Why Do We Travel?

This entry serves as an extension of thoughts from a previous post by Guru ‘Why Travel Gyaan?’ The question ‘Why do we travel?’ am sure, has entered the minds of many travelers. Am also sure that most of us have some sort of an answer to it. After having read through a few people’s experiences, I came to observe that for most, the answer was more emotional or spiritual while for some others, the aim was purely, to have fun. And then, there were the ones that wanted to endure, to test themselves. Ergo, It is difficult to categorize and quite impossible to come to a single conclusion. So, the question is still open.

Why do I want to Travel?

1. To Dare Myself

Not in a ‘Man Vs Wild’ sort of way, but in much saner methods. To perhaps ‘go’ behind a bush or snorkel with baby sharks around you, in Langkawi. To trek in the valleys of Kashmir where little stones rolling under your feet threaten to send you sliding down to the bottom or try hard to stay afloat in the sea after getting thrown out of a high-speed water ride (F.Y.I. Don’t know how to swim). When you’re pitted against such circumstances, well out of your comfort zone, you truly understand what you’re made of.

2. To Experience New Things

Like a cup of ‘qahwah’ or saffron tea as they make in Kashmir. It is not just the tea, but the houseboat, the sunrise, the shikaras et al, which enriches the experience. One cant get that back home in the South of India with instant tea, drunk from a coffee mug & a newspaper in hand. To pet scorpions in Singapore or make eye contact with an elephant on its way to a watering hole in Wayanad, Kerala. Every little thing counts for a big new experience.

3. To (Re)discover Myself

The spiritual bit I was talking about earlier. I don’t know for sure, if I will ever understand what that means. Like photographs, at times I find myself in good light & in other times, in poor light. But the endeavor to be in the right light is still on.

4. To Party And Have Fun

Travel is fun!! On New Year’s Eve, North of Goa, one will come across totally bizarre people and get to see one’s self in a completely different way.  Or perhaps white water rafting on the river Cauvery, in Coorg, Karnataka. You will find yourself screaming in different octaves on contact with different grades of rapids. What is more fun is when you have gang of pals screaming with you.

5. To Be Grateful

for having the opportunities & resources to undertake news journeys. For the ability to enjoy the experiences with fully functioning physical faculties. And finally, to be able to share it with friends & family.

I am yet to see the world. But for the teeny bit I have seen around home, I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned. Who better a teacher, than nature! And what better way to revel, than travel!