Travel not only to see, but to understand

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Mariela Balcheva and I am the commercial director at DoubleTree by Hilton Plovdiv Center. I have been working in the tourism sector and the Hilton family for over two decades and I believe that travel – personal and professional – is the strongest catalyst for growth and rediscovery.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

Freedom. Traveling is a way to inhale different energy, to see the world through another culture and to rediscover myself beyond the familiar.

How many different countries have you seen so far? Share an interesting story or highlights from your travels?

I have visited over 15 countries – each with its own aroma, pulse, and lesson. I love traveling in Europe the most. One of the most interesting experiences was in the Canary Islands, where I went on a solo trip and signed up for a surf school even though I had never been on a surfboard. It was a very energizing and adventurous experience.

Do you like to repeat destinations? Give examples and motivation “for” or “against”?

Yes, I believe there is nothing wrong with returning to where your heart felt at home. I have returned more than once to Italy – not only for the cuisine and culture but also for the feeling of balance and enjoyment of life that inspires you every time in a new way.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional and can be said to have changed your thinking?

A trip to Dubai at the beginning of my career. I saw a world where scale and vision have no ceiling. It taught me to think globally and not to be afraid of big dreams.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural environment?

That adaptability is a superpower. I learn to read between the lines, to communicate beyond words, and to find common ground even with completely different people.

Have you met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career path?

Yes, some of the most meaningful conversations have happened with complete strangers whom fate brought together on planes, in hotels, or waiting areas. Sometimes a casually thrown piece of advice or shared experience can unlock a new perspective.

Do you think that travel helps you expand your professional network? How?

Absolutely. When you are open to people, opportunities come naturally. The contacts I have made during international events, trainings, or even informal travels often grow into long-term professional relationships.

What skills do you develop the most when you travel, and how do they reflect on your work?

Creativity, cultural sensitivity, time and resource management. All these qualities make me more flexible and effective in the dynamic environment of hospitality.

Is there a city or country that has inspired you to start a new business or project?

Yes – Amsterdam. This city has the unique ability to combine free thinking with exceptional business culture. I was impressed by how sustainable, digitally oriented, and flexible it is as an environment. A bike ride along the canals, meeting creative entrepreneurs in co-working spaces, and a culture where innovation happens naturally – all of this inspired me to start a new internal project aimed at greener and more sustainable practices in hospitality. Amsterdam showed me that business can be both successful and responsible without losing its human face.

When you are in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

More motivated – definitely. The new place gives me energy, ideas, and brings out the best version of me. And the small challenges keep me in shape.

Are there destinations that act as a “restart” for your creativity and ambition?

Yes – Madrid and Berlin, for example.

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure when you travel?

With clear boundaries – I give myself time to enjoy the place, but I also know when I need to focus. Discipline and pleasure can go hand in hand.

How have travels changed the way you perceive the value of money?

I realized that value is not always in the numbers, but in the memories and experiences. Money is a means – not an end. It is a way to buy time, freedom, and depth of experience.

Do you travel with the goal of finding new ways to make money?

Sometimes, but more often – to find new ideas, partnerships, and inspiration that later leads to income. For me, money follows passion, not the other way around.

What lessons about financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?

That sustainability and modesty are a golden combination.

Do you think it is better to spend on experiences rather than material possessions?

Without hesitation – yes. Time fades things, but experiences remain within us. They change and enrich you.

How do you see the future of digital nomad life?

It is already here. More and more professions allow location freedom. I believe that the hybrid model will last long – with a focus on personal choice and mobility.

Are there specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?

Portugal, Estonia, the United Arab Emirates – each with its own advantages. The important thing is to seek synergy between your personal style and the opportunities of the environment.

If you could choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea, where would it be and why?

Maybe Japan – because of the combination of discipline, aesthetics, and innovation. There, respect for detail is a culture, and that strongly inspires me.

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend to be visited and why?

San Sebastián – to see the power and silence of nature. Morocco – for the feeling of a different rhythm of life. And Italy, of course – for the pure enjoyment of everything.

What is the career advice you would give based on what you have seen around the world?

Travel not only to see, but to understand. Expand not only your horizons but also your thinking. The world is full of opportunities – you just need to be open to them.