I was born and raised in Kyiv, but I consider many places around the world home—Odessa, Mexico City, London, Paris, New York, Montreal, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Bali.

I’ve been a passionate traveler since I was 18, with a love for discovering remote and unique destinations (like Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth).

I can share my experience of how to live in hotels through bartering (check out my photography work: www.nickbelanphotography.com), and I’m currently working on developing my own startup (www.oasix.dev).

What I miss most on the road are cozy conversations and warm evenings. I’d love to exchange stories, life experiences, and good company.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I believe that the best part of travel isn’t just seeing new places but connecting with the people who live there. I love exchanging stories, learning about different cultures, and sharing life experiences. Couchsurfing gives me the chance to meet like-minded travelers and locals, while also bringing a bit of that cozy, human connection back into my journeys.

Interests

I am interested in entrepreneurship, global business, company capitalization and IPOs. Also, real estate, luxury hotels, delicious food and emotions.

• photography
• traveling
• surfing
• skydiving
• volunteering
• startups
• real estate

Music, Movies, and Books

Lord of the Rings, Polyanna, books about traveling around the Earth.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I can boast that I have walked 50 km through the Atacama Desert in Chile, 38 km in Scotland, I have had 10 flights in Europe in 20 days, I parachuted in the Mexican town of Playa Del Carmen, swam in the glowing plankton on the Hong Kong Islands, snorkeled in Bali, saw firsthand the world's bluest Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia, reached Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city on Earth, Ushuaia, and cuddled with alpacas in the Peruvian city of Cusco.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm going to make a nice fish and veggies in the oven and make a spinach salad and drizzle it all with olive oil. We can eat it all with a bottle of wine. During dinner, I'll talk about bartering travel and the philosophy I've learned over the years of my travels. It won't be boring - I promise!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Friendship for life, strength in my hands, knowledge in my head.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Hong Kong, Mexico, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States