The only reason I work is the opportunity to travel the world

A story about the love for travel

Hello! My name is Ralitsa, I am 28 years old, I work in the field of human resources and recruitment for a small but ambitious agency in London, England. I am more than excited about the invitation to speak on one of my favorite topics — traveling the world. It is a passion, inspiration, and a way of life.

I often joke that the only reason I work is the opportunity to travel the world — perhaps so often that I don't know how much of a joke it still is. I have an overwhelming desire to see, feel, and experience everything — from the noisy metropolises to the quiet, hidden villages, from the busy streets of Asia to the endless deserts of Africa. Different destinations, cultures, languages, traditions, and faces — each journey is a breath of fresh air and a balm for the soul.

Sometimes I think that even a whole lifetime will not be enough for me to enjoy everything that the world has to offer. Investing in travel is like giving yourself new eyes with which to see life. This is perhaps the only thing you spend money on and come back richer — emotionally, spiritually, and even professionally.

Today we live in an incredibly privileged era where free travel is a reality (with a visa or two, of course). And honestly, I see no reason not to take advantage of it. Some travel to visit museums and galleries, others go backpacking in Vietnam or the Andes, others fly to support their favorite team in the Champions League final. All of this is beautiful, magical, and absolutely necessary.

How many different countries have you seen so far? Do you like to repeat destinations?

I have visited 36 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. With each one of them, I have left a piece of myself and taken something priceless. The truth is, I am an extremely sentimental person — and I often return to favorite places. Sometimes even ten times, as happened with Italy, Greece, England — all eternal destinations.

I love that the same place can be experienced in completely different ways depending on the company, emotions, memories, and even the weather. Repeating a trip is not a repetition — it is a new chapter in the same wonderful book.

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

The autumn of 2023 sent me on an exciting and deeply contrasting adventure that will forever remain in my memory. Within a single week, I was in two countries — contrasting like black and white.

First, I accompanied my friend to a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark — a technological oasis, an embodiment of order, precision, and innovation. One of the most developed economies in the world, filled with impeccable organization, a modern spirit, and green solutions. A little later, after six flights, we found ourselves in Hammamet, Tunisia — an exotic, colorful, and magnetic country, full of warmth, contrasts, and inspiring history.

This trip showed me how flexible we can be as people and professionals. It reminded me that our perspective depends on the place we are in — and that contrast is often the best teacher.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural environment? Do you think that traveling helps you expand your professional network?

When I travel for work (for example, events, conferences, trainings), I learn a lot of practical things — adaptation, communication, time and task management on the go. But the most valuable, without a doubt, are the people I meet.

Networking (this lovely Bulgarian word 😄) is one of the strongest weapons in our industry. Every conversation, smile, or even a shared cup of coffee can turn into a new partnership, idea, or perspective. Traveling teaches me courage, flexibility, and the ability to build connections beyond borders and languages.

And outside of work — I learned that I never want to stop traveling. Cliché, but true.

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

Absolutely every trip, whether in Bulgaria or outside it, acts on my creativity like a fresh breath of air. Sometimes even just a weekend in the mountains or in a small village makes me recharge, rethink, and come back with new energy.

My best ideas, my boldest decisions have been made far from home — when the mind is calm, and the heart is open to the new.

At the beginning of our relationship, my friend and I decided to collect stamps from the “100 national tourist sites.” This little challenge made us more organized, more creative, and bolder in our choice of destinations. We visited places we didn't even know existed, and fell in love with Bulgaria in a new way.

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

I believe that traveling itself is what helps me achieve balance. In a world of turbulent markets, constant changes, and persistent digital noise, traveling is my “zero time” — that moment of pause when I gather with myself.

When you change your perspective, you change your focus. And when you change your focus, you find solutions that you would never have seen otherwise.

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

I am not a fan of extremes, but with my hand on my heart, I can say: there is nothing better to spend money on than a plane ticket! 😊

I am a woman, I love nice shoes, perfumes, and small bags. I adore my favorite perfume, which costs about 350 BGN (on sale!). But if I have to choose, I prefer my hair to smell of the sea, from the salt after a late afternoon on a yacht, rather than anything else.

Material things are wonderful. But memories? They are priceless.

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

Nothing is worth it at any cost. Nothing is that serious. Time heals. Everything will be alright.

Sometimes you just need to step back, take a breath, and remind yourself that life is not just work, but an experience.

P.S. If you are a heart surgeon, please do not pay attention to the answer to the last question. 😄