I love the feeling of being anonymous in a city I’ve never been before.

rexona (50)in #life • 6 years ago

Traveling for me puts things into perspective. It allows me to realize that there are far bigger things that my problems. So what if the wifi is slow or if my favorite ramen place is closed. Traveling allows you to see that the world is not always about you. It allows me to see how other people live and what they have to deal with on a daily basis.

Traveling has humbled me and has broadened my perspective in so many ways.

Traveling has humbled me and has broadened my perspective in so many ways. Traveling to places like Southeast Asia and other impoverished areas has given me a sense of gratefulness for the modern day comforts that I am able to enjoy.
When I was a child, I used to read books voraciously. I would read page after page and obsess over faraway lands. Only when I started traveling did I realize what the travel quote “it’s better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.” As a travel writer, I try my hardest to describe places and destinations of my readers. However, there are just some things and experiences that are too beautiful to put down in words.

To me, one of the most beautiful things about travel is the fact that every day is different. There are no routines, no set rules, or no expectations. You can do what you want, whenever you please. I have been traveling the world together with my partner for over two and a half years now and one of the things we love the most is the freedom that travel and this lifestyle gives us. Travel breaks down routines, monotony and brings back some adventure, excitement, and exploration to people’s lives.

Often times, I stop and reflect on how travel has changed my life. During these times, I realize how much travel is a part of me. During my teenage years, I would read books and wonder what it would be like to go to all these exotic places.

I never thought this was possible for me but alas, travel opened up so many doors and opportunities for me that often times, I have to pinch myself. For me, travel is living. It is seizing each day and making the most out of every situation.

We don’t even have the certainty that we will live until we are old. So ultimately, if your goal in life is to be happy, then why not pursue the things that do make you happy? I know this is easier said than done as many of us have obligations and responsibilities but I am one of those people that believe that if you want something bad enough, there is a way to achieve it.

Life is not about making money. Yes, money makes things a heck of a lot more comfortable but are you really willing to sacrifice years and years of your life doing something you hate? So either find a job that you love or find a passion that your job can fuel. Banking on making enough money so that one day you can pursue what you love isn’t a guarantee.

As harsh as this comes across, really take the time to take a look at your life and what you want out of it. I’m not saying everyone should just go quit their jobs and go travel. No way. I know this life isn’t for everyone but if there is something you’ve been wanting to do but are just too scared to try, then now is the time to pursue it.

I can’t count the number of times I forced myself to try out exotic dishes even if they grossed me out. 3 out of 10, I wouldn’t eat again but at least I tried anyways. In Indonesia, we were invited by a local to his home for some dinner.

The only food he and his family had was some rice and sambal (heaps of homemade chili). Even if my mouth was burning, I finished my plate because who was I to refuse the kindness that someone who opened up his home to us? I must have finished a pitcher of water but I was still grateful for the chance to get to know him and his family.

The one by Lawrence Block, on the other hand, speaks about the spontaneity of travel and how we should be open to these things. My partner and I have completely different travel styles. He is a more spontaneous traveler who doesn’t like to plan anything. As you can imagine, this drives me nuts at times as I like knowing whether or not I have a place to sleep tonight. After traveling together for almost three years, we’ve compromised on this, meeting halfway in the middle.

So while it’s easy to plan out entire trips, it’s also good to go with the flow once in a while and leave room for spontaneity and surprises. Usually, the experiences that are most meaningful are those that you don’t plan for. Interacting with locals, making new friends, or even getting lost. These are now things that I live for and love the most about traveling.