In my mind, travel is about exploring the World, meeting new people, learning about different cultures and seeing the absolute beauty and contrast there is.
Some people do not understand my desire to travel. Those are usually people who have no travelled much themselves. They see it as a waste of money and taking risks with my life. I see it completely differently.
I want to clear one thing up, I believe there is a big difference between Travelling and going on Holiday. I love both! A holiday for me is usually staying in one place for a week or two. This usually is a nice beach holiday. It's what you need sometimes to completely relax and refresh.
Travelling is different. It's exploring the place you have visited. It's seeing the sights, interacting with the locals and trying new things.
I am very fortunate to be in a position where I can afford to do both. I work hard for my salary and I live within my means. I don't have debts (other than my mortgage) and have surplus income so why not explore the World whilst I don't have other commitments such as children?!
People say every country is dangerous - and this is true! There are some countries that are more dangerous than others though. For example, Turkey has a 'high' terror alert and the UK government advises against travel to certain parts of the country (those boarding Syria) however this doesn't stop my parents travelling there.
Singapore has a 'general' level of terror threats. However, some would say that part of the World could be more prone to terror attacks.
And shockingly, Mexico has a 'low' terror level. And this is probably one of the countries I felt most unsafe in.
Being honest, I've just checked quite a few countries I've visited such as UAE, Indonesia and France and they all have a 'high' terror threat level. Nowadays, a lot of countries sadly have a high threat level, including the UK.
It's not just the threat terrorism that can be risky in countries though. It's lots of things like crime such as mugging, rape and assault. Also safety on roads, transport and activities (remember the bungee rope snapping in Victoria falls?) and not to mention hygiene of food and toilets etc.
Everywhere has risks. Walking to work I cross lots of roads, I get on packed trains and I go into congested London. If I worried about the 'risks', I'd never get out of bed each day.
The nature of my job is to weigh up the risks vs rewards. The same goes for travel. Yes there is a risk that the plane could crash, I could have my bag snatched or I could fall over whilst hiking but also I could see the most magnificent scenery, I could bump into a local who will teach me to appreciate the simple things in life and I could taste the most incredible foods.
You might not have much to physically show from travel, maybe some beautiful photos or the odd memento (anyone for a fridge magnet?) but it's the stories and experiences that mean so much.
My memory is usually pretty bad but I remember most of my travels so vividly. I remember sitting on the beach in Koh Samui at night when a little girl aged maybe 9, comes up to me and insists on plaiting my hair. Of course she needs the money, maybe her parents are making her go out at night, I'll never know, but seeing how happy she was that someone had actually talked to her instead of shooing her away.
Or paddling in the ocean in Costa Rica when it was pitch black with huge thunder and lightening (which is now insane to think of as I'm petrified of it!) and seeing the poor crab trying to cross the road but it didn't make it to the other side (no that's not a bad joke!).
Also I remember getting up at 3.00am to hike to Sun Gate to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu only to be met with loads of low clouds. But then after thinking we would miss the view, it seemed like someone had blown the clouds away within seconds to show the incredible site.
These memories will never fad. And I hope that one day I can inspire other people to travel. Whether it's my nieces and nephews or if I have children of my own.
I've always loved to travel. I'm at my happiest when I am away. Away from the pressures of daily life, the stress of normality. It's pure bliss to be somewhere else and be truly free.
If me wanting to feel this way for more than a fortnight a year in Europe then forgive me. They say admitting something is the first step; Fine I'm a Travel Addict.
But you know what, I wouldn't change it for the World... Unless you can give me the World that is ;)
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