Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Oriol.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Eight years ago, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. I packed everything I owned into a campervan, said goodbye to my family through tears, and left home without knowing when I would return.
That journey across Europe completely changed me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize I had been living inside a bubble without even knowing it. I grew, became more independent, and learned lessons that no classroom could ever teach. At one point, I even found myself working in a hotel in the French Alps to earn money and keep the adventure going.
Then COVID happened, and I had to return home.
It was only then that I realized something: I didn’t want to be back. All I could think about was when I would leave again.
So that’s exactly what I did.
One trip turned into another. Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, Hawaii, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Senegal, Morocco, countless road trips across Europe and the United States… and today, I’ve had the privilege of exploring 39 countries.
I’m writing this from Panama after traveling through Costa Rica, with plans to continue to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and the Brazilian Amazon.
But for me, travel has never been about collecting countries or checking destinations off a list. It’s about slowing down, connecting with local people, understanding different cultures, stepping outside your comfort zone, and experiencing places in a real and meaningful way.
That’s the message I share through my social media, @maria.oriol, and through my travel platform, Tripiby.com.
Because I believe travel isn’t about seeing the world, it’s about truly living it.
My mission is to inspire people to explore with curiosity, travel with respect and kindness, and keep an open heart wherever they go.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Becoming a full-time traveler and building my own travel platform has been anything but easy.
Many people assume the hardest part has been creating the platform, growing on social media, or making a living while traveling. Those things have definitely been challenging, but they were never my biggest struggle.
The hardest part has been going against the mindset that so many of us grow up with in Western society—the idea that there’s only one “right” path to success: finish your studies, get a stable job, work in an office (or, in my case, a psychology practice), earn a good salary, and follow the traditional timeline.
After graduating in psychology, everyone expected me to build a career as a psychologist. But while traveling, I realized I was learning more about human behavior, cultures, resilience, happiness, and myself than I ever could within four walls. I found psychology in the real world.
Walking away from the life that others expected of me wasn’t easy. Letting go of those deeply rooted beliefs about what I should do, and having the courage to choose a completely different path, has been my biggest challenge.
Looking back, it’s also the decision I’m most proud of. Choosing a life that truly feels like mine has given me experiences, perspectives, and opportunities that I could never have imagined.
Today, through my travels, my social media, and Tripiby.com, I hope to inspire others to question the path they’ve been told to follow and to build a life that genuinely makes them feel alive.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tripiby. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tripiby was born from a simple idea: travel should be about experiences, not checklists.
After years of backpacking, road-tripping, and slow traveling across 39 countries, I realized that the most meaningful moments never came from famous landmarks. They came from getting lost in local neighborhoods, taking public transport, trying street food, talking to strangers, and discovering places that aren’t on the first page of Google.
That’s why I created Tripiby.
Tripiby is an online travel platform designed to help people travel in a more authentic, independent, and meaningful way. Instead of promoting rushed itineraries or “Top 10” attractions, I create carefully curated travel guides, interactive maps, and unique travel experiences based entirely on my own adventures. Every recommendation is a place I’ve personally visited, tested, and genuinely loved.
I also offer a personalized trip planning service, where I design tailor-made itineraries from start to finish based on each traveler’s interests, budget, and travel style. The goal is simple: you enjoy the journey while I take care of all the planning.
My mission is to save travelers hours of research while helping them discover destinations beyond the tourist hotspots. Whether it’s hidden waterfalls, local cafés, scenic hikes, public transport tips, underrated towns, or practical advice that only comes from firsthand experience, everything I create is designed to make travel more authentic, accessible, and unforgettable.
Alongside Tripiby, I share my journey on social media (@maria.oriol), where I encourage people to step outside their comfort zones, embrace different cultures, and see travel as an opportunity for personal growth rather than simply collecting destinations. My content focuses on authentic travel, cultural immersion, budget-friendly adventures, and inspiring others to experience the world with curiosity and an open mind.
What sets Tripiby apart is authenticity. I don’t recommend places because they’re trending or because I’m paid to. Every guide, map, and recommendation is built on firsthand experience, with honesty and transparency at its core. If I recommend something, it’s because I genuinely believe it’s worth your time.
More than anything, I’m proud that Tripiby has become more than just a travel platform, it’s a community of like-minded travelers who believe that travel isn’t about seeing the world; it’s about truly living it. My mission is to inspire people to travel with respect, kindness, curiosity, and an open heart while supporting local communities and creating meaningful connections wherever they go.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Utah is its incredible diversity of landscapes. From red rock deserts and canyons to alpine mountains and lakes, every road trip feels like a completely different adventure. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever explored.
If I had to choose one downside, I’d say that having a car is almost essential, as many of the best places aren’t easily accessible by public transportation. But overall, Utah is an unforgettable destination that I would recommend to anyone who loves nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tripiby.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria.oriol
