Travel isn't just a luxury you only take advantage of to shop for novelty knick-knacks and experience the many "special" McDonald's region-specific menu items (japan is insane). It's one of the best ways to grow, learn, and rediscover yourself in ways you never thought possible. So it's always nice to see inspiring homegrown examples of something this profound, like Amira Ihab; a gifted photographer and a traveler since 21, Amira's passion for discovery and exploring the far corners of this earth have been crucial to her development and skills. With her brilliant command of photography and a sense for scenery, Amira snaps some of the most dazzling photos we've seen, and we had to get in touch to hear her story.

Austrian Alps, Hallstatt, Austria.

A lot of travelers out there will be quick to tell you to just pack up a suitcase, get on a plane and just "go adventuring," when we all know too well how much of a hassle (mentally and financially) going anywhere actually is, especially when you don't have daddy's money to rely on. Amira, who's been to 21 countries so far all while maintaining her work life, has one solid piece of advice for would be travelers: Plan Ahead. "People think it's way too expensive to go see the world, when all they have to do is limit their expectations, plan and research everything months ahead and learn to spend their money wisely." Amira would volunteer with various organisations for room and board, share living space with local families, only use hostels when on her own and she'd work whenever she could to support herself abroad.

The Gili Trawangan, Bali, Indonesia.

Amira believes the best way to experience different countries is to immerse yourself in its culture and nuances, "wandering around and seeing the sights, interacting with the people and learning about the culture first hand makes you appreciate countries so much more." With her trusty camera in tow and an amazing knack for photography, Amira takes drop-dead gorgeous photos of all the locales she's been to; the mesmerizing coastal sights of Indonesia, breathtaking jungles and canyons of Brazil and my personal favourite, the serene and expansive volcanic plains of Iceland. Amira plans to visit a total of 196 countries, hence 196stamps, and she's been to 21 so far, including Croatia. Germany, Poland, Austria and even had a brief stint in Scandinavia.

Rice Terrace Tegalalang, Bali, Indonesia