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, The Times of India, iDiva, Times Life!, Bombay Times, bookmyshow.com and happytrips.com. 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 Mumbai. I actually came back filling up the void I was constantly feeling in my life. I travelled to a couple of destinations post that and started sensing the urge to pen down my suitcase stories. That’s how Soul-searching Journeys was born!

Since I was a child, I have been an idealist of sorts! I still believe that a flawless, paradisaical world can very much exist if we try to be at peace with ourselves and others around us. To me, luxury is being able to embrace the little pleasures of life – lying down in the open and gazing at the stars, soaking in the fresh, earthy smell of rain, listening to music that gives me goosebumps, having meaningful conversations with my loved ones (or even a stranger), watching the morning sunrise with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee, indulging in a scoop of berry ice-cream or a dark chocolate waffle whenever I wish to or simply following my whims. Thanks to travel, I can be myself and can do all this and a lot more. Because it is only when we start living beyond the daily grind that we realise what really defines us!

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. That 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!