to the most wonderful man on the planet. I’m passionate about photography and I’m going through a mid-life crisis that’s making me develop a weird personality that manifests itself through my pictures! Sometimes ordinary and sometimes glamorous, sometimes cranky and sometimes calm and peaceful. I sometimes tend to take things too seriously, but I usually try to have a relaxed and laid back attitude towards life – I prefer to smile!

When did you first get the travel-bug? What made you fall in love with it?

I think our first trip to Thailand was a turning point. From then on I developed an insatiable appetite for travelling and experiencing the world first hand. It’s a bit of a paradox, because I think what actually made me start this journey will probably end it too. Whilst I was in Asia, I met some of the most amazing people and saw some of the most incredible sights. The trip made me start to reflect on my own life and helped me make peace with myself, become more relaxed and become less judgemental of others.

 What’s your favourite holiday memory you have?

Kenya, mainly for two reasons: it was our honeymoon trip and it was our childhood dream to go on a safari in Africa.

Do you have any top tips for travelling?

My only advice is don’t pack your prejudice when you are going on a trip – open yourself to new experiences and just live!

Long-haul flights can be hell. Do you have any advice making them as bearable as possible?

Wear comfortable clothing, don’t forget to take your neck pillow and try to get as comfortable as you can without inconveniencing others. Drink lots of water and do some light stretching when you get the chance. In general, we prefer flights with more stops to longer flights with no stops, so whenever we get the chance we choose those!

Do you “pack light” for your trips? What are your hair and beauty essentials?

We try to pack as light as we can and usually we successfully squeeze all our stuff into just one checked-in bag. I always pack anti-dandruff shampoo, face cream, night serum, face scrub, hair oil, nail polish, makeup remover and of course sun cream.

 Whats your dream holiday destination?

I dream of going to South America for at least 6 months so that I can experience as much as possible!

Tips for taking amazing vacation photos?

Firstly, find someone who will take amazing photos (even if he doesn’t like it!)

Jokes aside, I don’t think you need fancy expensive equipment to take great photos, you just need patience and a bit of good taste.

My secrets are:

Avoid the crowds by getting to the location early

Dress in a way that suits the location

Edit your photos with filters that are appropriate and match the creative idea you have in your head

Integrate some eye-catching elements into the photos

Most importantly, communicating the person who takes the photos (in this case my husband!)

I also analyse older photos, constantly looking for new flattering angles. I also try to find other photos that can serve as inspiration.

How do you find the best places to eat and drink whilst you’re away?

We don’t try to find the perfect place to eat and drink when we travel, we just go around and eat wherever something catches our attention.

With a few exceptions, we prefer local street-food or small family-owned restaurants.

What’s been the most surreal place you’ve ever visited? What made it so magical?

The first thing that comes to mind when is the jungle of Taman Negara in Malaysia.

It gave me a sense of being part of something much greater then me and made me feel that everything was connected, it was almost a psychedelic experience!

What will your next destination be?

This summer we are going to Spain and Morocco

 Sun, chlorine and hot weather can wreak havoc on your hair. How do you keep yours looking so great?

I try to hydrate my hair as much as I can without putting on too many products.

I try to limit using my hair straightener and blow drier as much as I can and I always prepare my hair for long exposure to the sun and sea with professional products such as UV protection sprays, oils and shampoos.

Want more from Andra? Check out her Instagram here!