It is known by many, thanks to popular theory, that humans first appeared in Africa. It can be easily understood that the first humans stayed on in Africa for many years. However, with time, they probably figured out the need to expand, to go out of their homelands and try to find better places to live. A new place would inevitably entail the abundance of new resources that would bring about a qualitative change in their lives. In short, travelling to newer places in search for a new life was pretty much unavoidable.
But then you may think: What has all of it got to do with travelling? Wait a second. Try to think about the reason that enabled prehistoric men to find a place in this writing! Let me tell you why…. If they were born in what we know as Africa at present, then how did human beings populate the rest of the world? Sure, continental drift and tectonic plates have played their part, but it will be foolish to not assume the fact that our historic ancestors understood the need to travel and set out towards the wide world in order to sustain themselves.
This simply goes on to show that travelling is a necessary attribute that cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to having a better life. Yes, it is true that we do not live in such trying and extreme times as our ancestors did, but we have to put up with a tremendous amount of mental pressure that needs to be addressed properly. Most of the times, traveling can become a potential source of healing ourselves. It gives us the required space and time to nurse our psychological wounds in the quiet of nature. It is almost as if the huge mountains are the lap where we can rest for a short, while we rejuvenate ourselves; and the vast seas contain magic that is able to soothe all our pains and worries.
You may ask: Is traveling only good enough to be some sort of a psychological panacea? But that is definitely not the case. There are a wide range of other things that traveling helps us with.
Photo by Mohit GuptaAre you crazy about adventure sports? Do you live to take part in such adrenaline-filled activities? If that is the case then you are surely aware of how traveling helps people who love such sports. There are specific tourist destinations on the planet that are famous for sports. Moreover, these places have particular seasons when they are active. Auli is one such place in Uttarakhand. It is famous for its winter sports ventures and is visited by thousands of people from all over the globe during the winter months to take part in the sporting activities held there. Imagine skiing through the white and snow-filled hills in the depths of winter!
There are many people who love to travel to meet new people and new places. They want to experience city life and village life in the farthest reaches of the world. For them, it is not a matter to live in seclusion for a couple of days, rather it is the desire to mix with the people of a different country and partake in the fun and festivities that they have to offer. It is about meeting different faces and experiencing the cultures and traditions of a distant country by visiting their markets and other public places.
Another fascinating reason that might convince you to pack your bags is the prevalence of ghost tours. Though these are mostly held within the boundaries of a particular locality, it is not altogether unnatural to visit new countries in the hopes of finding a spooky presence lurking right behind your shoulders!
Romania is famous for the castles of Vlad the Impaler who is regarded as Count Dracula! This is the same person who acted as an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. Chillingham Castle and the Tower of England are also famous as it has a lot of brutal history associated with its name. In fact, there are many such places in India that are apparently home to the supernatural. Traveling to such places is sure to be filled with fun.
Whatever your motivation to travel, if you have the wanderlust then make it point to make your travel plans soon and take-off. You will surely be richer thanks to your experiences.
Written By Poonam Chatterjee
Week 11, March 2021
