I met Umay during a business trip to Istanbul back in 2014 and first thing I was impressed by, is her will to discover new cultures and her appetite for new adventures. Please meet Umay Ayaz, my favorite Turkish globetrotter.
Q: Hi, Can you present yourself in a few words?
UA: Hi, my name is Umay Ayaz, I am living in Istanbul/Turkey working in TV industry and enjoying my life 🙂
I love travelling and seeing various places and knowing closely their cultures. And by time, lıvıng in this way both for business and pleasure purpose became indispensable part of my life.
Q: How many countries and independent territories have you visited?
UA: I travel a lot but for my job, I need to go mostly to the same cities. During the left times I try to travel to see different locations as well. As a result, I have visited 23 countries so far… I know there are still many to see 🙂

Q: What is the first country you have visited?
UA: I was studying Italian language and literature in the university. That time I won a scholarship and It was my first time going abroad alone which was a great experience to have all the process by myself… Therefore, Italy had been my first visited country. I still remember it with all details and feelings since it so special for me till today.
Q: What is the last country you have visited?
UA: I just came back from a trip of 2 weeks in Hungary, Montenegro and Croatia.
Q: What would be the best 5 countries u have visited and why?
UA: Actually it is difficult to limit it to 5 because each country and each city gives you a different emotion. But okay I will try to count 🙂
- USA – you feel really free, citizen of the world and lost in the huge melting pot of people.
- CROATIA – who doesn’t want to experience a life in a medieval city with full of peace and aristocracy among the shades of green and blue!
- FRANCE – especially Paris is my favorite of all times. No need to have a reason 🙂 you and me had chance to meet there as well!
- ITALY – home of friendly, enthusiastic and loud people expert of food and wine!
- ISRAEL – different! Not a Middle East country, nor a European. However, hosts all the tastes!

Q: What countries are on your wish list?
UA: Indonesia and Thailand are the countries that I would love to see eventually.
Q: Can you tell us about the most « unique » travel experience you have lived?
UA: I did not have a single trip without an adventure, small or big. Some action always happens… So, difficult to choose one, but here is one. Once I was in Miami and only 5 hours left to my departure for Istanbul, and suddenly I was informed about a last minute meeting that I need to go to New York. With flip-flaps and summer clothes, I went from 40°C degrees to -10°C… Of course, my body immediately got shocked and became very sick… With that miserable mood and never-ending turbulence, my trip from NY to Istanbul was a nightmare!
Q: If you have to pack only one thing in your luggage, what would it be?
TLS: My mobile phone
Q: What are the first three things you do when you arrive in a new place?
UA:
- Informing my family about my arrival
- Checking my room and the hotel where I stay.
- Having a map and going to see around.
Q: What ultimate advice can you tell people that are crazy about travelling?
UA: During a trip, be ready for all kind of surprises… Unfortunately, these might not be always good ones!
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