THE STORY BEHIND SOUL-SEARCHING JOURNEYS

Howdy!

If you’ve come here hunting for me, I am delighted. If you haven’t and just stumbled upon my blog looking for some insights on travel, I’d say ‘Thank You’ for stopping by!

A full-time features writer and lifestyle journalist since past ten years, I’ve always had a knack for writing. You may have come across my features in various publications (both print and digital) like DNA, Mid Day, Travel + Leisure, Lightfoot Travel (Singapore-based Magazine) and The Times of India. Honestly, travel writing was never my motto in life until I took a trip to Krabi with my girlfriends and realised how badly I was wanting to explore the unknown – the world beyond the walls of the bustling city of Mumbai. As I started travelling more often, I felt the strong urge to pen down my suitcase stories. That’s how Soul-searching Journeys was born!

Having travelled to more than 25 countries in the last five years, I feel like I am a changed person. From solo cruising Alaska and returning with life-long friends and tales of wilderness and spending a week taking ski lessons in Lake Tahoe, California to witnessing the culture and spiritual energy of Israel and being mesmerized by the beauty and history of Machu Picchu, travel has had a lasting impact on various facets of my life.  Travel has taken me as far within as with my feet. I strongly believe that every place you visit, every person you meet during your trip, every experience and encounter of your journey changes something within you and witnessing that process of transformation is absolutely beautiful and empowering. 

WHY TRAVEL?

> Travelling gave me a lot of one-on-one time with myself, in a way an opportunity for deep introspection. It helped me know my likes and dislikes and thus intensified my relationship with myself.

> When I travelled alone, I found that I thoroughly enjoy my own company. I like spending time with myself and it’s a priceless feeling. This means, I no more need to look for people who would be ready to drop everything to travel with me. Yay!

> It made me a lot more patient and tolerant. With a lot of things out of my control (car breakdown, weather, delays, attitudes of people), I stopped worrying about petty issues that don’t really matter in the long run.  

> My travels made me (I was quite shy and reserved) a confident and open-minded person – someone who is more willing to take risks. 

> Travel gives me an opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life. I enjoy meeting and bonding with locals and travellers from around the world. After all, it’s all about having extraordinary conversations with ordinary people.  

> Most importantly, travel changed my view of material possessions. I realised the best things in life aren’t things you can buy. Love, freedom, adventure and self-fulfillment top my list of must-haves.

> With travel comes independence and also greater responsibility. At the same time, comes a lot of flexibility too. When I travelled independently, I found that I was responsible enough to take care of myself. Also, when all my time is in my hands, I can utilise it as I desire.

> And above all, from a picky vegetarian (who’d indulge in eggs once in a while), travel transformed me into an experimental eater who is eager to sample everything local when at a new destination. Living the culture of a place by experimenting with its cuisine is very delightful. My tastebuds are already jumping with joy!