Ever wonder, why are we consistently drawn to an extraordinary place unbeknownst to us? Why are we lured to walk on untrodden paths? The rationale lies in the magic of the unexplored and the untraversed. Setting off on a new journey in the exploration of a new place which we might have read or heard somewhere, with curiosity, to escape the realities of our lives, confront our fears, and challenge our belief-set has now become an absolute necessity.
In today’s fast-paced, time-starved, technology-driven environment, we crave a few moments of tranquillity, to just live in the moment, escape life’s drama, not to worry about the past consequences or have any expectations of the future -to just have the freedom to live in the moment- to be anyone, go anywhere and do anything unapologetically. In today’s world, when family bonds are weakening for the paucity of time, where gadgets have taken over our friendships, and where ‘likes’ are more important than shared silences, you know it is time to mend our relationships. We need to take a step back from the distractions and move to an unfamiliar territory to spend quality time with our loved ones and reset and rejuvenate our bonds with those who matter the most.
Often, we get a feeling that all our days feel like each other. People, life experiences, and days are repeating themselves. This evokes an inherent desire in us, to escape, to beat this monotony and drudgery of our life state, to break free from the deadlines dangling like Damocles sword, to shut the screens of gadgets staring back at us 24×7 encapsulating our very being and soul. It is these moments that compel us to pack our bags and shift the scenario for a few days so that the life that we have built with our blood and sweat looks appealing to us when we come back to it.
No matter how much wealth you have accumulated, what salary you draw, how packed your daily schedule is, or how capable you are of displaying your riches ostentatiously, do ask yourself a fundamental existential question of what you have done to fill your soul. When was the last time you went on a date with yourself?
To Travel is to Take a Journey into Yourself.
Self-exploration brings forth a realization of how small and insignificant you are in the larger scheme of things. A trip amidst natural surroundings clears your mind, awakens your senses, educates you, and enriches your life in myriad ways. You take cognizance of different cultures, partake in new delicacies, and learn a few words of a different language.
We develop a tolerance for things that are different from ours. A river of Sakura in Kyoto Japan in Springtime, Snow-peaked Swiss Alps, endearing sunsets of the Himalayas, waterfalls cascading on the roads in Norway and Ladakh, African jungle safari, white sandy beaches of Maldives and Seychelles, serve not just the perfect backdrop for the perfect shot for the Facebook picture and the Instagram reel but It also evokes excitement in lonely hearts, rejuvenates your mind, opens your heart, broadens your horizon, and teaches you a lesson in humility and humanity. You begin to appreciate different cultures, celebrate their rituals, and break the mental barriers you have erected all your lives. You foster social connections, have chance encounters, discover love, which boosts your confidence in return. To put it simply you just step into a world of fairytale happiness.
To be born into this world of super-connectivity is a blessing. In the times of Buddha, Guru Nanak, and Mahavira, they traveled thousands of miles to preach their philosophies of life. Now, at the click of a button, we can chalk out our bucket list of all places that appeal to our sensibilities and based on public reviews. Big companies like Thomas Cook, MMT, and SOTC have travel packages to suit all budgets. You may be a toddler, a teenager, an adult, an armchair traveler, or an adventure seeker, your holiday is served to you on a platter.
If this article doesn’t motivate you, nothing will. So, what are you thinking? Pack your bags. Embark on a new journey. Escape from your everyday grind.
Find your story. Become a storyteller. Hope for beautiful encounters. Create magical moments. Bring romance back into your lives. Reboot your inner self. Reset your soul. Find yourself.
BON VOYAGE!
