by Rougayyah J.
Wanderlust – a strong desire to travel according to definition. For as long as I can remember, I was always fascinated by the idea of visiting new places, seeing unique sites and experiencing a completely different life. The thrill of the plane taking off and watching the once-tall buildings, large parks and lakes get smaller as we ascend higher into the sky is an incredible feeling. It also gives us perspective on just how big the world is and how there is so much left to discover.
I grew up watching documentaries and TV shows that revolved around travel. The hosts would travel to lesser-known destinations around the world to live with the locals, experience their culture, lifestyle and try their dishes. After the trip, the hosts would reflect on their journey, the friends they made and the lasting impact it made on them. For some, travel may be a chance to learn and practice a new language. For others, it may be a culinary experience – to try local food, different spices and dishes. It may also be a chance to reconnect with their heritage and ancestry – an aspect of travel I was lucky enough to experience this summer when I went to Indonesia. Sometimes it can also be a way to take a risk, conquer challenges and face fears. Travel can also allow us to practice gratitude. We can reflect on our own lives and appreciate aspects that we may take for granted at times.
Earlier this year, I was talking to a friend that her first solo trip. When I asked her why she chose to take this journey on her own, she told me she wanted to take this time as an opportunity to gain more courage and independence in herself. She would be forced out of her comfort zone- and to grow, you have to be ‘comfortable with being uncomfortable’. Throughout her time she was able to make decisions with a clear mind, be resourceful, confident and meet great friends along the way. Most importantly, she created a lifetime of priceless memories.
The beautiful thing about travel is that it can be done in a multitude of ways. From solo travel as mentioned, vacations with close friends, studies abroad – where a student learns to navigate school in a new country, or volunteering abroad. Travel can also mean expeditions for research (a voyage) or a journey to visit family/friends. It can mean taking a plane across the world, a cruise for travel at sea, or a road trip. Travel can also mean exploring the past, present and even the future. When we visit historical sites, monuments and buildings, we learn about past civilizations and their stories. In exploring cities and interacting with locals we learn about the culture being practiced in the present. If we are lucky, we get a glimpse into what the future can be through new exciting projects (ie. new architecture, development).
Travel truly brings us closer to one another. When we travel, we start to learn a little more about each other, our history and even ourselves. Our differences and similarities in culture, food, and customs are what make the world beautiful. To travel is to experience life in its most authentic form.
