‘The world is a book and those who do not travel,read only one page.’ – ST.AUGUSTINE .
There is nothing more rejuvenating and relaxing , than absorbing the scents and smells of a strange land, observing the local people and their traditions , and soaking in the beautiful nature , undisturbed by any technology….
‘TRAVEL’ , according to me is an all encompassing term. One that is used to refer to any kind of journey, that takes you away from your home and hearth; and your familiar surroundings, to a place that is hitherto unknown to you , in terms of its sights and smells….Thus travel , could be from one’s own city to another or from one’s own state to another ,within the same country or from one country to another,even across continents.
But, I consider the ‘travel bug’ to be something ‘innate’…something you are born with , rather than something you acquire over time. A person may keep travelling from one place to another,for business or pleasure,and still not be described as a ‘wise traveler’ ! I don’t think you can really ‘experience’ a place if :
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you are the kind of person , who despite being in a place , far from home , expects things and situations there , to be exactly the way they are back home….
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you are busy sending whatsapp messages on your phone or tele-conferencing on your laptop, while you are on a beach vacation or are holidaying in some other place of natural beauty …,..
For the above mentioned people , I have only one thing to say…travelling isn’t your thing and you would enjoy holidays better , relaxing in the comforts of your home rather than travel. So stop splurging that valuable currency !
My travel experiences have taught me a few lessons .The following are a few tips to enjoy your vacations better and make them a memorable one for yourself and your family too :
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Please switch of all your electronic gadgets and use your phones ”for emergency” only !
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Try out the local cuisine , and develop your palate for new and unknown flavors and food. This helps you get an insight into the food culture of the area 🙂
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Learn to accept the local culture , you will enjoy more. ‘When in Rome,do as the Romans do.’ This saying makes perfect sense while traveling. Every society is different , so don’t get scandalized , just because it is different from yours…’Morality’ is a relative term , what is moral in one culture , may be a taboo in another. So abstain from criticizing any new culture or making judgements .
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Try not to follow any fixed tour plans. Let your tour be flexible .There are enough books in the market to guide you in a new country, so instead of expensive packages, experiment by going to unexplored and lesser known places rather than the common tourist attractions. Perhaps,a walk through the bylanes of some countryside , will be more refreshing and easy on the pockets, than a hectic tour itinerary, that ends up burning a hole through your pockets !
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‘If you reject the food , ignore the customs , fear the religion and avoid people , you might better stay at home’ – JAMES MICHENER
The 'Pen'lightenment Of The Soul 