Travel and Personal Growth: Anastasia Pash On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better Human Beings
An interview with Maria Angelova
Exceed Expectations: The key is to never overpromise and underdeliver. For instance, when I ran my Airbnb management company, I ensured that the properties were not just as advertised but included personal touches like a local guidebook and welcome baskets. Guests remembered these details and often returned because of them.
As a part of my series about “How To Create A Travel Experience That Keeps People Coming Back For More”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anastasia Pash.
If travel, fashion, or the intersection of both interests you, you’re going to want to read the brand-new book by Anastasia Pash. A one-time travel blogger and seasoned globetrotter (she lived in nine countries across four continents, and stamped her passport in over forty!) Pash is also a renowned fashion aficionado and power woman entrepreneur. In her latest endeavor, she brings her world of stylish and functional travel to the masses with her exciting new book, “Travel With Style. “The important new book is of interest to anyone interested in fashion and travel — whether the reader is roaming the world for business or pleasure. Essentially, Anastasia transformed her expertise in travel packing into a must-have guide for the modern traveler.”
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
My career has been so full of variety, twists, and turns that it’s hard to pinpoint one. I started as a trainee in an investment bank in London, and now I’m an entrepreneur and author with a mix of both successful and less successful ventures behind me.
The pivot point came in 2017 when I left the corporate world to chase a more creative life. I left London and landed in a tiny seaside village in Mozambique, volunteering for a marine conservation foundation. That’s when I started creating 360° films and working on my travel blog. The 360° films I made in Mozambique received recognition and won international awards, propelling me into virtual reality. I started a VR production studio and worked with some of the biggest brands in travel and hospitality to create virtual experiences for them before the “Metaverse” was a thing.
My experience with virtual reality and passion for travel led me to launch a platform for virtual travel during the pandemic, which helped thousands of people from around the world to keep exploring and learning about different cities from home. To promote the company, I came to a conference to Dubai at the end of 2020 — the only in-person conference that took place that year — and I fell in love with the city. A year later, my husband and I moved down here. We’re both happily settled here, building on the next phase of our careers. It’s been an extraordinary path, and if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that embracing the flow and following your curiosity can lead to a life beyond what you might have imagined.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Oh, there were so many mistakes along the way! Looking back, one of the funniest was my approach to networking. ‘It’s who you know,’ they said, but nobody explained how it actually works. So there I was, at huge conferences like CES, collecting business cards like they were going out of style. I’d go home, email everyone, sing praises of our work and ask for partnerships or client opportunities. Then, I’d be puzzled when no one replied.
Over time, I learned that real networking is about genuine relationships, not transactions. It’s giving before you ask, staying in touch without an agenda, and letting opportunities come naturally. That shift in approach has made all the difference.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
Absolutely, I owe a lot to the mentors in my life. The most pivotal figure wasn’t someone you’d expect. Back in 2016, I was at a really low point — feeling lost in my finance career and out of place in London. Serendipity led me to Dr Ruben Orellana, a renowned archaeologist and shaman from Peru. It might sound unconventional, but the perspective shift I experienced thanks to him was profound. He helped me see a different worldview to understand more about how the Universe works and how much power we have inside us. I found the inner strength and confidence to take risks for the sake of my dreams. With his guidance, I found the courage to swap the safety of a finance career for the uncertainties of a creative life. I’ve embraced spirituality, mindfulness, and self-development ever since, and I’m thankful for every teacher and mentor who’s been a part of my journey into the unknown.
Thank you for that. Let’s jump to the core of our discussion. Can you share with our readers about the innovations that you are bringing to the travel and hospitality industries?
Innovation in travel, for me, has always been about thinking differently. I started working with virtual reality in 2016, when it was still a novel concept to many. During the pandemic, Globetrotter VR was the first and only truly accessible virtual travel platform. Then, back when I was living in Cyprus from 2018 to 2022, I founded the island’s first Airbnb management company, tapping into the emerging trend of shared economy in hospitality.
My latest venture is my book, ‘Travel with Style’. It’s a guide that combines my passion for travel and fashion, offering advice on creating stylish yet functional travel capsules. Having traveled to over forty countries and lived in nine, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on packing smart. The book breaks down my packing process and gives detailed styling and packing recommendations for twenty top travel spots, plus skiing and safari. It’s a unique resource I wish I had when I started traveling! It could have spared me both the expense of overweight baggage fees and unwanted attention when I didn’t have the right clothes. The book fills a gap in the market by empowering travelers to feel confident and look great, no matter where they’re traveling to.
Which “pain point” are you trying to address by introducing this innovation and how do you envision that this might disrupt the status quo?
The primary pain point I’m addressing with “Travel with Style” is the stress and uncertainty of packing for travel. Too often, travelers throw items into their suitcases last minute, leading to heavy luggage filled with things they never wear. They risk standing out awkwardly, being denied entry to cultural sites for dress code violations or defaulting to the classic jeans and a T-shirt because they’re unsure what to wear.
This book aims to disrupt this status quo by guiding readers to become conscious travelers. It’s about dressing in a way that’s respectful of local customs and conducive to genuine cultural engagement. By offering specific advice on what to wear based on weather, cultural norms, and activities, I aim to empower travelers to pack efficiently and with confidence. This approach not only alleviates the stress of packing but also enriches the travel experience by fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
As you know, COVID19 changed the world as we know it. Can you share a few examples of how travel and hospitality companies will be adjusting over the next five years to the new ways that consumers will prefer to travel?
Firstly, with travel becoming a more considered and less frequent choice due to cost and health concerns, companies are likely to shift towards offering more meaningful and enriching experiences. The era of mass tourism may give way to personalized journeys, where quality trumps quantity.
