Notes on Traveling

Traveling is still the most intense mode of learning.

I started traveling extensively in 2018. I've been to 12 countries around the world. My trips have ranged from haggling at a spice market in Egypt to a luxurious ride to the top of Burj Khalifa; from the holy ghats of Varanasi to the narrow streets of Europe; from the super-strenuous hike to Mount Shasta to a relaxing Costa cruise. 

I've traveled hard over the years, so much so that I need to take a break now and focus on getting some real things done. I wanted to do a write-up on the lessons I've learned about traveling over the years to help the next generation of travel enthusiasts make their mark (sorry for sounding like a grandpa).

Don't Plan Much; Just Jump

Actually, it's okay to plan ahead. It's okay to know where you want to go and what your core purpose of traveling is. But remember that things rarely go exactly according to plan. On my first international trip, I learned that I needed a visa to double transit through Europe. I wasn't allowed to board the flight and had to take another one. I had pre-planned the entire trip with non-refundable bookings everywhere. I couldn't have just scrapped the entire trip.

Expect flight delays. Expect to lose a hotel reservation when you arrive late. Expect to lose something every day (unless you're very careful with your stuffs).

You Are Not Always Welcome

There are communities everywhere. Community matters to people. It can be difficult to welcome strangers. I'm not being negative. It's just a general human tendency to draw borders and mark territories. It can be hard to accept someone new, especially someone who is just there for a short time. Although, I did find Europe to be welcoming to travelers, not every place shares the same approach. Third-world nations can be difficult to travel to, especially when you're alone.

Expect to be cheated. Expect to be treated rudely. In the worst case, expect to be robbed! I'm not joking. Don't lose your heart when this happens. Treat all mishaps as part of the journey.

Delete That Bucket List

People have a standard bucket list of things to do on vacation. It's a standard set of activities they see others doing on instagram - skydiving, surfing, skiing, base jumping, cliff jumping, rock climbing, ziplining, whitewater rafting, sailing, mountaineering, cross-continent driving, etc. Having done some of them, I realized that there's no end to this list. They run on a single business model - FOMO (fear of missing out). They take proper precaution to ensure no harm to you. Frankly, that's not a true adventure. There's no fun when you know you're safe and under the guidance of experts. It would be great to get some instagram-worthy shots, but that's not a real adventure.

Adventure begins when things go out of control. The fear that grips your mind and the anxiety that tightens its grip on your soul - that's what adventure is. It hardly comes from planned, standard activities that everyone does. If you really want an adventure, try something like getting lost in a forest with no way to contact others, or getting stuck on a boat with no clue about the direction (maybe that is a bit too much!). My point is - adventure begins when the plan fails. It will happen without you being prepared for it. Embrace it, because that's the essence of the journey.

Solo Traveling is Intense (Usually)

There's usually no one to take care of you, nor does anyone necessarily care! You'll likely be asked to take a lot of photos for others (because anyone who finds you sitting alone might ask). You'll hardly have any photos of yourself, unless you're an extrovert and can ask anyone to take one. Be aware that 99% of people holding iPhones and DSLRs have terrible photography skills. Anyway, since you're traveling solo, I hope you're already over the need to share everything on instagram and are there for intense learning.

Don't Expect Much from Group Traveling

I'm not saying group traveling is bad. But if you travel solo often, be prepared to lower your expectations when it comes to group trips. First of all, it's difficult to convince people to commit to a group trip. Only two or three people ever show up on the day of the trip. Even then, different people have different expectations from the trip. Some people just want to relax. Some want to sightsee as much as possible. Some are up for adventure. Some only want to explore the nightlife. Such varying expectations often cause a lot of confusion. No matter how much you plan, it's nearly impossible to get everyone on the same page. The only thing possible is to be ready to compromise. You may wonder several times if the trip is worth your money. You might think of backing out, but you won't because you understand what it takes to plan a trip successfully.

If you ever get caught up in a group trip, keep your expectations in check. I've had several trips where the entire day was spoiled because people partied too hard and then woke up at 4 PM, only to realize they were supposed to visit the Monastery at 9 AM. On top of that, everyone needs to use the restroom, shower, and eat until they're satisfied. It can be very frustrating, especially when you've been planning the day for so long.

Nevertheless, group trips do bring many memories that you can cherish for life. Remember that planning trips is hard, and you may not get a chance to travel with the same group again (most probably you won't see them again). So, try to make the most of it. Group trips can be truly amazing when you prioritize connections and having fun with people rather than worrying about checking off destinations.

Journey itself is the destination.

Traveling, After-all, Is Too A Sensual Pleasure

Many people travel to escape life's hardships. They might be dealing with serious personal issues or seeking solace from loneliness. It's not uncommon to encounter fellow travelers experiencing heartbreak. However, traveling itself won't solve your problems.

Traveling should be driven by a desire to learn, explore new cultures, meet new people, and gain fresh perspectives. A quick change of scenery won't fix your underlying issues. It might offer a temporary escape, similar to a drug, but it won't fill the void. In fact, you might feel even more unsettled.

Those struggling with personal issues can unintentionally bring down the group's mood. While everyone faces challenges, some lack the resilience to manage their emotions and live in the present. They might dwell on the past, worry about the future, or harshly judge others. Traveling, after all, is a sensual pleasure – a pleasure derived from sensory stimulation. In Buddhism, it's a well-known practice to avoid seeking refuge from pain and suffering through sensual pleasures. Instead, they must be faced head-on. Every suffering brings with it a lesson that life wants you to learn. Learn those lessons while appreciating your current environment, no matter how harsh it seems.

Focus on healing before traveling. The temporary pleasures won't provide lasting solutions. Address your personal issues before embarking on a trip. Otherwise, these fleeting escapes could be detrimental later.

There's a lot more to share about travel, but these are the lessons that came to mind first. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious first-time traveler, I hope this gives you a fresh perspective to consider. Happy exploring!