Making Travel Meaningful, Through the Lens of Karolina Valeikaite

“Each destination offers something unique—environmental conditions or cultural insights,” she says when asked how her travels continue to influence her professionally. “Traveling exposes you to new experiences, and I try to photograph and focus on details that are true to each destination.”

And what details could be truer to a destination than its inhabitants? “Since I remember I’ve been drawn to photographing people, so naturally, people watching is one of my favorite activities” Valeikaite says. She fondly recalls a recent trip to Florence, Italy, where exploring the city’s rich history, renaissance architecture, artistic scene and profound cultural heritage influenced her creative approach—as did taking a moment to take it all in.

“I find it extraordinary to walk in a city with so much history; to simply sit down with a glass of red wine and watch the old city living its current life,” she says. “Photography gives me a reason to pause and observe while traveling, and it allows me to connect with the local community and experience locations in a way that feels intimate and genuine.”

As a creative with a penchant for exploration, Valeikaite naturally finds inspiration—both personally and professionally—in the unknown. “I do find that my sources of inspiration change over time, however, one source has always been the same—culture,” she says. In her photography, she strives to capture not just the stunning landscapes she encounters but also the candid moments that encapsulate the people, their narratives, and the cultural intricacies that characterize each destination. To Valeikaite, the everyday yet profound moments of human connection are the heartbeat of her artistic vision.

When she’s not traveling, Valeikaite splits time between London and Puglia, Italy, where she and her husband are renovating an old farmhouse in the countryside (cue: even more envy). When she is traveling, however, wherever the destination, Valeikaite is sure to always seek out the new and unfamiliar—something she says makes for the most meaningful travel possible.

“Getting out of your comfort zone may be painful at first but will shortly turn into amazing stories and great memories,” she says. “Make conversation with strangers, other travelers, write down their tips, collect information like a sponge and then act on your preferences.”

Another tip for a truly impactful trip: “Learn something new,” Valekaite says, advising readers to sign up for a workshop or class while traveling to learn a craft or skill that’s unique to the destination. Her own preferred method of doing so, she says, is culinary—be it a farm-to-table immersion, street food tour, visiting food markets, or learning about local ingredients. “Cooking classes really show me how, no matter where we come from, we all share a love for food,” she says. “Each culinary experience is transformative, offering a new perspective on something as everyday as cooking.”