Namita Gupta: From Diapers to Deadlines to 50+ Countries,My Mission Is to See All 195 (Travel Creator, 300K+ Followers)

Namita Gupta Interview

"I started this journey on a whim with just a Facebook page… today, it’s a passport full of stories and a heart full of purpose."

1. Could you share the story behind “Namionthemove”? What inspired you to start documenting your travel experiences?

From working at digital media portals during the dot-com boom to wandering through sunlit foreign streets, my journey has been anything but linear—yet deeply fulfilling.

After completing my Master's in English Literature and another in Mass Communication, I began my writing career in digital media in Bangalore and then moved into print. I eventually became the Editor of The Art of Jewellery, a glossy monthly magazine that explored both design trends and industry insights. But I chose to step back from the high-paced editorial life to prioritize my family. The writer in me, however, never paused.

Even while raising my children, I continued freelancing. I was pregnant with my second child when I was Editor of a national magazine, and once again, I made a conscious choice to shift gears and embrace motherhood more fully. Still, my pen never left me. Thanks to the consistent support of my editor at Femina, I remained connected to storytelling.

As my children grew more independent, I returned to journalism with fresh energy and perspective—writing lifestyle features, discovering hidden gems, spotlighting rising talent, and often being ahead of the curve.

The travel bug took deeper root when I was invited to write travel pieces on destinations like Turkey, Manchester, and Canada. That’s when a fellow traveler nudged me to share more actively on social media. I started a Facebook page—this was before Instagram really took off—where I posted pictures and detailed narratives about each place. That spontaneous decision evolved into what is now Namionthemove.

Today, it's more than a travel handle. It’s a celebration of rediscovery—of self and of the world. If I could do it—after detours, diapers, deadlines, and dreams—so can you. Age is just a number. Passion? That’s timeless. I’ve lost count of how many countries I’ve visited—maybe 50 or more—but my goal remains clear: to visit all 195 countries. Because to me, borders are simply invitations to new stories.

2. How do you plan your travel content—from choosing destinations to crafting engaging narratives?

I’m quite instinctive and spontaneous when it comes to travel. Sometimes it’s a destination I’ve dreamed of for years; other times it’s a sudden spark from a photo, a story, or even a random conversation. I believe the best journeys are the ones that surprise you.

Once I’m on the road, I let the place speak to me. I observe, absorb, and translate those experiences into honest, immersive narratives. My background in journalism helps me dig deeper. I don’t just write about where to go, but why it matters.

Whether it’s a tiny café in a bustling city or a quiet moment in the mountains, I focus on storytelling that connects people to places. I try to balance aspiration with authenticity—my content isn’t just about perfect frames (though that’s part of it), but about the experience itself: the people I meet, the food I try, and the unique cultural nuances that define a place.

For instance, I once went solo to Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. I booked hotels on the go and arrived by train after a long flight from Bangalore. Despite the spontaneity, it turned out to be a breathtakingly fulfilling experience. Similarly, my recent trips to Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines were all unplanned adventures—each day bringing something new and exciting.

As for creating content, I’ve never followed trends or meticulously curated a grid. I post when I feel inspired and share what genuinely moves me. Thankfully, it’s worked so far.

3. What have been some of your most memorable travel experiences, and why?

This is the question I’m asked the most, yet it’s the hardest to answer. Every country, every city, every alley I’ve explored has left a unique imprint. But a few experiences do stand out:

Canada: From Toronto’s vibrant pulse to the poetic calm of Charlottetown, it offered both energy and serenity. Charlottetown, in particular, felt like walking through a storybook.

Turkey: Istanbul was a sensory overload where East meets West. Hearing the call to prayer at sunset gave me goosebumps.

Manchester, UK: It charmed me with its creativity, cozy cafés, music scene, and the perfect blend of modern culture and historic soul.

