Travelytics was born from my love of two things: traveling and data analytics. Have you seen the movie Moana? If so, you might remember her desire to explore beyond the horizon — that is the same feeling I’ve always had. My grandmother used to called it “my traveling gene.” Growing up on a small island in the Caribbean, I always dreamed of venturing out, meeting new people, getting lost in unfamiliar cities, and finding myself in the process.
For a long time, those dreams felt distant and out of reach. But six years ago, everything changed—I saved enough money to study abroad, and that experience unlocked a passion I didn’t even know I had. That’s how a small-town girl from the Caribbean ended up in Madrid, Spain. That semester was nothing short of magical.
I explored the breathtaking beaches of Cinque Terre, slept under the stars in the Sahara Desert dunes, danced until sunrise in Ibiza, savored a Guinness in Dublin while enjoying live Irish music, and made lifelong friends from all corners of the globe. That experience opened my eyes to how big the world is and how much there was left for me to learn. The rest is history—I haven’t stopped exploring since.
Just as travel helps us connect with people, cultures, and experiences, data allows us to uncover patterns, trends, and stories that shape our understanding of the world. We live in a world powered by ‘big data,’ and when used correctly, it can provide valuable insights that lead to better decisions and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
On one side, there’s the world itself—its people, beliefs, cultural norms, and lived experiences. On the other side, there’s data, a powerful tool that lets us understand these complex systems in new ways. For me, data offers the opportunity to explore the world from a different angle, even from the comfort of my own home. Like music, data is a universal language, and through it, I’ve found a new lens to view and appreciate the world.
This blog captures my travels through a mix of storytelling and data, giving you a front-row view into my adventures. It all began as a way to keep my mom and dad updated with the ever-pressing question: “Where in the world is Zaira?”—but it has since evolved into an incredible journaling project. Now, I hope it inspires you to ask yourself, “Where should I travel next?”
Countries
World Wonders
Continents
I’m Zaira Paola, the human behind this blog! I’m a Data Analyst that uses every vacation opportunity to travel. I started this travel blog to document my adventures and share my photos. Whether it’s by discovering a breathtaking waterfall, trying out delicious food, or uncovering fascinating facts and stats about each destination, I hope you’ll find something here that sparks your wanderlust.
While I haven’t been everywhere (yet!), it’s all on my list. Join me as I explore the world, one meal, one stat, and one adventure at a time.