2 of 73

Write now Article Tools

To best understand the reasons why to travel, it is important to classify the various ways one can go about it. One method involves taking a pre-planned tour which obviously removes the headache out of arranging the trip and keeps things predictable; a travel adventure is another way and involves something a bit more culturally immersing and is quite unpredictable - that is the method of travel I prefer and it is addicting.

A travel adventure offers so much more, but potential traveler be warned, you will most likely return more tired than when you left. To best relate why to travel and how I personally approach it, it would be necessary to draw on my own great traveling experience which was a trip I took for three-months and involved visiting 13 countries.

I left on soggy morning from LAX and flew off to Madrid with only a backpack and a wad of travelers checks. I was alone, save for a couple of travel books for companions that were swiftly ditched in a dirty hotel in Madrid due to the excess weight and lack the usable information they offered. It was a difficult decision, but trust me, the ounces (in this case pounds) count when one is lugging a heavy backpack around!

As a male, going alone was not as much as an issue as it would be for a female. That is respectfully stated and in some countries where women are treated with less respect than men, a sad dynamic for women travelers. For me, going alone was not being alone at all. In the end, I estimated that I traveled with others I had met on trains, boats, or where ever for about 75% of my trip, and I forged some long-lasting friendships while bouncing around the world.

A travel adventure means getting in the streets and doing a lot of walking and mingling with the locals - how else does one truly experience a culture and country? But make sure that you read up on the culture where you will be visiting as all too often new travelers forget that things are not the same all over the world and being cognizant of the local ways is paramount.

My trip was a non-stop adventure! I would wake very early and would leave myself open to any number of possibilities. I had a loose itinerary that I more or less followed, but always had space to deviate on a whim. Each city I visited became a puzzle to be solved. I would time my arrivals so there would be enough daylight to look around for a room, which was the first order of business. Then I would hit the streets and stay out as long as my tired feet would allow me.

When arriving

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: Why travel?
We want to hear your view. Write now!