By Harkirat Singh,
Managing Director, Woodland
Travelling- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. -Ibn Batuta
I am so much in agreement with this. An adventure enthusiast, exploring new places and experiencing outdoor activities enthral me the most. I believe in reinventing myself and exploring the world as much as I can and this passion to experience gets stronger with each day. Engaging with different kinds of people, traditions and cultures, and experiencing each with enthusiasm is what makes a journey complete. Right from the historic and quaint ambience of Italy to the lively flamboyance of Vegas, every trip I have made has unlocked a new dimension and widened my perspective. Travel is the best teacher in the whole world, and opens up one’s mind and shapes one’s personality.
Travel has recalibrated my point of view in approaching problems and difficult situations in life. It has given me a sense of gratitude for what I have in my life, through nothing more than circumstance of birth, and even more grateful for my ability to share that message with others. Though I have learnt much, I understand less than I once thought I did. My view of the world has taken flight like a bird—outside of the microcosm of my country, there is a pulsating planet of other people, like me and yet so very different. I appreciate travel just for the fact that I now feel more able to take the proverbial step into another person’s shoes and imagine their struggles, feel their hopes and respect their successes and failures.
Travel has made me feel more deeply for other people and has put into perspective the highs and lows in this world. I hurt more and I love more deeply; I see more joy and much more sorrow, I’m more introspective and less impatient. I argue just as passionately but with a lot more experiences to call upon, and a place deep in my soul now understands the meaning of the word solitude, which has taught me to seek the friendships, conversations, and slices of happiness that I can find.
The one place that is on top of my wanderlust list is the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA. I thoroughly enjoy hiking and exploring wildlife. I aspire to take a road trip from the Grand Canyon to the Yosemite National Park and Yellow Stone National Park. Another destination on my list is New Zealand, simply because the country has so much to offer - incredibly diverse and unspoilt scenery with beautiful green pastures, live volcanoes, hot springs and the delightful people of the country.
My advice to everyone is, go globe-trotting; travel at every chance you get. Experience new, local cuisines, meet new people, merge in the local culture or simply pack your backpack, get hold of a map and explore a new city. Travel is food for the soul and as you go along, discovering new landscapes, food and people, you will in the process discover yourself, grow immensely and strive to be a better person. Take a journal and a camera to capture every moment. Jot down a few notes about what you’ve done at the end of each day; it will chronicle the memories and help you relive the experience months and years later.
Remember, you only live once; so passing up a chance to travel is tantamount to passing up a life-altering experience.
Feedback: harkiratsingh@woodlandworldwide.com
