“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
– Anthony Bourdain

Recently, I wrote a Twitter post that got high engagement. It was a fundamental question to the Twitter world on what inspires you to travel, with a range of options to go with the issue at hand.

What followed was a lengthy and friendly debate with many varying responses. Those responses certainly didn’t surprise me. However, a clear winner throughout the conversation happened to be a country’s culture, closely followed by food.

However, other responses came to the fore, and the variety of reactions I got through the conversation had me thinking about all the ideas that inspire people to travel. Hence, turning the twitter debate into a blog post for several reasons, including why travel is encouraging to so many people worldwide.

Therefore, what is the leading reasons which inspire you to travel the world? Let’s find out the enormous appeal of galivanting and the motivation behind an adventure to a faraway place.

Even the young are inspired to travel.

What Inspires you to travel and Hit the Road More Often

Let’s begin with a quote, a longwinded quote by a guy named Terry Pratchett, who I think nails it when it comes to inspiration for travel.

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

The Cultures of the World

Culture is an incredible thing, and it’s well worth a trip abroad to see how different cultures can be from country to country.

Of course, this only works if you leave your fancy resort and get out to where the real world is of your visited destination and witness the indigenous in the natural setting of their everyday life.

It’s an eye-opening experience to see how others live compared to your backyard back home. No two countries are alike, and it’s a little reality check to get out to the local villages, towns or districts to learn about the culture and their way of life.

In doing so, you can have an idea of the country’s customs, religious values, marriage rituals, work ethics, the food that’s traditionally eaten and a general idea of their regular day.

The older man and his bull look on in a Laos Village.

Tasting and Experimenting with different foods

Delicious foods of the world, where would we be without the delicious food when travelling and experimenting with our taste buds from restaurant to restaurant?

Tell me, who doesn’t love travelling to another country to try various foods, with the different flavours and to eat as the locals would eat, it’s why you go travel, to begin with to saviour different cultures.

In the Twitter conversation, trying different foods had been a popular choice, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that fact, for quite often, we are thinking with our stomachs when in travel mode or at home, for that matter.

Check out my experience of tasting Durian in Malaysia for the first time!

Being somewhere different other than home

A holiday is leaving the comforts of your home and travelling abroad to an unknown and utterly foreign country.

The very idea inspires many travellers to go on their next adventure.

The thought of being away from familiar surroundings excites most people because a change is a good thing, and to get that much-needed change, for even a short while, lifts the mood of yourself and those around you.

Visit the world and live differently.

The fact you can be yourself again

I always feel that when you’re at home, you’re generally living in a robotic world where our lives are full of routine and order, whether you’re at the office or in your home.

Many days in the real world is like Groundhog Day. You wake up simultaneously, leave for the office at the same hour, get home when the sun is fading away and fall asleep at the same hour as the night before. Every day the routine is typically the same.

A change needs to happen to get out of the 9-5 system, and travel offers a chance for a routine change.

When you’re in that different environment, you can genuinely be yourself again because the Groundhog Day routine’s broken, and the refreshing change of scenery gives you a fresh and happy vibe once again.

The friendly locals

The friendly locals always smile on your face when travelling abroad, and personally, there is nothing better gained in an adventure than meeting the locals and enjoying a conversation.

A general conversation may be tricky if the language barrier is in the way, but it has never stopped me from laughing a minute with someone I couldn’t communicate with when two languages are not the same.

When you do get up close and personal with the locals, it’s when you learn the finer details about the person you’re talking with and learn of their background, heritage and values.

Mingling with the locals in Vietnam.

Visiting Unique Attractions

Attractions of the world are unbelievable, whether it’s an old heritage building, a famous temple, or a modern skyrise building taller than the eye can see.

Each city you visit always has an incredible appeal to the destination, and the epic photo-taking moment is still bound to happen no matter where you travel.

During our research, before heading off to our holidays, we’re often Googling information on specific places to visit, major attractions in the area and other random searches deemed worthwhile for the upcoming vacation.

Enjoying The Outdoors

Another great reason to travel would be to make sure that you have great opportunities to explore the outdoors. Regardless of where you are going, you can guarantee there will be opportunities to explore the forests and lakes of the world.

For instance, you might decide to take a trip to Lake Eildon in Australia. Lake Eildon caravan parks will place you a stone’s throw away from a natural paradise with countless adventures worth uncovering while you’re there.

