Yulia Saf, founder of Miss Tourist. (Credit: Courtesy of Miss Tourist)
She’s a Globetrotter Sharing Tips With Other Travelers
Yulia Saf is the founder of Miss Tourist, a travel platform packed with advice, itineraries, and information on destinations around the world.
Eight years ago, Yulia Saf decided to start a travel blog called Miss Tourist. Saf, a seasoned traveler who has been to over 70 countries, wanted to share what she’s learned traveling the world with others – her travel hacks, tips, tricks, favorite destinations and itineraries. Over the years, Miss Tourist has evolved from a blog detailing the experiences of those trips to a travel platform that boasts an impressive 400,000 users a month. The long-time digital nomad, who is currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, now manages a remote team of 12 employees and has diversified her business model to include a number of revenue streams – all while raising her newborn son and inspiring others to explore somewhere new.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
The breadth of our content, which spans extraordinary destinations worldwide, but also the authenticity and practicality that imbues every piece I create. Having navigated the complexities of globetrotting, my insights stem from a deep well of personal experience. Our platform doesn’t just showcase the glamor of travel; it delves into the real, tangible advice that can only come from someone who’s been on the ground, made the mistakes, and learned how to craft the perfect trip.
As a mother of a newborn, I’ve recently ventured into the uncharted territories of traveling with an infant, adding a rich new layer to my site’s content. Motherhood has expanded my expertise and allows me to connect with a wider demographic of travelers, offering insights on family-friendly travel, without compromising on adventure or professional pursuits.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
The creation and growth of my travel site. When I first started, it was simply a platform for me to share my passion for travel and to document my adventures. But it has since evolved into a significant resource that resonates with a huge audience. Leading a global remote team has not only been a journey in enhancing my leadership and management skills, but also a testament to how technology enables new kinds of work environments and cultures.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Maintaining the delicate balance between my personal life and my professional life – especially after becoming a mother. I began by reassessing and restructuring my priorities. I realized that while my work is important, it’s crucial for both my family and myself that I also focus on my personal well-being and family time.
This meant investing more time in training my team, enhancing our communication processes, and implementing robust project management systems that allow for better tracking of tasks and deadlines. This process was not overnight; it required patience, open communication, and a dose of trial and error. I have learned the power of saying ‘no’ to opportunities that do not align with our company’s vision or my personal values. It was a tough lesson, but it has allowed me to focus more on what truly matters.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions?
With the birth of my son, my perspective on work-life balance and time management transformed dramatically. I realized that to continue thriving both as an entrepreneur and a parent, I needed to delegate more and set clearer boundaries to protect time spent with my family.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Prioritize building a resilient and adaptable business model right from the start. When I began my journey with misstourist.com, I was driven by passion, but over time I’ve learned that passion must be underpinned by a solid structure that can weather the unexpected.
Looking back, I wish I had known the importance of diversifying revenue streams earlier. Initially, my business was heavily reliant on one source of income, which can be quite risky, especially in the travel industry – which can be so volatile. Diversification is key to ensuring stability; if one stream falters, others can buoy the business. For instance, I’ve broadened from just ad revenue to affiliate marketing, sponsored content and even creating digital products over time.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I remind myself that every challenge is an uncharted territory to explore, much like the unfamiliar streets of a new city. I take a moment to reflect on my past journeys; the faces of people I’ve met, the obstacles I’ve overcome, and the beauty I’ve witnessed. This reignites the sense of wonder and curiosity that originally propelled me into blogging and storytelling.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Eye of the World” by Tina Turner.
Who is your most important role model?
Richard Branson. He is a pioneering businessman who has never been afraid to push boundaries and explore new horizons, both figuratively with his entrepreneurial ventures, and literally with his daring adventures.
Instagram: @misstourist
Facebook: @MissTourist
Pinterest: @Misstouristcom
Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-up
Watch our latest videos
Subscribe to our podcast