WANDERLUST

 WANDERLUST

“Once you have travelled, the voyage never ends but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers, the mind can never breakout from the journey”- Pat Conroy.

Memories are empowering, sometimes, years after something has happened in your life, you remember it vividly as if the event occurred recently. Incidentally, this happens to only the most delightful memories as they are priceless to the heart and mind. Memories capture the human mind space and can be revisited as per convenience and demand.  In the literal sense, “memories” comprise the human ability to encode, store, retain and subsequently recall information and earlier experiences. In fact, the memory of a precious experience becomes more important than the experience itself. Experience essentially comprises of the knowledge of an event through involvement. The history of the word “experience” is intricately linked with experiment, it is about engaging and exposure. What makes an experience precious? If an experience is extraordinary and unique, if it is rewarding and unforgettable then it is a precious experience. If an experience rekindles warm memories years after it has occurred then it certainly qualifies as a precious experience.

So what is the simplest way of making an experience memorable and precious?  Well, taking an expedition, setting off on a voyage or even sightseeing creates precious memories. Travel spawns compellingly unique experiences, it offers so much more than the daily drudgery of domesticity or mundane madness of the professional world. Travelling opens up a Pandora ’s Box of myriad emotions, it enables us to explore novel experiences.  Exploration empowers human beings and from this emerge discoveries and memories which last a lifetime. Everything about travel comes together to form a whole, the journey, the accommodation, the people, the culture, the architecture; each aspect culminates to create the ultimate precious experience.  But, why do we like to travel? What is the most fascinating aspect about travel?  

“One does not discover new lands before consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time”: Andre Gide.

Human beings possess an inherent deep-rooted desire to search for unique, unusual and unfamiliar experiences. Bitten by wanderlust bug, they keep looking for new places and new experiences. Over the years, however, the attitude of the modern day traveler has undergone a sea change. The new age traveler is eager to experience new cultures and explore new lands.   Some believe that, the most satisfying part about travelling is having the ‘me’ time. Others feel, it is the best way to spend quality time with family or bond with friends. Some profess, that taking off for a trip enables them to reflect and ruminate and connect with their higher self. Some recognize the role, travel plays in spiritual enlightenment. Undertaking a voyage allows one to ponder over the finer nuances of life. Whatever may be the goal, whether material or spiritual, embarking on a journey is a gratifying and fulfilling experience.

Travel is intriguing yet complex, it often entails detailed planning and extensive research. Some important aspects of travel include destination and company, where does one travel and with whom. Travel experts feel, the two are interlinked. Choosing a travel destination itself, is a herculean task, as a destination is as unique as each person. Travelling to the same location is a different experience for each individual even if they are part of the same group and follow the same itinerary.  Interestingly, your destination choices can be affected dramatically by the company you keep while on the go. If you travel as a family, it is good to make a collective decision and discuss the interests of all concerned. The most memorable trips are the ones where each member of the family gets to experience something unique. If you travel as a couple, it is best to discuss your individual desires and expectations from the journey. Maybe, couples could take turns in choosing a destination each year?  A big part of your travel decision depends on your personal travel style, what do you like to experience and what is your everyday life like? Is your professional and family life so hectic that you need a trip to relax? Are you keen to spend quality time with your family? Are you the restless type always wired for action? Do you want to see and do as much as possible in very little time? Do you want to experience the thrill of adventure sports or adrenaline pumping activities? Do you want to go back in time and experience a slice of history? If an adventure lover then you should consider a place which offers rafting, skydiving, zip-lining, and mountain climbing.  For history buffs, historically rich cities like Egypt, China or Rome are exciting. If you are travelling with small kids then theme parks, children camps, water sports and beach destinations might be perfect.

Another important aspect is to research, a pivotal aspect of travelling. One needs to do extensive research pertaining to airfare, lodging, transportation, activities and food etc. Broadly speaking, facilities, services, food, culture, music, terrain and climate play a pivotal role for the common traveler.  It is advisable to do some homework and find your linguistic level of comfort. Many countries do not use the Roman alphabet, so don't count on reading the signs and looking up the words in a pocket dictionary.  It is important to learn at least some local words. It is also crucial to consider the best time to travel, if you want to experience group activities then you must plan your trip in the peak season and conversely, if you prefer solitude, then opt for the lean season. Once you have zeroed on the destination and done the research then of course comes the budget.  You need to decide what kind of budget, you can allocate for your holiday.

Taking up an expedition is the best way to appreciate nature’s beauty and enjoy simple pleasures which life has to offer. As Anatole France said “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe” So go on and create your unique and personal precious experience.