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“It’s not just my slogan, it’s the question that shapes how I live and travel. I believe that every journey starts with curiosity & there’s always something new to learn and feel.”
From Curious Traveler to Travel Blogger
Hi, I’m Tsveti 🌸
Born and raised in Bulgaria, I’ve always been curious about the world. Ever since I was young, I’ve loved to explore, whether it was family road trips or traveling internationally with Bulgaria’s national aerobic gymnastics team, I was fortunate to see new places early on.
However, those journeys weren’t just about medals or destinations. More importantly, they were about people, cultures, stories, and meaningful connections. That’s when I realized every place has something to teach us, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
If you’re wondering about this travel blogger’s journey, here’s a little glimpse. It’s been full of surprises and unforgettable moments. So far, I’ve explored over 27 countries, collecting memories, cultural insights, and valuable lessons along the way. Whether I’m wandering through loud cities or hiking quiet mountain trails, each trip leaves its mark and now I’m here to share those stories with you.
On my blog, you’ll discover the heart of a travel storyteller, honest experiences, thoughtful tips, cultural insights, and reflections from the road. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply dreaming from home, I hope my stories inspire you to see the world through fresh eyes.
And by the way, you’ll often see this 🌸 it’s not just a cute emoji. “Tsveti” means flower in Bulgarian, and it’s a little piece of home I carry with me everywhere I go.
Thanks so much for stopping by to learn about this travel blogger’s world.
Let’s explore together, one tale at a time.
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Why did I call it "culture tales" ?
The name Culture Tales comes from my deep fascination with cultures, history, and the everyday magic of how people live around the world. I love digging into the “why” behind a country’s traditions – how people behave, how they communicate, what they value, and the little rituals that shape their daily lives.
Traveling has taught me that cultural differences can sometimes feel frustrating – but the moment you shift from frustration to curiosity, your entire perspective changes. That’s the kind of mindset I hope to inspire through Culture Tales.
One of my favorite books is The Culture Map by Erin Meyer – a total game-changer if you’re curious about cultural differences and how they impact everything from conversations to collaboration. I highly recommend it!
Inside the blog I will share:
- Cultural moments that left a mark on me.
- Travel tips shaped by experience, not perfection.
- Honest stories – the magical, the messy, and everything in between.
- The why behind every journey – because travel is more than just ticking off places.
Is traveling my full time job?
Here’s the truth, travel isn’t my full-time job. I actually work in the HR world, in a global role within Learning & Development, leading leadership trainings, coaching amazing people, and helping them grow in their careers. One of my absolute favorite parts of the job? Exploring cultural differences and understanding how people really think, work, and live around the world.
So no, I’m not a full-time travel blogger, but I am someone who’s deeply curious about the world. I plan carefully, travel smart, and make the most out of my holidays, and remote work opportunities.
My travels are kind of like an extension of my job, I get to explore new cultures, observe different ways of life, and bring those insights back into the work I do with people every day. And along the way, I share those stories here, hoping they spark a little wanderlust and inspiration for you too. 🌸
My favourite apps when travelling?
- Airalo – My secret weapon for staying connected. It’s an eSIM app, so you can buy data plans before or during your trip without hunting down a SIM card shop. Internet everywhere, all the time.
- Revolut – My ride-or-die for payments abroad. No random ATM fees, decent exchange rates, and you can even use it to buy data if needed. Bonus: great for tracking your budget while on the go.
- iPhone Calculator – Sounds basic, but hear me out – the currency converter feature is genius! Just swipe down and use it like a math wizard when negotiating prices or tipping.
- Tripadvisor – Still a solid go-to for food and activity recs. I always filter by “traveler photos” and “highest rated” when I want to avoid tourist traps and find hidden gems.
- Airbnb & Booking.com – I use both! Airbnb for unique, homey stays or longer trips. Booking.com when I need something quick, central, and flexible. I often compare prices on both just to be safe.
- Waze – Great for road trips. It helps you dodge traffic, find speed traps, and even warns you about potholes (seriously – it’s brilliant).
- Google Translate – Essential for reading menus, translating signs, or even having short convos with locals. Download the offline languages before your trip, it’s game changer.
