I can still remember the feeling of excitement I felt when I boarded my first flight. I was leaving my hometown for the first time and embarking on a new adventure. As the plane took off, I looked out the window and saw the world below me.
That’s when I knew that travel was something I wanted to do more of. There’s something about seeing new places and learning about other cultures that just can’t be beaten.
For me, travel is a way to escape from my everyday life and explore new destinations. It’s also a great way to learn more about the world we live in. Every time I travel, I come back with a new perspective on life.
So what inspires me to travel more?
1. See the world from different perspectives
I love to travel. It’s a great way to see the world from different perspectives. When I travel, I get to experience and meet different people from all over the world. I also get to see the world through their eyes. I think that’s one of the best things about travel. It opens your eyes to different cultures and different ways of life. And it’s a great way to learn about other people and their customs.
I remember my first trip to Belgium. I was a little naive, and it was summer, so the days were longer. So, I went for a late-evening walk from my hotel in Ghent, and suddenly it was dark, and I got lost. My phone had been left at the hotel. I couldn’t even recall the name of the hotel. It was a deserted street, and I met a woman walking her dog. I asked her for help. The only thing I remembered was the neighborhood. She figured out where my hotel was and escorted me all the way there. That day I saw the world in a new way.
2. I want to be with myself
One of the best things about travel is that it provides an opportunity to step away from the mundane routines of daily life and focus on what is truly important. For me, this means spending time with myself in a place where I can think and reflect on my life. This is not always easy to do at home, where there are so many distractions and obligations. But when I am traveling, I can completely immerse myself in the experience and take the time to contemplate my life and what I want from it.
3. Connect with nature
When I am surrounded by the beauty of nature, I feel a sense of peace and calm. It is a great way to connect with the world around me and appreciate the simple things in life. I love being able to see different types of plants and animals and hearing the chirping of birds or rustling of the wind in the trees. Nature is always changing, and I never get tired of seeing it.
Even as a child, I was fascinated by the natural world. I remember spending hours in the backyard of my grandparents’ home, marveling at the variety of plants and creatures that I found there. As I grew older, my love of nature only deepened, and I began to take frequent trips to forests all over the world.
Africa was a particularly special place for me, and I have many fond memories of exploring the vast landscapes and encountering the incredible wildlife there. Now, as a landscape and wildlife photographer, nothing gives me more pleasure than being out in nature, surrounded by the beauty and peace of the natural world.
4. Learn about other cultures
One of the best things about travel is that it allows you to learn about other cultures. Whether you’re spending a few days in a new city or embarking on a long journey, travel allows you to experience different cultures firsthand. I love learning about other customs and traditions, how people in other parts of the world live, and what their daily lives are like. There are many DOs and DONTs. It’s a great way to gain a better understanding of the world and its many peoples.
While I was living in Cambodia, I realized that it is an amalgamation of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Many of their traditions and religious practices are similar to what we follow in India. For example, many of their names are after Hindu gods. You can learn this only by blending with the locals, participating in their festivals, and stepping out of your comfort zone, which I always do!
5. Trying different foods and learning how to cook them
Food feeds the soul and is a unifier across cultures.
Few things are as universally enjoyed as good food. No matter where you go in the world, people come together over a shared love of eating. For me, trying new foods is one of the best parts of travel. It’s a great way to get a taste of the local culture and cuisine, and it’s also a great way to meet new people. Food is a central part of social interactions, and I’ve had some of the best conversations with people while sharing a meal.
I’m also a big fan of learning how to cook new dishes. I love trying new recipes and ingredients, and it’s always fun to surprise my friends and family with a new dish that I’ve learned how to make.
I went on a road trip to Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa. I’d heard a lot about Eritrean food and was eager to try it for myself. I made a local friend there and asked him to take me to some local restaurants. We went to a restaurant in a bustling and crowded part of town. I observed how others ordered their meals and then ordered similar dishes. I learned a lot about Eritrean cuisine by eating like a local. The experience was unlike anything I’d done before, but I’m glad I did it.
6. Engaging in a conversation with locals
Everyone smiles in the same language.
There’s nothing quite like striking up a conversation with a local, learning about their culture and their way of life. I’ve had some amazing experiences this way, and it’s always made me feel more connected to the place I’m visiting. Even if I can’t communicate with them directly, the friendly locals always make me feel welcome. They can also add a lot to your trip with their stories and experiences.
On my trip to Belgium, I met a Belgian local. We became good friends after a while. He once came to India and stayed with me in Bangalore for a few days. A caretaker family who lived in our basement invited him for coffee. Other than the local dialects, they do not speak any other language. I was wondering how they would communicate with each other. After an hour, my friend returned, very happy, and told me many things about that family that I had only heard about.
Language is not a barrier if you want to communicate.
You might want to read this…
Five Fun and Rewarding Ways to Learn a New Language While Traveling
7. Get lost and find yourself
“To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen
There’s something special about getting lost in a new place. It’s a great way to explore and find hidden gems that you would never have found otherwise. I love getting lost in new cities and seeing where the day takes me. It’s a great way to slow down and experience a place, rather than just rushing through it.
Sometimes, there’s a certain comfort in wandering through streets that you know like the back of your hand, discovering hidden gems and revisiting old favorites. For me, getting lost is one of the best ways to find yourself. It’s a chance to unlearn, disconnect from the outside world, and simply be present at the moment. And in a world that is often moving too fast, that is something that I cherish.
What inspires you to travel?
I have given a few reasons for what inspires me to travel. You are most likely motivated to travel for many different reasons.
What are some of the reasons you want to travel?
I’m sure there is a whole list that inspires your desire for adventure, so let me hear them.
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