Exploring the World: The Essence of Travel
Why travel?
Travel invigorates me. It awakens my spirit completely.
Recently, I discovered an inspiring piece by Elizabeth Gilbert, which motivated me to reflect on my own travel experiences and the reasons I cherish them.
Every moment spent abroad excites me, even simple tasks like hopping on a bus or using an ATM become adventures. I'm constantly discovering new things and forming incredible friendships. Some of my closest companions have been met along the way, and I can't imagine life without them.
I believe the things that challenge you are precisely what you need to pursue. Comfort signals that it’s time for my next adventure to foster growth.
I haven’t always been this bold or adventurous. These traits blossomed through my travels, primarily solo.
Growing up, my adventures were limited to summer beach weekends and a single Disney World trip in fifth grade. How does a girl from a small South Carolina town evolve into a globetrotter?
The greatest travel influence in my life has been my 76-year-old Aunt Sandra. She and my uncle were constantly embarking on extraordinary journeys during my childhood. Her stories were captivating—battling a scorpion in her Amazon hut, scuba diving in Bonaire, and cruising along rivers in Russia. Every trip brought back unique souvenirs—jewelry, t-shirts, and bags. At eight, I adored those Aruba t-shirts, wearing them with mismatched shorts while dreaming of sun-soaked beaches.
I longed to be the storyteller. Now, I am that storyteller—capturing the Dalai Lama’s teachings in Northern India, sledding on a volcano in Nicaragua, and spending three days traversing the Australian outback by train. Every experience fuels my passion for storytelling, which is why I hold a Master’s in photojournalism.
My aunt always encouraged my adventurous spirit, never once dismissing my dreams. In August 2014, I sought her advice about a significant trip I was planning through Latin America. I shared my itinerary, country list including Cuba, and my savings of $15,000. I explained how I aimed to pitch my journey to magazines and freelance while traveling. I asked, “Should I embark now or wait another year?”
Her answer was swift.
“Go now,” she urged. “I would seize the chance.”
She made an excellent point: “You never know how political situations might change in those countries. They could close off to travelers for quite some time.” Just two months later, I found myself on a one-way flight to Mexico City, embracing the adventure with no fixed plans and endless possibilities.
This wasn’t my first extended solo trip, but I admit I felt nervous—worried about running out of cash, being robbed, or facing food poisoning again. Yet, I refused to allow fear to dictate my life or hinder my stories.
Now, I challenge you: Why do YOU travel?
UP NEXT: Travel Safety 101