Discovering the Essence of Travel: Why We Wander and What We Gain

There is a question: why do you want to travel?

Some argue that traveling is a means of escape, a way to elude specific people, things, stories, and thoughts. Others contend that traveling involves saying goodbye to the past, readjusting one's perspective, and embarking on a fresh start. Then some ask, why require a reason for traveling? Isn't it sufficient to feel weary of staying in one place and simply yearn to venture out and explore?

In this lifetime, it's essential for a person to venture out and explore the world while they're young. Seize the moment when you have the energy to be carefree and the chance to express yourself. Find a place that can soothe your soul, capture breathtaking photos that might bring tears to your eyes, and preserve them for your future self.

As the journey unfolds, one often finds it to be entirely distinct from their initial expectations. Days are filled with bustling through the streets, dining at renowned restaurants, checking off iconic tourist destinations, snapping photos, sharing them on social media with eloquent captions, and hitting 'send' while the body is already racing toward the next destination.

As you scroll through your social media profiles, you can spot your footprints scattered across the globe. Yet, beyond the stacks of touristy photos, what have you truly acquired? Is this frantic itinerary truly the type of travel you desire?

Often, we inadvertently impose numerous definitions on travel and overlook its fundamental essence. We frequently push ourselves to visit as many places as we can within a constrained timeframe, all in pursuit of more bragging rights. We yearn to encompass the entire world in a single journey. In the end, travel is a personal affair, unrelated to others. Those who are excessively covetous and self-absorbed will never grasp the true essence of travel.

The most beautiful aspect isn't the scenery itself, but rather the emotional experience of witnessing it. When you're hurrying and rushing about, you've essentially forfeited the essence of travel. Stunning vistas aren't confined solely to the destination; they're also found along the journey. Travel isn't merely about reaching a particular place; it's about engaging with the people and events encountered along the way, as well as cherishing the small moments that unfold on the land.

Some individuals yearn to travel because they relish the sensation of being on the road. They prefer extended stays in unfamiliar locales, forming connections with the locals, and fully embracing local traditions, rather than simply proving their presence. To them, travel resembles an immersion in local culture, not a measure of distance or duration. It's about the depth of genuine experiences, not the extent of the journey.

Authentic travel transcends mere photo collections and excessive shopping. It's a journey of experiencing and comprehending, where everything is regarded as a life lesson and a voyage of discovery. Unlike hurried itineraries, genuine travel often unfolds at a leisurely pace because it isn't about rushing through and checking off tourist destinations. Rather than capturing everything through a lens, what holds greater significance is etching the beauty of the journey into our hearts and minds with our own eyes and emotions.

Traveling is, in fact, quite simple. It's all about stepping out and embracing exploration. The destination itself isn't of paramount importance; what truly counts is having an open heart, for that's what propels you forward. You can roam freely following your own desires. You can stay awake all night just to witness the streets at four in the morning, or you can sleep until you naturally awaken and relish the starry sky and the boundless ocean. Regardless of your location, as long as there's sunshine, the specifics of where you are become inconsequential.

Leave behind all worldly distractions, carrying only minimal luggage and a pure heart. Set out for nature's embrace, where amidst stunning landscapes, you can find harmony between the heavens and yourself. Gift yourself a serene interlude, not too distant, and not too costly, and seek out a tranquil haven to unwind and rejuvenate.

What does traveling truly mean? It's departing from the familiar landscapes of our everyday existence and returning transformed. It's revisiting our origins and discovering them anew. Traveling is that spot on the map where we leave our footprints and later, with a gentle nostalgia, relish the memories…

The meaning of travel, I believe, varies for each individual. Time rushes by quicker than we realize, slipping away in our moments of hesitation and anticipation.

Recommendation: Take your hiking backpack with your eyes as the photograph, visit the places you yearn to see, and engage in the activities that truly inspire you. Seize the present, for waiting until it's too late is a luxury we cannot afford.