My Travel Experience Story: How I started

I’m easily overwhelmed, but some moments don’t hit me until long after they’ve passed. 

Like stepping inside the pyramids. Watching the fireworks color the sky at Disneyland. Making a snow angel for the very first time.

If I told my younger self I’d do all that one day, her jaw would’ve dropped to the floor.Never did I imagine I’d be this worldly, and yet there I was: riding a camel in the desert, sampling dishes I couldn’t pronounce, and shivering in a ski resort.
Who is this diva??

 I wish I could find a better word than surreal to describe what I feel whenever I travel or experience all these things. I wouldn’t even say my dreams came true because I never dreamed of these.

Growing up, I was so limited with my environment that I never dared entertain the slightest idea of traveling, let alone exploring cultures overseas.

You can’t dream of traveling when you’re hungry or struggling to pay tuition fees.

My Simple Dreams

My generation was conditioned to aim for a profession that generates a better income. This was instilled in us at a young age: Study hard, get good grades, and you’ll have a high-paying job. It’s been repeatedly drilled into our brains like a prayer; it’s impossible to forget.

So, my world revolved around getting good grades no matter what it took. I was naive about dreaming of becoming a teacher, a doctor, or even a scientist just because these professions are supposed to pay well, although none of these has my heart. I never took the time to think about what I wanted and what profession could make me happy.

Why would I? Choosing a bachelor’s degree is a luxury I couldn’t afford. What was available to me, I took. I pursued. I persevered. I simply wanted to provide for my family, not even thinking of what I wanted to give myself.

Traveling was a distant thought. Traveling solo was a foreign concept. A language I don’t speak.

What It Took to Get There

Being stubborn is a double-edged sword. I had the heart to help but also the mind to discern. It took me time to set my boundaries, but I felt free when I did. I no longer feel as guilty as before whenever I put myself first before other people. It wasn’t fast, nor was it easy. It took me a long time, but I’m glad I went through my process.

I also surrounded myself with forward-thinkers and people who inspired me and made me question whether I’m happy and content with my current situation. It was admittedly uncomfortable and awkward, a wake-up call for me to reevaluate my life, boundaries, and limitations.

And waking up, I did. I started dreaming, and actually dreaming for me. For myself. The world opened up for me. It was my oyster. The excitement was palpable. I felt I could do everything. I had the means, the resources. I was unstoppable.

The Rollercoaster of Emotions

I thought I was mentally ready to travel solo, but when I did, I encountered plenty of mishaps, from excess baggage to missed flights to getting lost in a crowded street full of drunken people. Did that discourage me from travelling again? No. Was I more confident in my next trips? Yes. Cliché and cheesy as this sounds, these mishaps taught me to be a better traveler.

My travel memories aren’t disaster stories. They’re all about the impressive temples, exquisite landscapes, and delectable cuisines. I can only think about stunning architecture, breathtaking panoramas, and pristine waters. I remember the beautiful people and crazy activities we tried together. Whenever I remember my travel mishaps, I share them as anecdotes, funny stories I laugh about now, although I was anxious and panicking during those moments.

What I Realized

Excitement isn’t just for beginners. Now that I’ve been to quite a few countries, I still feel as excited as I did the first time. I am grateful that I can travel, and I always reflect on the times when I couldn’t or didn’t even think about it.

Whenever I think I am no longer new to traveling, a country humbles me. It reminds me where I started. I am completely swept off my feet seeing landmarks, statues, and wonders of the world that I used to see only in books or on TV.

At one point, I thought these landscapes and stories were myths until I saw them and experienced them myself.

I wouldn’t believe I saw them if I didn’t capture them. Those pinch-me moments made the trips extra special. Did I really go inside the pyramids? Did I actually eat the snow? Was it really I who bathed with the elephants? Crazy to me, yet they happened.

Even when dreaming, I was modest. I didn’t want to be disappointed if my plans didn’t fall through. I didn’t plan to see the pyramids or Disneyland. But life has its ways of surprising you. From the outside, I was calm and collected and showed the usual amazement. No one knew but me how I was freaking out, over the moon, crying from overwhelming happiness inside.

Traveling wasn’t just about exploring the places, cultures, and cuisines. It was also a rediscovery, an intimate acquaintance with yourself. To me, it was releasing parts of me that only traveling could bring out.

A Soft Little Reminder

Never downplay your capacity. I thought I was so poor that I couldn’t afford to dream of traveling. Things became possible when I opened my eyes, challenged my beliefs, and set boundaries. No matter where life takes me, I will always be grateful and awestruck. The world is beautiful, and would it be so tragic to not marvel at its beauty?