EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE

IN THE QUEST OF THE UNKNOWN

“The World is a book and those who do not travel read only a page” St. Augustine.

Since time immemorial, man has been driven by the desire to travel, to see the unseen and to discover the unknown. Fuelled by this unbridled ambition to unravel the priceless gems of mother earth, man has been exploring the bountiful wonders of this planet. The word travel probably originates from French word “travail”. The literal meaning of the word “travel” is to go from one place to another, to undertake a journey. The discovery of various means of transport changed lives. With time and technology, travel has developed into a highly evocative word capable of conjuring up a plethora of diverse images.

How did it all begin and where did it all start? Back in the Stone Age, when man was still evolving, exploration was a way of life. Man was constantly on the move for food and shelter. As the human race evolved, new modes of transport were invented and commuting became easier.  Travel gradually underwent a metamorphosis. It became more exciting and at the same time simpler. Today, we have come a long way. Technology, internet and smart-phones have revolutionized the way we travel. Detailed information is available at our fingertips - from Google maps; to language translators; to local food reviews - just about everything is online. Life can change with a mere click of a button, we can plan complete itineraries in a few minutes. If one is keen to experiment, there are numerous travel blogs which provide information about lesser known attractions.

“To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive” : El Dorado

Whether one travels out of choice or compulsion; for business or pleasure, whether one travels in business class or aboard a luxury cruise or  goes backpacking on a shoestring budget, there is this indescribable joy in exploring the unknown and unraveling the unseen. However, as Michael Kasum, an acclaimed travel writer noted, there is a “big difference between simply being a tourist and being a true world traveler “. Sometimes, we are so driven down the path of materialistic pursuits, so engulfed by the desire to succeed in the rat race that we forget to live and we just let life pass us by. We need to stop and look around to enjoy the moment.  A real traveler relentlessly pursues new experiences to discover priceless gems.

All of us aspire to dream and discover, getting away from our rumbling routines is important. We all need a break to rejuvenate our souls and refresh our minds. Deep within us all, is this inherent desire to get away to a modern day utopia, an idyllic paradise where we can find time to just sit back and stare out of the window. Being in a beautiful place and experiencing something “once in a lifetime” is a great catalyst for some deep thinking.

.“Travel in the younger sort, is a part of education and in the elder sort is a part of experience”: Bacon.

Whatever is the reason for travel, one indisputable fact remains that travel is a great teacher. Travel teaches precious and priceless lessons of life. In fact, travel is the best education you can get. With travel, your tastes in music and literature, broaden; you learn more about art and culture. Travelling around the world and seeing people in varied circumstances makes you cherish the gift of living. Travel knows no caste or creed, neither race nor colour, travel reminds us that we are bound by the similarities. Travel unites people. Travel is also food for the soul, many renowned authors and poets have said that it aids spiritual growth. Whether spiritually inclined or not, travel is life-changing. The traveler’s world lights up and his eyes, heart and mind open up. Your world view changes over a period of time as travel opens new doors to a world of endless opportunities and boundless discoveries.

Life is short, make the most of it, if you have a passion for travel then don’t wait, do it now.

Tomorrow never comes and if you keep waiting for the right moment, you may never get that chance to take up your dream voyage. Someone said, if we wait until we are ready, we will be waiting for the rest of our lives. So, do not put off your dreams indefinitely. Throw caution to the winds…do what you want to now, don’t let your travel plans brew on the backburner.  Follow your dreams now…seize the day and spread your wings. If traveling makes you happy, then do it now, do it while you can.!!

You can either spend your life just drifting around aimlessly or get up, make plans and get going. Only if you do the latter, you will reach somewhere. !! So dream and discover!! As Mark Twain said “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore!” …Just pack your bags and go in the quest of the unknown, who knows this could be your holy grail! After all, life is a journey, not a destination!