4 Awesome Things to do in Penang – Malaysia 

Throughout my life, travel has unexpectedly found its way into my heart. Growing up, I didn’t have the privilege of embarking on grand adventures or indulging in overseas escapades—such experiences were merely distant dreams. They remained unrealized.

This frequently leaves me pondering: how did a fully-grown adult with no childhood memories of travel and limited exploration during early adulthood develop a profound addiction to it?

I find the allure of wanderlust, the thrill of discovering new places, immersing in different cultures, and the sense of liberation it brings irresistible. Journeying to uncharted territories has opened my eyes to the vast possibilities beyond routine’s confines. It has breathed life into me in ways I never imagined possible.

Looking back, I realize it’s never too late to embrace the joys and wonders of travel. It’s a path rich with personal growth, discovery, and tremendous memories waiting to be made. So, I continue seeking new horizons, fueled by the passion and zest that travel has instilled in me.

The Moment in Life I Caught the Travel Bug

I sometimes ponder the same question, as it always bewilders me. My ultimate conclusion is that once travel became a part of my life, I was instantly struck with an irresistible desire commonly known as the travel bug. Once bitten, everything changed irrevocably.

As mentioned earlier, travel was virtually non-existent during my childhood, aside from the occasional journey from Melbourne to Sydney, where we savoured glorious vacations along the renowned Manly Beach tourist strip.

However, those memories now appear hazy, as the trips to Sydney ceased when I turned eleven. From that point forward, travel reached a complete standstill until I embraced fatherhood.

Teaching the Monks in Laos was an incredible travel experience.

The Story of How I Caught the Travel Bug!

The very first time I ventured to an overseas destination was at the age of twenty-one in 2002. It was an exciting opportunity from my military deployment to East Timor for peacekeeping purposes. Surprisingly, I didn’t require a passport to enter the country, as the Australian Defence Force covered everything.

East Timor left an indelible impression on me. Although we were in our little bubble, constantly on guard, I still caught a glimpse of a third-world country in the process of finding its footing. Observing the locals from afar, I gained a unique insight into their everyday lives.

After East Timor, travel came to a temporary halt. But I wouldn’t hesitate to call my visit to Timor an authentic travel experience. It wasn’t until 2005 that I embarked on my second overseas trip. This time, armed with a valid passport, I accompanied my Korean girlfriend (now my wife) to her home country of South Korea. It was a short trip but fascinating nonetheless. I had my very first encounter with an East Asian country.

With its vibrant and dynamic culture, South Korea offered me an intriguing blend of history and modernity. I must admit that I had a few embarrassing moments during my adventures in Seoul, which left me with a mega hangover. But overall, it was a memorable getaway, allowing me to explore a country with a rich heritage and a proud culture, all wrapped up in a modern package.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea

I am unsure if I could resist the travel bug, but I had a nibble.

After my first trip to South Korea (which I’ve been fortunate to visit several times since), I knew deep down that travel was my calling. However, there was just one hurdle in my path – I was utterly broke and starting a family. With these responsibilities, I had to prioritize meaningful employment.

Sadly, travel then took a complete hiatus. And it lasted far too long – a whole eight years, to be exact.

During those eight years, I did manage to embark on a few adventures within Australia. A honeymoon on the Gold Coast, a few trips to Melbourne, and some local explorations in Western Australia. I vividly remember visiting the enchanting Pilbara region in the North and being captivated by the magnificent South West Region, renowned for its wineries, stunning beaches, and towering trees.

Yet, it was always an overseas adventure that genuinely ignited my wanderlust. I spoke about it incessantly, but the reality was that I could never afford it. This constant unattainability deeply saddened me because all I yearned for was the chance to venture into unfamiliar lands and immerse myself in new cultures.

Then, in 2013, something magical happened. I ventured beyond Australian shores again, this time to the enchanting paradise of Fiji. And oh, how I fell in love with the place! Fiji truly embodied the essence of heaven, boasting breathtaking 5-star resorts, pristine white beaches, and unforgettable day tours to idyllic smaller islands. Sipping cocktails by the pool, I felt sheer bliss, embracing the lap of luxury.

But you know what? The highlight of Fiji wasn’t just its awe-inspiring natural beauty. It was the locals themselves – the Fijians. Even to this day, they remain my favourite people. Full of infectious happiness and a laid-back approach to life (and I mean very laid-back), they always had a smile on their faces and were constantly serenading the world with their beautiful songs. Being in the company of these incredible individuals made me realize that happiness isn’t tied to wealth and material possessions.

Exploring Fiji.

The Fijian trip was the catalyst that ignited a burning desire within me to explore more of the world. It opened up a new world of possibilities, leading me to countless adventures in various Asian countries. From the mesmerizing landscapes of Bali, Thailand, and South Korea to the vibrant cultures of Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, and Malaysia – I experienced it all. These journeys offered a profound insight into different cultures and allowed me to forge connections with the warmhearted locals.

The travel bug had truly bitten me, and I couldn’t get enough. I sought every opportunity to wander and wander some more, embracing the enriching experiences that travel brought to my life. The best part was that it wasn’t just me who benefited from this nomadic lifestyle.

My family, especially my kids, reaped the rewards as well. Unlike me, who didn’t venture beyond Australian shores until I was twenty-one, my children had already explored many countries before reaching double digits. I couldn’t think of a better education for them – a firsthand understanding of different cultures and their unique ways of life.

Educating the kids in new destinations.

It’s no secret that putting in hard work is critical to making progress, and that’s precisely what I did. I dedicated myself to working diligently, accumulating ample vacation days, and embarking on frequent journeys. On average, I explored different destinations at least six times a year.

Of course, to hit the road more often, I had to tighten my budget. Although my income was stable, I made the necessary sacrifices to reduce junk food consumption, cut back on alcohol, and eliminate unnecessary luxuries like pay TV and sporting memberships. I have no regrets about these choices; my ultimate goal was to prioritize travelling.

After catching the travel bug, which took about 30 years to develop fully, I realized it was only natural to start a travel blog and transform my passion into a career. While travel may not be a full-time adventure, it is rapidly becoming the focal point of my lifestyle.

Has the travel bug bitten you? Tell me your story in the comments below.

Precious family moments in James Bond island, Thailand.