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

Hi Maria, how does your business help the community?
Travel isn’t just about visiting new places for me—it’s about making a real impact. Through my journeys across 49 U.S. states and 85 countries, I’ve dedicated myself to promoting sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and responsible travel. Whether I’m exploring hidden gems or spotlighting eco-friendly initiatives, my mission is to inspire people to travel in a way that respects and uplifts the places they visit.

One of the biggest highlights of my work has been my collaborations with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where I’ve helped raise awareness about conservation efforts. From beach cleanups to wildlife protection, I use my Instagram to show how small actions can make a big difference in keeping our world beautiful.

My work with state tourism boards, including California, South Carolina, North Dakota, Florida, Utah and Hawaii, has been all about highlighting the best of what these places have to offer while keeping sustainability at the forefront. Whether it’s coral reef preservation, regenerative travel, or showcasing native Hawaiian cultural practices, I focus on bringing eco-conscious travelers to destinations in a way that benefits both the environment and the local economy.

But it’s not just about individual travelers. Through my partnerships with airlines, hotels, and event organizers, I’ve helped shape the way tourism operates. More bookings, longer stays, repeat visits—that’s the kind of impact that keeps tourism thriving while ensuring that destinations stay preserved for future generations.

Beyond tourism, I love working with major U.S. brands and international organizations to help them expand their reach in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. Whether it’s showcasing eco-conscious travel products or partnering with forward-thinking companies, I use my influence to create real connections between people, places, and cultures.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: inspire people to explore the world while leaving it better than they found it. Whether it’s through sharing breathtaking destinations, highlighting conservation efforts, or encouraging mindful travel, I’m here to show that travel and sustainability can go hand in hand—and that making a positive impact can be just as rewarding as the adventure itself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the past 5 years, my life has been a whirlwind of adventures, airports, new cultures, and endless miles on the road. I’ve been traveling non-stop, hopping from country to country, state to state, always chasing the next breathtaking view, the next untold story, and the next moment that makes me stop and think, Wow, this is why I do this.

I’ve crisscrossed the United States, from the dreamy beaches of Hawaii to the historic charm of Charleston, the neon lights of Las Vegas, the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, and the foggy hills of San Francisco (which was my home base for a while). I’ve driven Highway 1 in California, soaked in the magic of Disney World, and discovered hidden gems in small-town America that deserve way more attention than they get.

For the past few years, I haven’t had a fixed address. My suitcase is my closet, and my office is wherever my laptop and camera happen to be that day.

Sure, it’s not always glamorous. Delayed flights, lost luggage, crazy work schedules, and figuring out how to do laundry when you have just a soap and a chandelier aka clothes drying rack. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Lessons From The Road
The world is both bigger and smaller than you think. Traveling nonstop has shown me that while every place has its own unique culture, people everywhere share the same kindness, love, and curiosity.
Flexibility is key. Sometimes your plans go out the window, and you just have to go with the flow—those are often the best moments.
Travel isn’t about ticking places off a list; it’s about the people, the experiences, and the stories that change you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here’s an itinerary inspired by my personal experiences and recommendations, ensuring a blend of iconic sights and hidden gems.

Day 1: Arrival and Beachfront Bliss

Afternoon: Kick off your LA adventure with a visit to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, and relish the ocean breeze.
Evening: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Hotel Casa Del Mar. The sweeping ocean views are truly mesmerizing and provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.

Day 2: Hollywood and Cultural Exploration

Morning: Start your day with a scenic hike to the Griffith Observatory. The panoramic views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign are worth the trek.
Afternoon: Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood! One of the best experiences you can get in LA.
Evening: Dine at Culina Ristorante at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Their food is inspired by the coastal charm of Italy’s Mediterranean and Adriatic regions.

Day 3: Art and Shopping

Morning: Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), home to a vast collection of artworks spanning various cultures and eras.
Afternoon: Stroll down Melrose Avenue, known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, vintage shops, and street art. It’s a shopper’s paradise with a unique LA flair.

Day 4: Coastal Adventures

Afternoon: Visit Venice Beach to experience its vibrant boardwalk, street performers, and unique shops.
Evening: Dine at Great White in Venice, a cozy spot known for its delicious fare and laid-back atmosphere.

Day 5:

Morning to Afternoon: Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Day 6:

Morning: Visit The Broad Museum, a contemporary art museum with an impressive collection.
Afternoon: Explore the Arts District, known for its vibrant murals, galleries, and trendy cafes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I think about the people who have shaped my journey, my mom, Marina Ponomaryova, is at the top of the list. She’s not just my biggest supporter—she’s my creative partner, adventure buddy, and the magic behind so many of my incredible shots.

From the very beginning, she’s been right there with me, helping film videos, capturing moments, and pushing me to take my content to the next level. But somewhere along the way, she went from just helping out to completely owning the role of photographer, drone pilot, and underwater videographer—and now, she’s the one who takes all the photos on my Instagram!

She’s the one who wakes up early to catch the best light, who fearlessly dives beneath the waves to get an incredible underwater angle, and who reminds me to stop and appreciate the beauty we get to capture.

She’s not just my mom—she’s my co-creator, my inspiration, and the person who makes this journey even more special. Everything I do is better because she’s by my side, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria_ponomaryova/

Image Credits
Maria Ponomaryova and Marina Ponomaryova

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