The name Samay was pieced together from the letters of my own name. But in Sanskrit, the word already existed – समय – meaning time. Not the time that simply passes, but the present moment, fully lived.
That's the promise of Samay Travel: an invitation to slow down and root yourself in the moment, close to the land and the people who welcome you. To make time for yourself, for others, for what truly matters – so the memories you create keep resonating long after you're back home.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Pourquoi me confier la conception de votre voyage ?
With Samay, every decision starts with you. I listen closely, adapt to what you need, and pour real care into every trip I design. I help you dodge the bad surprises, point you toward hidden gems, and think through the small details that make a big difference. Every recommendation is independent, honest, and built around you.
That's backed by years of experience on the ground – months spent living abroad, trips and road trips across several continents, and research done in French, English, and Spanish. Because to really travel somewhere is to take in all of it: the culture, the history, the people, the food. But that shouldn't come at the cost of your peace of mind. So I take that off your plate and find the right balance between adventure and downtime – all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
And because travel should never come at the expense of those who welcome us, ethics, respect for local communities, and animal welfare shape every choice I make.
A little about me
I'm Melany – a passionate traveller and founder of Samay.
Every chance I got, I took off: 10 months in the United States, 8 in Colombia, 3 each in Mexico and Thailand, and countless trips and road trips in between – Tanzania, Egypt, Costa Rica, Jordan, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Brazil, Oman, Malaysia… Every departure taught me something about the world, and just as much about myself. Along the way I picked up languages too – I'm now fluent in French, English, and Spanish, and currently learning Egyptian Arabic !
For five years, I channelled that same energy into corporate travel and event planning – organizing, coordinating, troubleshooting, staying two steps ahead. But something was missing: the spark. The one I always found when planning trips that actually mean something – for myself, and for the people I love.
So I chose freedom: over my time, my destinations, and most of all, over doing the work that lights me up – designing trips that stay with you. Not just in the photos, but in what they show you, how they make you feel, and who they help you become.
