My Journey to Travel the World: Stories from the Road
We all carry dreams—some simple, some elaborate, some that stay quietly tucked away while others scream for attention. I’ve always believed in dreaming big. Whether it was chasing adventure or finding myself in remote, untamed places, those dreams have always pushed me forward. A couple of years ago, I felt this surge—a deep pull that wouldn’t let me sit still. I knew I wasn’t made to sit in a cubicle or live a life that confined me to one place.
I often hear people talk about “settling down,” but for me, the idea of settling never sat right. I wanted to travel because my soul was aching to explore the unexplored, meet people from different walks of life, taste the food I had only heard of, and write stories of my encounters with the world. The thought of wandering in the mountains, dancing in foreign streets, tasting strange delicacies, or simply getting lost somewhere excited me beyond words.
While many people plan their holidays to relax and take a break from their everyday lives, travel has become more of a calling for me. It’s not a vacation; it’s a way of living. I want to go beyond my comfort zone, see the world raw and unfiltered, and let the winds of change guide me. And here’s why:
To Learn Beyond What Textbooks Teach
School and textbooks teach us the facts, the historical timelines, and some culture through the lens of education. But no amount of reading could prepare me for the lessons I learned on the road. Whether it was the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the sacred streets of Varanasi, I’ve found that each destination has an untold story to offer.
There’s a difference between knowing the story of the Ottoman Empire and standing in front of the Blue Mosque, where that history was shaped. When I see such places, I realize that textbooks only tell a fraction of the full story. The air still hums with the lives lived there—the beauty, tragedy, resilience—and you can’t read about that. You have to feel it.
From the Berlin Wall to the monuments of Vietnam, history becomes alive when you stand on the soil where it all happened. And every place teaches you something new. This is why I seek places where the remnants of history whisper to the curious traveller.
To Meet People, Not Just See Places
Some of the most memorable moments in my life haven’t just been about the places I’ve visited but the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve found connections in the most unexpected corners of the world. A chance encounter with a Maasai woman in Kenya, a conversation over tea in the Himalayas with a local monk, or even a casual chat with a tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok—these people have left a mark on my heart in ways I can never forget.
The beauty of meeting strangers is that they become part of your journey. They share their stories, their culture, and their wisdom, and it adds layers to your own experience. I remember an 11-year-old boy in Spiti Valley who taught me more about Buddhism than any book ever could. Travel allows us to meet people who challenge our perspectives and broaden our worldview, showing us that life isn’t confined to one way of living.
To Taste the World, One Dish at a Time
I’m a foodie, no doubt about that. And one of my deepest desires is to experience food not just as sustenance but as a cultural emblem. Food is the gateway to a country’s heart, and every dish tells a story of its people and history.
Whether it’s savouring the flavours of a freshly made Pad Thai in Bangkok, indulging in sushi prepared by a seasoned chef in Japan, or simply sharing a home-cooked meal in a village in Vietnam, food connects me with a place in ways nothing else can. It’s about more than just tasting something new—it’s about understanding a culture from the ground up, and knowing how local ingredients come together to represent a region’s way of life.
In every country I visit, I hunt for authentic experiences through their food. It’s the one indulgence that never fails to introduce me to a country’s soul.
To Escape Routine and Write My Own Story
More than anything, I’ve come to realize that I wasn’t born to live a life bound by routine. I crave the uncertainty, the unknown, and the thrill of waking up in a new place. There’s something liberating about packing a suitcase, stepping onto a plane, and not knowing what awaits on the other side. It’s the spontaneity of travel that fuels my spirit and keeps me moving.
Travel allows me to write my own story—a story that is constantly evolving, with new characters and chapters being added as I explore more. The landscapes I visit, the people I meet, the tastes I savour—they are all part of the narrative of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
From the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas to the beaches of Bali, I’m reminded that life is too short to be lived in one place. I want to explore, dream, and discover. And through travel, I find the freedom to do exactly that.
Why You Should Travel Too
For me, travel isn’t just about crossing places off a bucket list. It’s about growth, about finding myself in places I never thought I’d be. It’s about getting lost and realizing that you don’t need a map to find your way. Every trip has given me a lesson, every country a memory, and every person a story to take with me.
And while I know my journey is far from over, I hope my story inspires you to start yours. To pack a bag, book a ticket, and find yourself somewhere in the world. Whether it’s across oceans or simply a new city in your own country, travel has the power to change you, and make you see life in a way you never thought possible.
So now, let me ask you: What’s your reason for travelling? What’s the one destination you’ve always dreamed of visiting, and why? Let me know in the comments because your journey starts with a single thought.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
