#29 Travel is a necessity. Not a luxury.

When I went to Zion National Park last year, I met a couple in their 50s. As we walked the trail, I introduced myself and started speaking. They were originally from the Philippines and were working in Canada for over two decades. They work at the airport. Not a big job. Decent enough for a content life. But they said they traveled once a year to see the world and experience new things.

Similarly, I met two construction workers who had come to explore the Grand Canyon to experience the beauty of it. I’ve met several such people during my travel. An English teacher from the UK and a working woman from a remote African island visiting Kuala Lumpur to explore the Asian culture and cuisine.

One thing I love about westerners is the importance they give to travel. No matter what they did, they made time to go out and see the world once a year or go on a longer trip every couple of years.

Most of us here do the opposite. In India, travel is always considered a luxury. We were taught to work hard and save up. We go on very few trips when we grow up and most of those would be religious in nature. But, nothing recreational or relaxing.

In fact, in some families, chilling for a day in a hotel room is considered a waste of money. Whenever we traveled, we’re on a tight schedule and see as much as we could for the money’s worth. End of the day, we’re tired and lose all will to travel again. We misunderstood travel.

When I say travel, I am talking about walking the streets of a new city on foot. Experiencing the local cuisine. Chilling at the local hangout spots. Go on a hike. Get close to the waves. When you’re traveling to a new place, try to be part of it. Do everything the locals do. Experience what it’s like to be part of the place you’re in. The experience you’ll get out of it will be rich. And, remember… it is okay to relax. so, travel at your own pace.