Ciobanu Natalia

About

Natalia Ciobanu is a remarkable traveler and travel blogger from the Republic of Moldova, who has become a symbol of the spirit of adventure and the promotion of her country worldwide. To date, she has visited over 166 countries, with the ambition of reaching all 195 recognized states, exploring from the remote corners of Patagonia and Madagascar to the heart of Syria or North Korea. Giving up a stable career as a speech therapist in Parisian hospitals, where she worked in neurological rehabilitation after studies in France and Belgium, she transformed her passion for travel into a personal mission of cultural discovery, sharing authentic experiences through interviews, videos, and stories that inspire thousands of followers. As an unofficial ambassador for Moldova, Natalia collaborates with international brands and promotes domestic tourism, attracting foreign visitors through vivid descriptions of the country's potential, from the landscapes of Naslavcea and Old Orhei to traditional wineries and local festivals. Her appearances on shows like "Zi de Zi" on Radio Moldova, "Oameni și Idei" on Radio Chișinău, or "Născut în Moldova" highlight her life philosophy – "carpe diem" and "go with the flow" – emphasizing the importance of openness to people and improvisation in solo travels, even in areas considered dangerous like Africa or on makeshift planes in Alaska. She stresses that Moldova, with its big heart demonstrated through support for Ukrainian refugees, deserves more developed tourism, with a focus on local empathy and improved infrastructure. Having lived in France for over 20 years, Natalia set off around the world in 2019 with a minimalist backpack, selling her belongings to test personal limits and adopt a nomadic lifestyle. Open and courageous, she built deep connections with locals in Namibia, Angola, and with Tuareg nomads, transforming financial challenges into opportunities through collaborations that fund future adventures. Always carrying the flag of Moldova, Natalia represents a role model of an independent woman who sees the world as an extended home and encourages detachment from materialism in favor of authentic human experiences.