Travelling
Why? When? And Who With?
Travel. The word alone sparks a million dreams, doesn’t it? Whether it’s sandy beaches, bustling cities, or snow-capped mountains, we’ve all (or almost all) daydreamed about packing our bags and jetting off somewhere magical. But here’s the thing: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to traveling. Some swear by two weeks at an all-inclusive resort, while others say that’s not real travel. Some insist on roughing it with a backpack, while others live for luxury. Truth is, there’s no right or wrong way—travel is what you make of it.
WHY TRAVEL?
Why travel? I could give you hundreds (thousands even), but let’s start with the basics.
- Find yourself: Ever wanted to “find yourself”? You might not discover your life’s purpose, but you’ll at least find out how resourceful you are when your suitcase goes missing or the hostel overbooks. It’s like therapy, but with jet lag.
- Push your limits: Think you can’t survive without your morning Costa, Wi-Fi, or a proper bed? Traveling will prove otherwise. You’ll eat things you can’t pronounce, navigate confusing metro systems, and maybe even learn how to use a squat toilet without crying.
- See the world differently: Ever realise the world doesn’t revolve around you? Traveling slaps you with that reality in the best way. You’ll discover new traditions, languages, and an alarming number of foods-on-sticks (we use the term foods loosely).
- Heal your soul: Going through a breakup? Burned out at work? Just generally over life? Traveling won’t solve all your problems, but it’s hard to mope when you’re watching sunsets that look like desktop wallpapers with your own eyes.
- Check off your bucket list: Remember that beach in the Maldives you imagine yourself on? Or that Italian piazza you daydreamed about? Stop scrolling and start living. Adventure waits—but so do Instagram-worthy moments!
In short: travel doesn’t just broaden your horizons. It gives you epic stories, new friends, and a whole new appreciation for your hometown pizza (because yes, it’s different everywhere).
When Should You Travel?
Spoiler alert: anytime. Travel isn’t about waiting for “the perfect moment”—it’s about creating the perfect memories.
- During a gap year: Perfect for blowing your savings in the name of “personal growth.” You’ll collect passport stamps, stories, and maybe a tattoo you’ll never explain to your grandma.
- At 40 or mid-career: The ultimate way to remind yourself there’s more to life than emails and PTO requests. Plus, you’ll have the wisdom to avoid tourist traps—or at least laugh when you fall for them anyway.
- In retirement: Who needs rocking chairs when you can rock the world? Retirement means no bosses, no deadlines, and no excuses not to splurge on that luxury safari. This is your last chance!
- As a family: Kids aren’t an obstacle they’re a new perspective. It’s an opportunity to see the world through a new set of eyes, brimming with curiosity.
Whenever you choose to go, the thrill of exploring is ageless. Travel doesn’t care how old you are or what phase of life you’re in—it just wants you to grab your passport and go.
How Should You Travel?
There are about a billion ways to travel, and they’re all right. It’s not about how you go—it’s about the stories you collect along the way.
- Road trips: Pile in the car, argue over the playlist, and get ready for bizarre roadside attractions and the token “Are we there yet?”.
- Last-minute flights: Nothing says “living on the edge” like booking a ticket without a plan. It’s spontaneous, thrilling, and mildly terrifying.
- Tuk-tuks: Picture it: zipping through Asian streets with the wind in your hair and no idea if you’re going in the right direction (We dream about this ourselves).
- Hitchhiking: Not for the faint-hearted, but hey, it’s a great way to meet local people and stockpile wild stories to tell your grandkids.
- Cruises: Think all-you-can-eat buffets, sparkling seas, and maybe a conga line or two. It’s part luxury, part chaos, and fully fun.
Whatever your mode of transport, remember: the journey is as memorable as the destination. And yes, those cheap bus tickets will cost you your comfort but you could find yourself amongst some incredible landscape you’d miss on a plane.
Who Should You Travel With?
Your travel buddy (or lack thereof) can make or break your adventure. Choose wisely, or be ready to laugh about it later.
Traveling as a Family
- The pros:
Traveling with family is like bringing your home on the road, complete with snacks and inside jokes. Kids make everything more magical (even layovers), and you’ll be building memories that will be talked about at every holiday dinner for decades. Plus, it’s an opportunity to teach them life lessons, like how to haggle at a market or the importance of cultures they can experience first hand instead of a book.
- The cons:
Brace yourself for epic meltdowns, lost teddy bears, and toy demands that could bankrupt you. Spontaneity? Gone. Packing? An Olympic sport. But in the grand scheme, these little inconveniences are just plot twists in your family’s epic travel story.
Traveling Alone
- The pros:
Want to lie on the beach all day? Go for it. Feel like hitting five museums before lunch? Sure! Traveling solo means complete freedom—you’re the CEO of your trip. Plus, you’ll meet people naturally because solo travellers are like magnets for adventure (and occasionally, overly chatty strangers).
- The cons:
It’s pricier (no one to split costs with), and sometimes lonely (yes, eating alone can feel awkward). But every solo trip is a confidence boost—you’ll discover that you’re more resourceful and social than you ever thought possible.
Traveling as a Couple
- The pros:
Sharing every sunset, every ridiculous mishap, and every magical moment? Yes, please. Traveling as a couple means built-in companionship and someone to help you carry the bags. Plus, you can split costs, cuddle on long-haul trains, and take those iconic couple photos that make everyone back home jealous.
- The cons:
Compromise is the name of the game. Your partner wants museums, but you want adventure sports? Better get good at negotiating. And surprisingly, being a duo can make meeting new people harder—but nothing a friendly smile (or a shared drink) can’t fix.
Traveling in a Group
- The pros:
The more, the merrier! Group travel is perfect for splitting costs, sharing meals, and making memories you’ll laugh about for years. Want to try five dishes at a restaurant? Group order! Need a karaoke buddy? Done. Bonus: if something goes wrong, you have plenty of people to blame it on.
- The cons:
Herding a group is like herding cats, but with more arguments about where to eat. Decision-making takes forever, and someone will forget their passport. But hey, the chaos is half the fun—and makes for the best stories.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a gaggle of kids in tow. If you have the opportunity, take it.
Traveling is one of life’s greatest privileges, a chance to explore not just the world but yourself. Whether you’re sipping wine in Tuscany, hiking through the Andes, or laughing over street food in Bangkok, the memories you create will stay with you forever.
So go ahead—pack that bag, grab your passport, and chase the adventure. Your journey awaits. ♥
