Maha Interview
Q. Can you share your journey and what inspired your love for travel?
My journey into travel began unexpectedly. My first-ever flight, and even my first passport application, was for moving to Ireland to pursue my master’s degree.
While that chapter felt like a dream, it carries a deeper purpose. It’s a journey I am fulfilling for my late mother, who was my greatest source of support. Just days after I secured a job in Ireland and began gaining independence, she passed away.
A day before her passing, we had a two-hour conversation that changed everything. She spoke about her dream of travelling the world, visiting places like Iceland, London, New York, Singapore, and Japan. She encouraged me to delay settling down and instead experience life fully. That conversation was unlike any we had before, filled with hope, dreams, and everything she wanted for me.
Since then, I’ve made it a priority to travel as much as I can. My passport is now filled with stamps, and memories. I carry her photo with me on every trip, and in many ways, I feel like I’m travelling not just for myself, but for her.
Q. How do you balance a full-time job with your passion for travel?
Balancing a full-time job with travel requires intentional planning. Every year on December 31st, I map out my travel plans for the year ahead. While not everything materialises, it provides direction and motivation.
I typically book flights and accommodations at least three months in advance, which helps manage costs effectively. I also align my trips with bank holidays and annual leave, ensuring I maximise time away without compromising professional responsibilities.
Q. What is your go-to travel outfit?
Comfort is non-negotiable when I travel. My go-to outfit is something simple yet polished, usually an all-black co-ord set or comfortable loungewear. It’s practical, effortless, and consistently put together.
Q. Which destination has left the biggest impact on you?
I’ve visited several incredible destinations, but Iceland stands out. It feels almost otherworldly. I spent seven days travelling in a camper van, and each day revealed a completely new landscape, from waterfalls to dramatic sunrises and sunsets.
The simplicity of the experience, sometimes even having cup noodles for breakfast, added to its charm. Witnessing the Northern Lights was unforgettable. Iceland didn’t just impress me visually; it shifted my entire perspective on nature and travel.
Q. How do you plan your travel outfits and stay stylish on the go?
Fashion is an integral part of my travel experience, it adds excitement and builds confidence. I plan outfits based on the destination’s weather while also considering aesthetics, especially since capturing moments is important to me.
I prefer investing in versatile, high-quality pieces that can be styled in multiple ways rather than buying complete outfits. I also shop strategically—purchasing off-season to get better value. Platforms like Pinterest are a key source of inspiration, and I often create mood boards for destinations I plan to visit.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start travelling?
Start. Build a bucket list and book your first trip, that’s the hardest and most important step. Once you begin, even with one or two trips, the momentum builds naturally.
Having something to look forward to also changes your relationship with work, it makes everything feel more purposeful and balanced.
Q. What are your future goals as a travel creator?
I initially started my page to document and share my travel experiences. Over time, the encouragement and support from my Instagram community have inspired me to think more expansively.
There were moments when I considered following a more conventional path, but my audience encouraged me to continue. Today, my vision is to build a community that helps others achieve their travel aspirations.
I hope to organise group trips with my followers and create meaningful, shared experiences. While balancing a 9-to-5 role may slow the pace at times, I am consistently working toward turning this vision into reality.
Interviewed by: Gunjan Joshi
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