We had the good fortune of connecting with Flavia Tomaello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Flavia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Argentina.
I had a difficult childhood, with family disintegration and absence. I started working at 12. I think that whole journey, which was very difficult at the time and has left its mark, definitely shaped the person I am today. And, of course, the professional I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe I have a Renaissance spirit. I’m very curious. I’m passionate about discovering new stories. I’m seduced by knowledge.
I’ve published more than 70 books and write an average of 100 travel and lifestyle articles a month. I take photography. I’ve achieved these three pillars thanks to curiosity and a passion for learning more.
The path is never easy. Especially because I’ve done it alone. I wasn’t recommended, I didn’t have a family member who could open a door for me. And I’m glad it’s happened that way. It’s very satisfying to know you were able to do it on your own.
My own life story taught me that you have to get up. That there can be an escape from difficult times. That challenges make you grow. Resilience isn’t only applied in the face of deep pain, but also in everyday life. I don’t usually accept “no” right away. I like to think there can always be an alternative.
For example, I’ve managed to interview renowned figures in their own fields who had never done a feature before. Or I’ve traveled to the most extreme places on the planet. That’s achieved with a combination of passion, perseverance, tenacity, and love for your work.
In each report, I try to tell a story that can inspire whoever reads it in some way. I’d like to leave a legacy of understanding that we all have a compelling story to tell and that our own lives (and that’s what travel journalism is all about, about the life stories of the places you visit) always have something inspiring about them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my hometown, I’d take him to my house. I’d cook for him (I’m great at it), and we’d spend the afternoon chatting, sharing our respective anecdotes.
If I could take him to another part of the world, I’d take him to Venice, where my ancestors are from and a city I know almost like home. I’d take him to eat classic Venetian tapas at Do Mori, we’d grab a slice of pizza at El Angelo, we’d buy some sunglasses at Ottica Carraro, we’d explore the hidden corners of the Giudecca, and I’d invite him to watch a soccer game in the only stadium in the world located on an island. We’d walk through the local Castello neighborhood after all the tourists had left to feast on good pasta at any of the Venetian haunts.
If I tell you that visiting Antarctica or seeing the Northern Lights outside Tromso is exciting, I’m telling you the obvious. Beauty, the interesting, is right around your door. What transforms it is your own perspective.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I don’t think it’s been a single person. I think I’ve been very perceptive in trying to learn something from everyone I’ve encountered. Even from those who have disappointed me.
With the humility to understand that everyone can teach you something, you’re able to acquire skills and abilities that can help you be better. But you can also learn to recognize difficulties or barriers within yourself, mistakes you’ve made that haven’t taken you where you wanted.
Today, I believe the greatest person who has taught me the most about myself and helped me bring out the best in myself is my son.

Website: https://flaviatomaello.blog

Instagram: @flavia.tomaello

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flavia-tomaello/

Twitter: @flaviatomaello

Facebook: @flaviatomaello

Youtube: https://open.spotify.com/show/75UnKylVUTJP64tu4LMl4A

Image Credits
@flavia.tomaello

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