Journey to La Dolce Vita: A Tale of Travel, Adventure, and Living the Dream
1. What inspired you to create a lifestyle based on travel, adventure and broadcasting your version of La Dolce Vita?
This has been my dream since childhood. Adventure books, the BBC Nature channel and travel programs have shaped this passion. As an adult, I began to travel a lot, so to speak, according to the vacation program of 2 weeks. These trips captivated me more and more, as the world turned out to be much more interesting and exciting than pictures from a magazine, and I wanted not just to go on vacation, but to live in every place for several months. And the list got larger and larger. In addition, I am a very visual person and I love to see a lot of interesting, diverse and beautiful things around me. And I love being in nature. Therefore, it was a matter of time and finding a remote job.
2. Can you share some of the most memorable experiences from your travels that have significantly impacted your lifestyle?
No matter how offensive it may be to others, the most memorable and wonderful time for me was actually in the time of the corona pandemic. During this time I was stuck in Thailand, where I finally immersed myself in kitesurfing in Pak Nam Pran for 6 months, then moved to the tropical island of Koh Phangan, where I met my husband. It was truly a magical time for me.
And also climbing mountains gives me simply unimaginable emotions and admiration. This was the case in the Julian Alps, Slovenia and Fansipan, Vietnam, after which I became a fan of hiking
3. How do you approach creating content that captures the essence of your adventures and lifestyle?
Actually, I don’t have a special approach, I just broadcast my daily trips, events and adventures. And because I really move around a lot, I see a lot and go to a lot of places every day, and in all my free time I try to see something, go somewhere, and this happens every day and sometimes several different places in a day. I don’t have to plan much; I just look at the options I have at that moment and choose somewhere to go. The only thing I really need in order to maintain and update my website is to find a day when I have inspiration to write and design articles, as this requires a more serious approach.
4. What does La Dolce Vita mean to you in the context of modern travel and lifestyle?
How did people understand “La Dolce Vita” in the past? It was all about getting a big house, stability, a car and a job. I think in modern realities and with the digitalization of everything, the idea of the world and lifestyle is gradually changing. In my understanding, this is a way to live life freely, not to depend on a place, office, or other circumstances, to study the cultures of different countries not from books, but while living nearby, to travel the world. After all, what makes us richer and happier? Impressions, unforgettable experiences, amazing new acquaintances, being in nature, feeling simple relaxation while walking along the beach or mountains and enjoying the views.
5. How do you balance the demands of constant travel and content creation?
It really can be difficult. When travel gets intense and I get tired, I don’t always have the time and energy to share content. But when I see my photos and videos, I go: “Wow!” This is such a beautiful and interesting place I’ve just been to and it totally captivates me and I can’t resist sharing. So everything is in a flow.
6. What advice would you give to someone looking to undertake a similar lifestyle journey?
Travel now and try not to worry too much about losing some of your money. Money will always come back to you, but time will not. So don't wait for retirement to start travelling. I think after the coronavirus many professions moved online and now it’s not so difficult to get your boss to agree to let you work online, first for 3 months, then 6, and then a year. Just ask. And you shouldn’t be too scared to leave home, pack a backpack and take a flight. It's always scary at the beginning, but once you start, you'll realize that the world is limitless, full of opportunities, wonderful people, and along the way you'll meet people just like you.
7. Can you share how you plan your travels and choose destinations that fit your brand and lifestyle?
My plans are based on a country’s visa, climate, and activities. I write down a plan for the year. For example, I love kitesurfing and there are excellent conditions (wind, beach) in Pak Nam Pran, Thailand from February to May, then maybe Vietnam, then South Korea or Australia. I also choose a continent for a year so that there are not many long flights.
8. How have your views on travel and living a fulfilling life changed since you started your journey?
I think a lot has changed in my views. I no longer have culture shock, I have a lot of tolerance for and interest in new things, I don’t hesitate to stop and eat in very limited-budget places.
9. Are there any particular destinations or types of adventure that you find particularly inspiring or fulfilling?
Of course, everything that has to do with hiking, trekking in the jungle, snorkeling, surfing, kitesurfing - it all brings me great pleasure. In this regard, I really like Asia and Oceania. Limitless possibilities.
I also really love dancing! So when we get to a new place one of the first things we do is to find out about the local parties. We really love disco music and Latin music parties. It’s a great way to meet people and make connections, while moving your body and having fun.
10. What are your future plans or aspirations in terms of travel, lifestyle and professional path? Are there any upcoming projects or areas that you're particularly excited about?
To take it more slowly. The last 6 years have been super active and now I’m starting to think more about buying a house somewhere that will be my home for 6 months and travel the rest of the time. And I want to dive deeper into the study of the underwater world, complete diving courses, volunteer in animal protection centers and go on expeditions. And I’d also like to travel more thoroughly around Australia.
