It was 2012, and I was just working another shift as a waitress at a restaurant. One of my friends who I worked with suddenly came up to me and said, "Do you want to go to Australia with me for New Year's Eve??" I didn't even have to think about it before automatically saying YES. And that's where it all began...
That trip to Australia was my first time leaving North America, and I immediately knew that I wanted to see as much of the world as possible.
Ever since that first big trip, I have constantly looked for opportunities to explore new places. I believe there are so many reasons to travel. The discovery of new land and new people is such an amazing privilege.
People-
Traveling will always introduce you to new people. I have made some lifetime friends through my travels. It's pretty neat to be able to say that you know people all over the world...literally. Not only do you meet new people, but this also introduces you to different lifestyles and ways of living. Meeting someone who is native to the area you are visiting can really open your eyes to the way they live, and make you feel more connected to that destination.
Personal story - I will never forget the time when I was traveling in South Africa with a small group. The topic of fast food restaurants came up, and I asked if they like Taco Bell. They stared at me like I had three heads and asked, "What's that?" 馃槼 I was mind blown... who knew Taco Bell wasn't an international staple?? 馃槀
From the people I met in the hostels, to the people in my treks/sightseeing groups, to local artists... I have met so many beautiful and inspiring people through my travels.
^our group of guides and porters during our Kilimanjaro Trek
^left: a local artisan in Cusco
^right: a local roof maker in Kyoto, Japan
^group of tourists and porters during our Inca Trail Trek
^local metal working shop in Kyoto, Japan
Culture-
I truly believe that part of being an educated human, is understanding other cultures. Experiencing new cultures and lifestyles is one of the main reasons why I enjoy traveling so much. Not only does it teach you about how other areas of the world live, but it helps you become more understanding and open to other people's views.
Personal story- After our Kilimanjaro Trek, it is often tradition to join your guides for a celebratory dinner. Before eating, the waitress brings a pitcher of warm water, soap, and a bowl to the table. Each person washes their hand, in turn, right at the table. I thought this was such a neat tradition!
When I travel to new destinations, I always try to research the "local spots". Too often I see people fall into the tourist traps. Don't get me wrong, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. There is certainly a lot to learn from the famous landmarks as well, but it is important to remember that these tourist destinations are often commercialized for the monetary benefits. This unfortunately interrupts the authentic cultural background.
^left: Hogmanay Torch procession in Edinburgh, Scotland (a New Year tradition in this historical city)
^right: a Christmas Market in Edinburgh, Scotland
There are various research sources (many are blogs reflecting personal experiences, such as this) that can help you find how to best experience the location's culture prior to going. These experiences may be a local restaurant, a museum, a local artist shop, an undiscovered alley, etc. Of course you should always explore what is most important to you, but just remember that sometimes the "hidden gems" can be just as interesting as the "must see's" 馃槉
History-
History is an incredible thing, and it exists all over the world. Understanding and learning about a location's history can help you feel even more immersed in their culture. Growing up in a historical town myself, I've grown to appreciate history in general, and I yearn to understand how a place "came to be".
^view from atop Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh, Scotland)
^Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Not only is history intriguing and inspiring, but it is also visually rewarding. Historical architecture and landmarks are some of my favorite things to explore while traveling. Through exploring these establishments, I feel a connection to that specific location, and it helps me to understand the way they live, and why they do certain things.
^Lacoste, France
Nature-
My love for nature and wilderness is a significant driving factor of my travels. This world is such a beautiful place, and I intend to see as much of it as possible. From the never ending dense and lush mountains of Peru, to the endless and untouched landsacpes of Iceland, the earth is a magnificent place. When traveling I not only look for nature, but I try to become one within the natural landscapes around me. This is a big reason why I plan a lot of hiking trips, such as the Inca Trail, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
^Inca Trail, Peru
In a nutshell, these reasons are what drive my love for travel. Next time you visit a new place, even if it is within your own country, I encourage you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. What is different about this place? What can you take away from here, and learn from? Can you relate anything here to your own day to day life? How is this lifestyle different from yours? Learning and understanding others is a simple step in becoming a better human being. 馃