Traveling is a special experience for everyone. Even if we go to the same places or have similar journeys, each of us finds something personal and unique in our travels. It’s an opportunity to shape our understanding, grow, and learn. For me, one of the best things about traveling is the chance to appreciate the amazing diversity in the world. This could mean exploring places thousands of miles away or right in your own neighborhood.
When I was younger, I used to spin a globe or browse on Google Maps to find the most remote and intriguing places to explore, even if it was just virtually. Traveling, even through a screen, felt like a calling. It opened my mind to all the wonders of the world I hadn’t seen yet—places that seemed so different from home but felt like a dream to visit.
From a young age, I knew that exploring made me happy. I spent countless hours in the nearby woods, building tree swings and letting my imagination run wild. Though the forest was small and only minutes away from my house, it felt like an entirely different world. This is what I love most about travel—it awakens the explorer in me. Instead of fear, there’s excitement for what lies ahead.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many countries, but for me, it’s not about tallying numbers. Traveling isn’t about checking in on social media or using apps that count how many countries you’ve visited, although those can be fun. Exploring is about stepping out of your routine and keeping an open mind to new experiences, whether it’s riding a rickshaw in a city, trying an unusual dish, or trusting in yourself and others around you.
Recently, on a trip to Croatia, I had the chance to jump into a river from high rocks. I was eager initially, but once at the top, I was overwhelmed with fear. My rational side said, “Don’t do it,” but my adventurous side felt it was an experience worth having. Eventually, with a bit of encouragement, I took the leap, and it was incredible. It was my friend Yaya’s pep talk that really helped me push past my fears.
The key takeaway is that exploring helps you understand yourself better and appreciate when others know you well too. Overcoming insecurities and fears opens you up to enjoy traveling even more. Some fear can be healthy, but sometimes it only holds you back from what you want to achieve. By being open and less fearful, you not only visit places but truly explore and experience them. This leads to much richer and more valuable experiences.
