In the last post we explored a number of reasons why acting pronto on the impulse to travel is the only reasonable thing to do. Here are a few more to complete that list-
Discover off beat destinations-
With so many innovations in technology, the world is truly your oyster. It is convenient to hop from one stunning destination to another. With time on your hands you can even find on your own, little visited hidden gems. The Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Machu Picchu and the like is on every serious traveler’s itinerary but with more time you can explore places like the rarely frequented but equally impressive Palau, Mongolia, the Lakshadweep islands in India so on and so forth; a lifetime is not enough to take in the breathtaking beauty of this world.
The world is an oyster-
While you are at it, make the world your tasting plate. You get to try every conceivable type of food and drink in different corners of the world. You can embark on a food adventure on its own. Whether it is delectable injera in Ethiopia or mouthwatering masaman curry in Thailand, the world offers bursts of endless scrumptious flavors. Beers and wines in Europe, different kinds of exotic coffees from Asia, South America and Africa, Pisco in Peru etc are examples of drink that can quench any travelers thirst.
Shop till you drop-
What better way to decorate your home than to pick up objets d’art and other items of interest from far flung corners of the earth. Travelling is a dream come true especially for shopaholics. Collect gorgeous artefacts, weaves, antiques etc at a steal from different parts of the world. It is almost always cheaper at the source. Bargain for gorgeous carpets in Turkey, buy blue pottery in China, Delft in Holland, Jaipur in India and South East Asia, trek into villages in Bhutan that produce exquisite handmade embroidery and so much more.
Losing track of time-
Every single long term traveler more often than not feels a deep sense of contentment and gratitude to have the privilege of experiencing the world in all its glory. This is one addiction that might just be great for your soul. On the road, unwinding becomes convention. Most long haul travelers often lose track of time. They immerse themselves wholeheartedly in the business of pure travel. And they do it for the unalloyed joy of experiencing in reality our still magnificent planet and not merely vicariously through television programs or travel magazines. You can spend weeks lazily lounging on an exotic beach or you can spend months exploring deep Amazonian jungles. It is up to you to determine your pace. Many even stop to volunteer at different charitable organizations to do their bit for the world.
Take a sabbatical-
If you are afraid of holes in your CV and unaccounted gaps in your career consider taking a sabbatical. Many corporations allow employees to take up to a year or two off. Alternately, consider a career that can be done remotely, on the go. Writing, teaching guitar online, software programming, consulting are some options. Besides, a break might energize your batteries allowing you to be so much more productive when you do get back to work. It may even give you fresh ideas to start something entirely new.
Opens your mind-
Travelling not only breaks prejudices and preconceived notions, it also allows one to appreciate both the incredible diversity of the human race and its sameness. Time and again you will hear travelers say, “We come from such different cultures but what is amazing is that at the core most humans are the same.” Values such as of kindness, generosity, and thirst for knowledge often prevail over more petty attitudes in traveler communities. Travelling indubitably fosters positivity. Making friends from different cultures from all over the world opens your mind to lives and ideas different from your own. It doesn’t mean that you won’t come across your share of douche bags along the way. Shit happens too sometimes but the pros far outweigh the cons.
With so many reasons to take the plunge, why wait anymore? It is time to travel and travel now.
Feature image- Elephant tour in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
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