- WhatsApp – Essential for staying in touch with hosts, tour guides, and new friends you meet on the road. Almost everyone around the world uses it.
My favorite destination so far and why?
Without a doubt – Peru.
Visiting Machu Picchu had been my dream since childhood – one of those bucket-list moments you can’t believe is actually happening. And when I finally made it there… wow. It was everything I imagined and so much more.
What truly surprised me was how much more Peru has to offer beyond Machu Picchu. From the warmth of the people, the flavors of the food, the rich history of the Incas, to the incredible contrasts – towering mountains, lush jungles, sweeping deserts, and serene lakes. Every corner of that trip felt like stepping into a storybook.
I tried to soak in every single detail, and yes, I’ll be sharing all the tips, hidden places, and unforgettable moments from Peru soon. If it’s on your list, trust me: you’re in for something magica
How I stay healthy while traveling:
A little prep goes a long way when it comes to staying well on the road. Here’s what I do to keep my energy up and avoid getting sick while traveling:
Hydration is key – I drink lots of water, especially on flights and in hot climates.
Give yourself time to adjust – I usually plan for at least one or two acclimatisation days when arriving somewhere new , whether it’s to recover from jet lag, adapt to a higher altitude, or just settle into the local pace.
Stay sanitized – Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are my must-haves. I wipe down surfaces when needed and use them before eating or after public transport.
Ease into local food – As tempting as it is to try everything at once, I go slow and let my body adjust. I start with milder dishes and gradually explore the bolder flavors.
First-aid kit always on hand – It’s small but mighty! Mine usually includes:
- Ibuprofen or Paracetamol
- Stomach meds like activated charcoal (black charcoal), Loperamide (Imodium), or probiotics
- Motion sickness pills (for those bumpy boat rides!)
- Multivitamins or immune boosters (especially on long trips)
- Band-aids for blisters or cuts
- Rehydration salts (life-savers after long hikes or hot days)
- Allergy meds just in case as I have lot of alegies.
- Back Pain I personally struggle with back pain quite often, so I always make sure to pack a few essentials that help me manage it – like muscle-relief pills & massage oils. If you are prone to back or muscle pain don’t forget to bring the things that work for you.
And one last thing, before every trip, I always do a bit of research on the destination to see if there’s anything extra I might need. For example, when I went to Peru, I made sure to pack altitude sickness pills because of the high elevations.
The tool I use for taking epic travel photos & videos?
Hands down, my current fave is the Insta360 X4 – this little gadget is an absolute game-changer if you’re into documenting your adventures like a pro.
- 8K video resolution – yes, 8K! The clarity is unreal.
- 360-degree capture – it literally films everything around you, so you’ll never miss a moment (or angle).
- Invisible selfie stick effect – makes your footage look like it was taken by a drone!
- Editing suite for desktop – keeps your videos high-res and gives you full control over the angles and framing after filming.
- Mobile editing app – perfect for quick edits and sharing on the go. It’s super intuitive and beginner-friendly.
- Waterproof & rugged – I’ve taken it on hikes, boat trips, and even under waterfalls. It handles it all.
I’ll be sharing a full tutorial soon, so stay tuned if you’re curious about what it can really do!
Passport Stamps - where can you get them?
Did you know your passport can hold more than just the standard border-control stamps? If you’re a little passport-stamp obsessed like I am, you’ll love this!
Besides the usual entry/exit stamps, there are special, novelty, or commemorative stamps you can collect from unique places around the world. These aren’t official immigration stamps, but they’re such a fun way to remember a destination, and they add real personality to your passport!
Here are a few cool ones to hunt for:
- Machu Picchu, Peru – Stamp available at the entrance.
- The Equator Line, Ecuador – Get stamped for standing on both hemispheres!
- Galápagos Islands – Unique stamp available at the airport or port.
- Antarctica – Some research bases offer special souvenir stamps.
- Vatican City & Liechtenstein – Tiny countries, big stamp energy.
It’s such a unique experience to hunt these down – like a little treasure hunt! I have a few myself, and they always turn into the best conversation starters. I’ll be doing a special post on this soon, so stay tuned!
So next time you’re at a special landmark, don’t forget to ask:
“Can I get a stamp here?”