Oriented on making people closer

Orient correspondent interviewed Akbabek Taganova, a successful Turkmen entrepreneur and avid traveler. Having visited 100 countries, she seamlessly combines business with exploring new horizons. In the interview, Akbabek shared her inspiring experiences, vivid travel memories, useful life hacks, and valuable advice for aspiring travelers.

Akbabek’s journey to conquering the world began modestly with a trip to Tashkent during her student years. "Who would have thought that this would become my greatest passion?" she says. Today, she has visited 100 countries, each offering unforgettable experiences. "It's symbolic that I reached this milestone in 2025, which the UN General Assembly declared the “International Year of Peace and Trust” at the initiative of Turkmenistan. Travel, more than anything else, teaches respect, openness, and acceptance of the world's diversity. It is the best way to understand and bring cultures closer together" she notes.

Traveling to distant lands requires being prepared for both pleasant and unexpected moments. Akbabek shared one of her most memorable adventures in Angola. The lack of communication, difficult transportation, and language barrier could have made this trip a real ordeal. However, the hospitality of the locals and their willingness to help made it one of her brightest memories. Akbabek called her trip to Somalia the most extreme.

Akbabek shared her recommendations for those seeking unusual destinations:

– The Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique is a true paradise for beach lovers and divers.

When asked how she manages to combine work and frequent trips, Akbabek replied:

– I've switched my company to remote management. My team works seamlessly, allowing me to combine business with my passion for travel. This has enabled me to find a balance between my professional activities and personal interests.

The traveler also shared her recommendations for those just starting to discover the world:

— Prepare the necessary apps for finding accommodation and flights in advance. Learn basic phrases in the local language. Check visa requirements and entry conditions.

From her list of the top 5 most essential items she always carries with her, she listed a phone, power bank, notebook with contacts, hygiene products, and vitamins. For those planning long-term trips, Akbabek advises carefully assessing their financial capabilities and health, as well as finding affordable housing and transportation options in advance.

Akbabek Taganova also spoke about her status as an ambassador of the Global Travel Community of the Central Asian Region Nomadmania. According to her, traveling is not only a way to discover the world for yourself, but also an opportunity to draw attention to unique regions such as Central Asia.

– This year, the Nomadmania participant meeting will be held in Ashgabat for the first time. I hope this event will help popularize tourism in the region and draw attention to the richness of our culture, – she emphasized.

Among all her achievements, Akbabek considers her main goal to be visiting every country in the world: "Travel teaches you to respect other cultures, be flexible, and appreciate every moment. The world is our common home, and I want to inspire others to explore it" she says.

The story of Akbabek Taganova is an example of how a love of travel can become a part of life without interfering with work and personal goals. Her experience inspires us to see the world more broadly and build bridges of trust between cultures.

Read also: The first meeting of the global travel community "NomadMania" will be held in Ashgabat.

ORIENT News

Photo: Социальные сети Акбабек Тагановой