My name is Haseeb Ahmed, and travel isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. I was born into a world of shifting sands in Qatar, where I spent my entire childhood and young adulthood, from 1999 to 2020. Back then, Qatar was a quiet expanse of dust and soil, a land of Bedouin traditions and modest skylines. Over those 21 years, I watched it evolve into a global powerhouse, culminating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. I remember the cranes rising over Doha, the construction of Lusail Stadium—a $45 billion marvel—and the buzz as a once-barren nation hosted the world. That transformation taught me resilience, vision, and the power of dreaming big. It’s a lesson I carry into ValensVoyage, my digital travel agency idea, which I’m launching with Not Just Travel.
At 20, I left Qatar for Xi’an, China’s ancient capital, to pursue my undergraduate degree. Xi’an isn’t just a city—it’s a living history book. As the starting point of the Silk Road, it once connected empires from Rome to Chang’an (its ancient name) over 2,000 years ago. I lived there for four years, walking its bustling Muslim Quarter, where the Great Mosque—founded in 742 AD—stands as one of China’s oldest Islamic sites. I’d stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors, an army of 8,000 clay soldiers buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC, a UNESCO treasure that drew me into China’s past. Xi’an’s blend of history and modernity—ancient city walls alongside noodle stalls—shaped my love for destinations that tell a story.
But China wasn’t just Xi’an. I travelled to Beijing, the beating heart of modern China. Its streets thrum with life—skyscrapers pierce the sky, the Forbidden City echoes with imperial ghosts, and the Bird’s Nest Stadium, a steel marvel from the 2008 Olympics, symbolizes a nation reborn. I’d wander its shopping malls, like Wangfujing, dazzled by luxury and chaos, and explore hutongs where old Beijing whispers through narrow alleys. Then there’s Guangzhou, the trade titan of the south. Its skyline, crowned by the 604-meter Canton Tower, glows over a city steeped in commerce since the Maritime Silk Road. I savoured its dim sum, roamed its markets, and felt its pulse—a cultural mosaic of Cantonese heritage and global ambition. Smaller towns, too, like Yangshuo’s karst peaks, taught me the beauty of the unbeaten path.
Beyond China, my travels spanned continents. Qatar was home, but I revisited it as a traveller, seeing its Pearl-Qatar island and Souq Waqif anew. The UAE dazzled me with Dubai’s Burj Khalifa—829 meters of audacity—and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a marble masterpiece. Saudi Arabia offered a different flavour—Riyadh’s historic Al Rajhi Mosque and Jeddah’s Red Sea coast stirred my soul. Sri Lanka was a whirlwind: a one-day visit in 2019, where I glimpsed Sigiriya, a 5th-century rock fortress rising from the jungle, and Kandy’s tea plantations, their emerald hills unforgettable. These places weren’t just trips—they were lessons in culture, budgeting, and discovery.
I’m a solo founder for now, but my “team” has been the friends and family who’ve relied on me to plan their adventures. “How do you find flights so cheap?” they’d ask, or “What’s a must-see in Xi’an?” I’d craft itineraries—Beijing’s Great Wall, Guangzhou’s food tours, Qatar’s dune safaris—saving them hundreds. That’s where ValensVoyage was born: a vision to turn my knack into a profession. Partnering with Not Just Travel, a UK franchise with a proven model, I’ll build a digital agency that makes travel accessible, affordable, and unforgettable. My idea isn’t just a business—it’s a bridge to the world, built on my decades of exploration.
What’s My Vision?
My vision for ValensVoyage is simple yet bold: to empower anyone—dreamers, families, budget travellers—to explore the globe with confidence. I see a future where my agency crafts bespoke trips, from Silk Road echoes in Xi’an to World Cup vibes in Doha, blending my first-hand insights with professional polish. With Not Just Travel’s backing—think ABTA protection, supplier networks, and mentorship—I’ll offer more than bookings; I’ll deliver experiences. Imagine a client saying, “I want history,” and me replying, “How about Xi’an’s warriors or Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya?” Or another asking, “Can we afford it?” and me finding flights and stays that prove yes. Sustainability matters too—offsetting carbon, promoting local stays—so travel heals, not harms. Long-term, I dream of a small team: a marketer, a tech whiz, maybe a China specialist, growing ValensVoyage into a trusted name. It starts with me, but it’s for everyone.
How Will I Use the Money You Raise to Achieve It?
I’m raising £8,000 to launch ValensVoyage with Not Just Travel, and every pound has a purpose.
- The biggest chunk—£4,500—covers the franchise fee, likely their “Consultant Plus” package, unlocking training, tools, and a ready-made business model. Another £1,200 funds Not Just Travel’s onboarding—workshops, mentorship, and certification—so I’m a pro within 60 days.
- I’ll spend £800 on a custom website (domain, hosting, booking plugins) branded as ValensVoyage, launching by month three.
- Marketing gets £1,000—X ads, business cards, a launch event—to attract clients by month four.
- Finally, £500 covers Crowdfunder’s 8-11% fees. Within six months, I’ll be booking trips, delivering backer rewards (itineraries, tips), and reinvesting profits to grow.
Updates will track every step—your support turns my global story into a thriving agency. Let’s make it happen!