Israel: Walking through Jerusalem was like stepping through layers of time. I also did yoga with thousands of locals in Tel Aviv on International Yoga Day—an unforgettable high!

Egypt: Standing before the Pyramids was awe-inspiring. It was a reminder of both our insignificance and our infinite imagination.

USA: From New York’s buzz to California’s calm and Arizona’s rustic charm—the U.S. keeps surprising me. I fall more in love with it with each visit.

Australia: The Great Ocean Road, the raw coastal beauty, and Sydney’s vibrant spirit—all made it unforgettable.

Kenya: Witnessing the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, feeding giraffes in Nairobi, and visiting a Maasai village—all of it felt magical.

Japan: A country of quiet poetry and vibrant life. Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka—each taught me something, from stillness to precision. Onsen baths, bamboo forests, and unforgettable ramen—it was a dream.

Moscow: Red Square felt like a fairytale. The grandeur of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the elegance of the Moscow Metro—it was like walking through a living museum.

Asia: From Bali’s spiritual energy to Bangkok’s chaos, and the beaches of Vietnam, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka—Asia constantly teaches me to embrace contrast.

Morocco: My most recent trip was a dreamscape—of colors, spices, palaces, and ancient forts. I’m still reeling from the beauty of it all.

4. As a solo traveler and creator, how do you navigate challenges like safety, budgeting, or burnout?

I’ve done a lot of solo trips, but I rarely feel alone—I tend to make friends along the way. I enjoy talking to strangers, and some of them have become good friends.

There was one time in Penang, Malaysia, when I felt quite lonely. I kept calling my family because I was feeling homesick. Malaysia is a bit conservative, and I had booked a longer trip than necessary. That’s one lesson I learned—to plan according to the vibe of the place.

I haven’t experienced burnout because I allow myself recovery time after every trip. I avoid back-to-back travels because the magic wears off if you're constantly on the go. For me, travel is never about ticking boxes—it’s about embracing the journey, the chaos, the quiet, and everything in between.

It’s about showing up with intention and heart—not just for the camera.

5. What advice would you give to someone looking to turn their love for travel into a full-time career?

Start with passion, but remember—passion alone isn’t enough. Consistency, discipline, and hard work are essential.

Find your voice. Don’t try to copy others. Whether you write, vlog, or click pictures—bring your own unique lens. Authenticity will always shine through.

What people see on social media may look glamorous, but behind every post is a lot of unseen effort—missed milestones, early mornings, late nights, and quiet sacrifices. Still, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If you love it deeply, it’s worth it.

6. How do you stay authentic and consistent in an increasingly competitive digital world?

For me, authenticity isn’t a strategy—it’s who I am.

I don’t chase trends or worry about algorithms. I share what genuinely touches me. My posts are rarely filtered or overly edited—they’re real moments. Whether it’s a sunrise, a meaningful story, or a spontaneous thought, I try to keep it honest.

If my content moves even one person, sparks curiosity, or brings comfort—that’s enough. I’ve never felt the need to be in a rat race. I’m walking my own path, one step at a time. And that’s what keeps me grounded.

7. Lastly, what are your dream destinations or goals that you’re still excited to pursue?

Almost a decade ago, I had planned a trip to see the Northern Lights—back when it wasn’t even a popular thing on social media. But my travel dates clashed with a colleague's leave, and being in a full-time newsroom job, I had to stay back.

Strangely, that dream is still waiting.

So yes, chasing the Northern Lights is still at the very top of my bucket list. And I truly hope to tick it off very soon.

Bio:

Namita Gupta is the storyteller behind Namionthemove, a travel journal born from passion, purpose, and a deep curiosity about the world. With over 18 years in journalism and lifestyle writing, Namita blends an editorial eye with an explorer’s heart—capturing not just places, but the emotions, cultures, and connections that make each journey unforgettable. Namionthemove isn’t just about travel—it’s about transformation. One story, one step, one soul-stirring experience at a time.

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Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh