Have you ever been rejected for a visa? Well, I have (twice for the UK). Have you ever missed your flight, lost your luggage, gotten delayed at the airport? Check, check, check. I’m listing all these unfortunate (but learning) experiences after some reflection–travel could be really stressful. Sometimes, there are language barriers; sometimes, you just lose your way in the city; and sometimes (like my friend who has just come back from Europe), you injure yourself. So, why did 25 million Indians travel to international destinations in 2017?
I have already talked about the benefits of travel, but do these always win over the negatives? From booking your tickets to getting the flight back home, there is a lot that goes into one trip. Time, effort, sweat and lots and lots of lists. Yet, things can still go wrong. Flights get delayed and there’s nothing we can do about it. And the visa process? Man, it really does suck (UK, I’m looking at ya!). Even asking strangers for directions can be nerve-wracking. And counting and keeping track of all that currency? Bah!
But…
It’s such a great feeling to be out there, exploring a new destination. Walking till your feet hurt. Chatting with a traveller on the train. Watching a movie in a language you don’t understand. Eating things that you can’t pronounce. Enjoying the sunset on a beach. Reading a book in a streetside cafe. Sinking in the bathtub with a flute of champagne. Doing nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Like people, no trip is perfect and hiccups are part of the fun (or not, if you’re being all pessimistic about it). So, all we can do is plan, plan, plan, and enjoy the moment.
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