Travel to see that the world is bigger than your fear

Introduce yourself in a few words..

I am Vanya Ananieva – a creator, a traveler at heart and a dreamer by vocation. I believe that the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. For me, traveling is not just moving from point A to point B – it is a way of life, a way of thinking, a way of perceiving the world. Every new city, every new encounter, every different culture shapes me as a person and as a professional.

For you, traveling around the world is...?

Freedom, inspiration, lessons. Traveling is a meeting with oneself in a new place. It gives me space for thought, a sense of connection with people from different cultures and perspectives. It is the best education – experienced, not told. It opens the mind and heart in ways that nothing else can.

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

Over 25 countries – each with something of its own, each leaving a mark. One of my favorite stories is in Italy – in Rome I came across a street concert in an old square. There I met an artist from Brazil who inspired me to paint again. That same evening I bought a sketchbook, which I still carry with me when I travel. This small encounter unlocked a whole new world within me.

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

Yes, I love it. I often return to Italy – it fills me with color, taste, and life. Repeating destinations is not boring when you yourself are changing. You look at the same place with different eyes, different thoughts. It becomes yours in a deeper sense – like a friendship that develops over time.

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

My first trip to London – back when I was a student. There I saw for the first time how a culture can combine tradition and modernity with such ease. I realized that borders are mental. That you can be yourself anywhere if you are authentic. This vision of freedom and expression changed the way I view my work and life.

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

I learn that flexibility is strength. That language is not just words, but expression, gesture, heart. That when you listen with respect, every culture opens up to you. I realized that a good professional is one who can adapt without losing themselves. This is a smart balance between confidence and openness.

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

Many. In Vienna, I was inspired by an educational museum that combines art and science through games. This gave birth to an idea for my future space for learning through experience. In Istanbul, I met an entrepreneur who develops causes through design. We became friends and allies. Travels are the best field for ideas.

Do you think that your travels help you to expand your professional network? How?

Absolutely. Traveling is a living experience and when you are open, people feel it. I meet people from different fields – education, culture, entrepreneurship. Some of my partnerships have started from brief conversations in a gallery, seminar, or even at an airport. Energy attracts opportunities.

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

I develop observation, adaptability, patience, and intercultural sensitivity the most. In my work, this manifests in my ability to sense the needs of people, to build content with attention to nuances, and to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

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

Yes – London. The harmony between nature, urban environment, education, and culture inspired me to dream of a space that combines wellness, learning, and creativity. I am working on a concept that includes this idea – a different educational experience.

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

More motivated. Because the new awakens me. I see with different eyes, think broader, create bolder. Distraction only happens when I return without allowing myself to truly immerse – then I feel that I have missed the moment. True inspiration comes from immersion.

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

Yes – Sinemorets – where we built our dream house. This is my place for connecting with my inner self. The light, the colors, nature – everything is like a new canvas. At these places I return to myself and to my ideas in a new way. There, projects are born.

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

With planning and intuition. I leave time for work, but I do not cling to the schedule. If inspiration comes at 7 in the morning by the lake – I sit down and write. If I need to postpone a meeting because of a sunset over an old fortress – I accept it as an investment in my soul. The balance is in flexibility.

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

I learned that value is not in the label, but in the experience. That dining on the steps of a cathedral with a roll and cheese can give you more meaning than a fancy dinner in a luxury restaurant. Money is a means, but experiences – they are the true wealth.

Are you traveling with the aim of finding new ways to make money?

I travel with an open heart – and this often leads to new opportunities. Ideas come when I don’t seek them with calculation. I have seen working business models, inspiring formats, and partnerships that motivate me to create new products, but that is never my main goal.

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

That happiness is not measured by luxury. In Scandinavia, I learned what sustainability means. In Asia – what modesty means. In Southern Europe – how to celebrate life. Financial independence is related to awareness, not possession. With an inner measure.

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

Yes, without hesitation. Experiences become part of you – memories, lessons, stories. The material ages. What is experienced – matures. It gives you new eyes, a new heart, new ideas.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

I believe it will become increasingly accessible. People are seeking freedom and flexibility. But there will also need to be a search for balance – because nomadism is not just romance, but also discipline. The most successful will be those who know how to live simply, but think deeply and strategically.

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

Yes – Estonia, Portugal, Netherlands. They support startups, digital professions, offer a good standard of living and access to networks. But I believe that it is not the place that makes the person, but the person – the place. The inner readiness is important.

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

Probably Thailand – for its creative energy, the sea, the soft light, the cultural diversity. There I feel my imagination alive and calm. It is a place that invites you to create.

What are the destinations that you would recommend must be visited and why?

Italy – for its flavors. Barcelona – for its art. Morocco – for its colors. Iceland – for its silence. Traveling is not a luxury – it is an inner need, food for the soul, an outward gaze that returns inward.

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

Travel to see that the world is bigger than your fear. Expand your horizons, meet different perspectives, observe. And create work that allows you to remain free. Because career success is not just a result – it is a path with open eyes.