Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Poornima Ajayan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Poornima thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
I realized that for many people, travel is about ticking destinations off a list, but for us, it was about deeper connections—both with the places and with ourselves. That’s when it clicked for me. I saw a gap: there were so many travelers like us—especially those over 50, empty nesters, or people seeking unique, affordable destinations—who were searching for more meaningful travel experiences, but didn’t know where to start.
My blog and reels became a way to bridge that gap. I started featuring hotels, capturing special destinations, and offering tips on lesser-known places that provide rich experiences without breaking the bank. The logic was simple: people trust those who have been there, done that, and can guide them with real, lived experiences. I knew my passion for travel, combined with my ability to connect with people through storytelling, would resonate with an audience looking for value, authenticity, and a personal touch.
Poornima, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a travel influencer and blogger with a passion for exploring lesser-known destinations, and my journey into this industry has been an organic evolution of my love for travel. What started as personal adventures with my husband—has blossomed into a hobby that helps people discover unique, meaningful travel experiences. Travel has always been a core part of my life, and over time, I realized that the way I approached it—seeking deeper connections with places and people—could inspire others.
I got into the influencer space as a way to not only share my personal experiences but to guide fellow travelers in finding destinations that offer rich culture, adventure, and value without the hefty price tag. What sets me apart is my focus on curating travel content specifically for those looking to cover maximum ground that deliver memorable experiences. My content—whether it’s blog posts, Instagram reels, or travel guides—is designed to help people make the most of their trips by planning effectively, knowing where to stay, and discovering hidden gems that make travel rewarding and affordable.
My page has hotel features, travel planning tips, and inspirational reels that cover the full spectrum of travel—from adventure to relaxation. I also work with brands that align with my audience’s needs, offering reviews and creating content that resonates with those seeking authentic, relatable travel advice.
The problem I solve for my audience is simple: I help them find meaningful travel experiences without feeling overwhelmed by the vast sea of options out there. My followers trust that I’ve done the legwork to find locations that are not just beautiful but offer great value, and my tips take the guesswork out of trip planning. For those who may have felt that travel was something reserved for the young, I provide a fresh perspective—showing them that it’s never too late to explore the world.
What I’m most proud of is building a community of like-minded travelers who are inspired by my journey and find value in my recommendations. I’ve had reels go viral, like my girl’s trip video, which showed that travel content can be fun, relatable, and empowering for women. It’s about breaking stereotypes and showing that no matter your age, you can live your best life and explore the world.
At the heart of everything I do is authenticity. My content is real, my experiences are genuine, and I want my audience to feel like they are traveling alongside me. Whether it’s a cozy hotel in a hidden corner of the world or a day out golfing with friends, my work reflects the joy, spontaneity, and beauty that travel brings into our lives.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the stories that best illustrates my resilience comes from a day trip in Tozeur, Tunisia, where I journeyed to Chebika, Mides, and Ong Jmal. The desert heat was relentless, and the conditions were challenging, but the experience taught me valuable lessons about pushing through when things get tough.
When we set out into the desert, the heat was punishing. The sun beat down on us as we navigated the rugged terrain, moving through the striking oases of Chebika, the awe-inspiring canyon of Mides, and the vast desert landscape of Ong Jmal, where iconic scenes from Star Wars were filmed. The beauty of these places was undeniable, but it was difficult to fully enjoy them while battling the extreme weather.
To add to the challenge of that day in Tozeur, the car we had for the journey didn’t have air conditioning. Driving through the scorching desert without AC made the heat even more unbearable. At one point, we had to stop in the middle of the trip to exchange the car for one that could handle the extreme conditions. It was an unexpected hiccup that added to the physical and mental strain of the day.
But even in that moment, when it felt like everything was working against us, I chose to focus on the adventure. The detour for the car exchange was just another obstacle to overcome, and it reminded me that resilience isn’t just about powering through discomfort—it’s about adapting when things don’t go as planned.
That experience solidified my belief that no matter how challenging travel gets, there’s always something worthwhile waiting on the other side. It’s those moments of discomfort, like being stuck in the desert heat with no AC, that make the triumphs all the more rewarding. In the end, the beauty of Chebika, Mides, and Ong Jmal felt even more precious because of what it took to get there.
That day in Tozeur became a defining moment for me. It wasn’t just about visiting beautiful places; it was about embracing the journey, no matter how uncomfortable it got. The trip showed me that resilience is about pushing forward, even when the odds feel stacked against you. The experience became more than just another adventure—it became a testament to the strength we all have within us when we’re faced with challenges.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely! The core mission driving my creative journey is to inspire people, especially those over 50, to see that adventure, growth, and self-discovery don’t have an expiration date. I want to challenge the stereotypes that suggest travel or new experiences are only for the young. For me, every trip is an opportunity to show my audience—empty nesters, midlife adventurers, and those looking for meaningful travel—that it’s never too late to explore the world and discover new passions.
I aim to provide a fresh perspective on travel, highlighting lesser-known destinations and creating content that reflects the value of immersing yourself in places that are off the beaten path. My goal is to make travel accessible and relatable, whether it’s by sharing tips for budget-friendly adventures or by focusing on destinations that offer a rich cultural experience without the hefty price tag.
More than just showing beautiful places, I want my content to encourage others to prioritize themselves, to push beyond their comfort zones, and to live life fully. I’m driven by the belief that travel can be transformative at any age, and my mission is to empower people to believe that they too can embark on these journeys, regardless of the stage of life they’re in.
Ultimately, my creative work is about connection—connecting with new places, cultures, and, most importantly, with oneself. If I can inspire someone to take that first step, whether it’s booking their dream trip or simply reimagining what’s possible in their own life, then I feel I’ve accomplished something truly meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vaga-monde.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poornimastraveldiary/
Image Credits
Pulickel M.Ajayan