Remote work has changed the game too. It’s not just about ‘vacations’ anymore; people are blending travel with their work lives, leading to an increase in ‘workations.’ Over the next five years, travel providers will curate longer stay packages, facilitating these new nomads with amenities that support both leisure and work.
Lastly, the integration of technology will be crucial. From AI-powered personalization to seamless booking experiences, companies will need to use tech to meet the heightened expectations of travelers. They’ll be looking for bespoke experiences where their individual preferences are not just met but anticipated. It’s a shift from the one-size-fits-all approach to one where each traveler’s journey is as unique as their fingerprint.
You are a “travel insider”. How would you describe your “perfect vacation experience”?
The ideal travel experience for me is all about immersion. Imagine spending at least a month — or longer — in a place so different from your everyday life that each day is a discovery. That’s what I love. My husband and I have embraced this way of travelling. We find an apartment, settle in, and live like the locals. We go to the local markets, cafes, and restaurants, make friends, join local festivities, and learn the community’s rhythm.
We’ve done this in four countries — Mozambique, Barcelona, Dubai and Bali. Each has offered unforgettable moments that have broadened our perspectives. There’s a certain magic in slow travel — you’re not just ticking off the sights but truly absorbing the culture around you. I realize how fortunate we have been to travel this way, and I genuinely wish everyone could experience this kind of deep cultural immersion at least once. It’s transformative.
Travel is not always about escaping, but about connecting. Have you made efforts to cultivate a more wellness-driven experience? We’d love to hear about it.
To me, travel is a profound means of connecting — not only with new environments but with people and cultures. And part of that connection comes from how we present ourselves. They say we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the reality is that appearances do matter. Especially when travelling. Clothes are more than just fabric; they’re a form of communication. I’ve experienced how dressing appropriately can open doors and hearts in ways that sportswear never could, particularly in places where dressing well is an integral part of the culture.
In my travels, I take time to understand local customs and dress codes. This isn’t just about respect; it’s about wanting to engage with the community on a deeper level, beyond the surface-level tourist experience. This philosophy is the essence of my book — it’s a guide to help travelers bridge cultural gaps through style. By aligning how we dress with the places we visit, we consciously promote understanding and respect, turning every trip into an opportunity for genuine connection.
Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things one should know in order to create a travel experience that keeps bringing people back for more?
I’ll tell you from the perspective of a seasoned traveler, and someone who has run several business in the industry:
Exceed Expectations: The key is to never overpromise and underdeliver. For instance, when I ran my Airbnb management company, I ensured that the properties were not just as advertised but included personal touches like a local guidebook and welcome baskets. Guests remembered these details and often returned because of them.
Simplify the Experience: Make the process as simple as possible. There is nothing worse than having to fill out a bunch of forms after a long flight. I still don’t understand why hotels haven’t perfected the check-in process. Eliminate decision-making if you can. Most business people have decision fatigue and would appreciate not having to make any during their vacation.
Create Opportunities for Real Immersion in Local Life: Real connections come from authentic experiences. Instead of the usual tourist traps, recommend places where travelers can dine with locals or suggest local festivities and events and facilitate their attendance. These interactions lead to genuine connections and often long-lasting friendships.
Provide Guidance and Support: Travelers should be well-informed before they travel. When I was going on my shamanic tour of Peru, I loved that we received a packing list from the organizers. Knowing the dress code for temples, or what clothing or manners can be inappropriate or even illegal in some countries can make or break a holiday.
Delight and Enrich: Make the trip transformative. A travel experience should be more than a photo op — it should change us somehow. The stories we hear and our experiences during our travels can inspire us to make monumental leaps in our lives. Give travelers something that they can treasure for the rest of their lives.
Can you share with our readers how you have used your success to bring goodness to the world?
Absolutely. I’ve always approached my work with the intention to spread joy and make a positive impact.
Creating virtual travel experiences has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Seeing people’s faces light up with wonder as they ‘dive’ underwater or stand face-to-face with an African elephant, has been incredibly fulfilling.
When managing my Airbnb company, my goal was to extend beyond hospitality; I wanted visitors to feel like they had a friend in Cyprus, someone to guide them to authentic experiences and support them during their stay.
And with ‘Travel with Style’, it’s about empowerment. I want to inspire women to feel confident and radiant in their travels, opening doors to new opportunities and meaningful relationships. I met my husband on one of my holidays! So those struggling to find love in their home city, don’t dismiss the idea that your other half is looking for you across the borders!
The love and energy I pour into my projects resonate with the end user, bringing a bit of love and joy into their lives.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
In my thirties, I have become aware of the importance of balance. The movement I’m fostering, which is taking root in Dubai, encourages entrepreneurs and start-up founders to prioritize their wellbeing alongside their business ambitions. We often fall into the trap of sacrificing our health, relationships, and passions at the altar of our companies. I’m advocating for a shift away from this martyr mentality. With Soulbridge Co, and we’ve been running events and workshops that teach and empower entrepreneurs to take control of their wellbeing. We’re also creating a community where admitting you’re exhausted, have had enough, and need help is safe and acceptable.
We’re challenging the start-up industry’s outdated belief that suffering is a prerequisite for success. Instead, we’re promoting a lifestyle where reconnecting with oneself, managing stress, and working effectively are at the forefront. This creates successful businesses and well-rounded, empowered leaders who make decisions from a place of abundance and wellbeing, not fear and exhaustion. It’s about creating a culture where personal growth and company growth go hand in hand.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nastasiapash/
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Travel and Personal Growth: Anastasia Pash On Why & How Traveling Can Help Us Become Better Human… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.