The travel bug bit Alina Larson at age 12 when her family moved to Sydney, Australia for a year. She’s been kicking up dust ever since, visiting 27 countries and counting.

After studying in Greece her junior year of college, she returned there to teach English for two years. Other favorite past destinations include Shanghai, Thailand, and Morocco.

When she’s home in New York City, you’ll find her playing travel agent for friends and family, scouring the Internet for deals, or hunched over a guidebook.

You can find her travel tips in Destination: Inspiration.