We recently sat down with the dynamic travel content creator Norah Alyousef to discuss her never-ending, wanderlust adventures.

From the wildlife-rich landscapes of Africa to the serene beauty of Japan, and the cultural marvels of Europe to the breathtaking vistas of Saudi Arabia, Norah has explored it all. Her insights into the world's most captivating destinations offer a glimpse into a life well-travelled.

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While juggling a successful career in finance, Norah Alyousef has cultivated a passion for travel and exploration. Through her unique platform, "Where Am I?", she shares insider travel tips and inspirations, encouraging her followers to break free from the ordinary and embrace the thrill of discovery.

Norah's unfiltered and authentic approach, coupled with her keen eye for detail, is what truly sets her apart in the world saturated with travel content and travel influencers.

The Early Days

Norah Alyousef's passion for travel was ignited at a young age.

As a child, she would meticulously document her family trips, creating detailed itineraries and capturing memories on video. This early fascination with exploration laid the foundation for her future as a travel influencer. After completing her university studies, Norah embarked on a six-year adventure in Switzerland, where she further cultivated her love for travel.

Living in the middle of Europe made travel and exploration easier, and she fondly describes her love for travel as "a passion, a refreshment for the soul, and a source of joy."

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She began sharing her experiences with friends and family, writing detailed accounts of her journeys and offering insider tips. Norah shares that she still has some of the old videos she captured at the age of ten. This passion for exploration stayed with her as she began writing summaries of every new place she visited, which she would email to her friends and family. "I remember writing a summary about my trip to Hong Kong, and that’s when I realised people are genuinely interested in this type of information."

In 2017, she took her passion to the digital realm, launching her Snapchat account, "AynaAna" (Where Am I). Recognising the growing demand for authentic travel content, Norah carved out a niche for herself, sharing her unique perspective on off-the-beaten-path destinations. She challenges conventional travel norms, encouraging her followers to explore lesser-known cultures and civilisations.

"I always strive to present travel experiences differently, avoiding the conventional places everyone tends to visit. I prefer exploring new cultures and civilisations that some might find difficult to travel to, like Portugal, Japan, and South America. In other words, I aim to break any preconceived notions about a country—every destination deserves a chance if we know where to go."

Into the Wild

Norah's most recent trip took her on a journey through African countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. It was here where she witnessed the stunning beauty of the local wildlife and Africa's captivating landscapes.

During this adventure, Alyousef, an entrepreneur and intrepid traveler, immersed herself in exhilarating safari experiences along Africa’s coasts, one of the most enjoyable activities one can undertake there.

The best times to visit Africa, according to her, are between June and September when the weather is dry, allowing for the spectacle of animal migration from one country to another, which she viewed from hot air balloons. She recounts, "One of the most magical moments was watching hundreds of buffalo migrating from Masai Mara to Tanzania at dawn—it was like something out of The Lion King."

You Might Also Like: Immerse yourself in a wildlife safari just one hour from Riyadh

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In addition to seeing a myriad of animals, birds, and reptiles, Norah expresses awe at the scenic lakes, diverse plants, and trees, saying, "Wildlife is truly mesmerising. For those who love animals and nature, Africa is the ultimate choice."

Various safari spots in Africa come highly recommended by Norah, such as Serengeti in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya, and Chobe National Park in Botswana. She advises wearing comfortable walking shoes, loose clothing, sunglasses, and a hat, and, of course, keeping a phone handy for photos and videos.

'Where Am I?'

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Norah’s "Where Am I?" platform is an excellent way for her followers to experience her journeys vicariously. She describes her travel experiences, shares her impressions, and offers valuable advice on various destinations. If you're seeking insights on a particular place, head over to "Where Am I?"—you’ll find answers to all your questions.

"Where Am I?" has become a source of inspiration for travellers, especially those looking to explore the world through unique adventures. By breaking travel barriers, Alyousef encourages people to overcome the challenges that often hold travellers back. She accompanies her journeys with fun videos, which have captivated followers and led her to establish a travel agency under the "Where Am I?" brand.

When it comes to accommodations, Norah prioritises comfort, from hospitality and service to views. She looks for cultural and historical aspects and some shopping landmarks, saying, "I search for each country’s story to tell, which I sometimes find simply by wandering its streets."

Spontaneity Over Planning

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From her travel experiences, Norah has discovered the joys of spontaneous travel.

During our conversation, Norah remarks, "People think planning and scheduling travel are essential, and they’re not wrong, but spontaneous travel is much more fun. I always set aside a couple of days during my trips with no specific plan—no destination, no cafe in mind. I just roam the streets, wander into any inviting restaurant, and explore without any expectations. It’s one of the best things I do when I travel."

Spontaneous travel, she believes, lowers travellers' expectations, which can sometimes lead to disappointment, allowing one to explore without restrictions.

Norah's Destination Recommendations for 2025

For those seeking a unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, technology, and shopping, Norah recommends Japan as the ideal destination for 2025. "It's a complete travel experience, perfect for families and children," she enthuses. And for food lovers, Japan's world-renowned Wagyu beef is an absolute must-try.

Paris, a city that continues to captivate Norah, is another top recommendation. "Paris is ever-refreshing," she shares. "It has a special charm, and simply wandering its streets can be incredibly fulfilling."

Norah also advocates for the benefits of solo travel. "Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, solo travel can be incredibly rewarding," she explains. "It's a fantastic way to boost your mental well-being and personal satisfaction."

@ayna.ana

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