We recently had the chance to connect with Yazan Koudsi and have shared our conversation below.
Yazan, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually start my mornings by waking up and putting on some music while I make my breakfast and coffee it’s a must for me. I have a rule to avoid looking at my phone for the first hour, and I never break it. After that, I do a little stitching, then finally enjoy my coffee while checking social media. That’s pretty much my first 90 minutes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Yazan, a Chicago-based travel and lifestyle creator known as @zizotravel. I’ve built a community of over 3 million across Instagram and TikTok with more than 2 billion Reels views, where I share my adventures around the world—highlighting destinations, hotels, and experiences in a way that’s fun, authentic, and highly shareable.
What makes my brand unique is the mix of storytelling and visual creativity. I don’t just show places, I make people feel like they’re there. I also love weaving in lifestyle moments, whether it’s fitness, design, or everyday humor, to keep things relatable.
Right now, I’m exploring as many national parks as I can because I absolutely love them. At the heart of everything I do, my goal is to inspire people to see the world, try new experiences, and connect with different cultures in meaningful ways.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was the first time I traveled on my own. I remember stepping off the plane, realizing I had planned everything myself, and feeling this rush of independence. It was the moment I understood that I could create my own adventures, make my own choices, and truly shape my life—and that feeling has stayed with me ever since.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No, I’ve never truly thought about giving up. I’ve faced challenges, of course, but I always see them as part of the journey. I believe every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, and that mindset keeps me moving forward no matter how tough things get.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say what really matters to me are real connections, sharing fun moments, and making memories together. I value authenticity, laughter, and experiences that bring people closer—it’s those genuine bonds that mean the most to me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I’d say not saving money earlier. I used to spend a lot without thinking long-term, but over the last five years I started saving and investing—and that completely changed everything for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zizotravel/
- Other: tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@zizotravel
