Ascen Aynat

Welcome to Capture the Atlas! I’m Ascen, the co-founder of this travel and photography blog. 

My passion for exploration, combined with my desire to help fellow travelers plan their trips, led me to create this platform, your ultimate guide for crafting unforgettable journeys.

I was raised in Almeria, Spain, where stunning beaches fueled my wanderlust and served as a constant reminder of the world’s many wonders. Joining a scout group at a young age helped foster my curiosity and insatiable thirst for adventure. Those early camping trips set the stage for a lifelong passion for travel and the boundless beauty of the world.

As fate would have it, following a conventional career path led me to extraordinary opportunities. Studying industrial engineering and immersing myself in the corporate world opened doors I could never have imagined. I saved every penny during my first year of work, driven by the dream of embarking on a month-long trip around Europe by train. After that exhilarating journey, my second year as a working professional saw me saving up for my first trip to Southeast Asia.

The true adventure, however, came in my third year as an engineer when an astounding opportunity materialized—a working visa to the United States. It was there that I fell deeply and passionately in love with the awe-inspiring beauty of its sprawling deserts and captivating night skies. Immersed in a new culture, I eagerly embraced the challenge of learning a foreign language and relished the thrill of stepping boldly beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone.

However, I soon realized that sitting in front of an office desk all day was not for me. I often felt trapped by my own success, confined by the so-called “golden handcuffs” — a comfortable job, a decent salary that funded my occasional getaways, and a generous number of vacation days that somehow never felt like enough. While it may have seemed like I had it all, deep down, my adventurous spirit yearned for something more, something that would allow me to discover new places and share those experiences with others.

For a long time, I managed to navigate the duality of my life: excelling in my field during the day and writing travel guides for Capture the Atlas at night, just for the pleasure of inspiring and empowering other travelers.

Eventually, there came a moment when I knew I could no longer keep living my life this way. I wanted to put every ounce of my being into creating this blog, ensuring that it would become a trusted source of knowledge that provides valuable insights, practical tips, and detailed guides that make travel planning a seamless and enjoyable process. So, I made a difficult decision but one that fills me with joy and a sense of purpose: I chose to break free and put all of my energy into this project, and there is no day I regret doing this.

Apart from helping thousands of travelers plan their trips every day, my new routine includes hiking majestic mountains, capturing jaw-dropping landscapes with my lens, and exploring vibrant cities. I may not have the paycheck or stability I used to, but I do have the satisfaction of helping others while doing what I love, and that is priceless.

Thanks for trusting me and Capture the Atlas to be your reliable companion in turning your travel dreams into reality. Together, we’ll plan the most epic itinerary and make sure every moment of your trip is filled with awe and wonder.

Adventure awaits, wander on!

Ascen