About Inna Yugova
I am the author of the travel memoir My India, published in English, Italian, and Russian.
The book was born from a spontaneous journey that gradually turned into a pilgrimage — shaping not only my relationship with travel, but also the voice behind IYTravel.
This space continues that path, expanding it beyond one country, one road, or one moment in time.
I’m Inna Yugova, the founder of IYTravel.
The name reflects my initials — and the question at the core of every step I take: Why do I travel?
My story begins in the Urals, at the edge of Europe and Asia—a place that naturally inspired wonder about what lies beyond. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: academic, consultant, corporate executive. I hold a PhD in Russian philology and an Executive MBA, and I’ve worked across disciplines and continents.
But through it all, curiosity has been my compass—a lifelong passion for learning and exploring the world.
From Career to Calling
Leaving behind a comfortable life in Italy, I’ve chosen to take a leap: a six-month solo backpacking journey through South and Southeast Asia. It’s a sabbatical of sorts—but also a transformation. A chance to live out the adventure I’ve always imagined.
This is not just a trip — it’s a shift in perspective.
A pursuit of meaning, connection, and clarity through lived experience.
What Is IYTravel?
IYTravel is not a traditional travel blog.
It is a living travel journal — a continuation of the journey that first took shape on the road.
From sacred rivers in India to mountain trails in Vietnam, from cultural reflections to internal shifts—each story is a glimpse into the world and into myself.
Some journeys become stories. Others become a way of life.