Let me know – what inspires you to travel.

I have given several reasons on what motivates you to travel, but I am sure there are many other reasons not on the list which inspire many people to begin planning their next trip.

In the comments below, I would love to hear what inspires you to travel; whether it’s mentioned or not, I’m interested in knowing what excites you the most and understanding the biggest travel inspiration.

Love to travel!

Books to inspire you to travel

Get Inspired to travel with this selection of reading books that hay get you booking another trip real soon.

The perfect paradise is one thing only you can answer, the types of travelling styles ideal for you, and only you. There are different types of tourists, and travel varies from individual to individual.

Paradise is defined in many ways depending on the individual; it’s not always cocktails by the swimming pool in a stunning tropical location. There are different kinds of travel; often, travellers have their definition of what their perfect paradise may be when seeking that ideal destination when travelling around the world.

The first lot of paradise that comes to mind often is a vacation on the beach in the tropics, with plenty of palm trees and cocktails to go around, a country you think of maybe Thailand, Hawaii or the Maldives. Paradise is also defined as a picturesque lake tucked amongst the lush green forest, and perhaps it’s a chalet in the woods on a cold winter’s night with the fire blazing all through the night.

It all sounds quite perfect when you consider the different kinds of trips available worldwide.

The perfect paradise is several forms of travelling, with many scenarios coming to mind. It may not be the usual stock standard choice of the everyday traveller. Let’s go through and dissect a few methods of the perfect paradise that may suit any individual travelling around the world.

And please feel free to add the preference of your favourite types of travelling which is deal for you in the comments below, just in case I have missed a couple.

Book your dream holiday for your different kinds of travel with Booking. com

Perfect Paradise – Types of Travelling Which is Ideal For You!

Perfect Paradise – Types of Travelling Which is Ideal For You!

If you love the idea of long lazy days on white sandy beaches with plenty of time to read, relax and rejuvenate, then a beach vacation is probably the perfect paradise.

If you prefer to be more active on your holidays and enjoy exploring new places, learning about different cultures and trying new things, then an adventure or cultural vacation might be your style.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, then a luxury resort or city break might be the perfect paradise. And if you love the great outdoors and spending time in nature, then a camping or hiking trip might be your idea of heaven.

Whatever your ideal vacation looks like, there’s sure to be a perfect paradise for you. So what are you waiting for in your idea of a perfect paradise? Start planning your dream vacation today!

A luxury resort by the white sandy beaches

It’s commonly the first choice for travellers to book a holiday to the tropics when they think of paradise. With so many destination choices around the world for a bit of fun in the sun, it’s easy to find a convenient location for relaxation in paradise, be it a winter warmer or simply a getaway for a few days.

A vacation at a beach-side luxury resort often means it’s time to settle on the poolside deck chairs, order a cocktail from the pool bar and chill in the sun with palm trees not too far away to give your vacation that real tropical vibe from there its about long walks by white sandy beaches and listening to the sounds of the ocean.

The beach-side tropics scenario lets you know that your stay in a perfect paradise has well and truly begun, as you appreciate for a moment that you have escaped the hectic everyday life of the rat race in the real world.

Relax in paradise at a luxury resort in Ubud, Bali.

Escape to the woods, hidden away in a peaceful cabin

The sounds of nature away from the big city are welcomed by those who need to escape the real world and other humans for a while. The sounds of the wildlife creeping around the falling branches of the forest, with the insects buzzing around with little care in the world, is enough for travellers to head out to the sticks and create their little paradise in the form of a hideaway cabin, a chalet or even a basic tent under the stars with the fire blazing.

When you think about what an escape to the woods means, peace and tranquillity come to mind. There’s no traffic with cars roaming around, and the mad world of city life is a distant memory; spending your precious time exploring the great outdoors, spotting wildlife or hiking to discover another part of the world that is often forgotten.

Nannup Hideaway in Western Australia provides relief from city life.

Anything or Anywhere freshwater is involved, always a Perfect Paradise

The vividly stunning freshwater views are always kind to the eyes, especially when there are next to no crowds nearby to distract you from the sounds of the flowing water. Each fantastic feature will give your Instagram profile extra appeal for your followers, whether a picturesque lake, a flowing river, or a thunderous waterfall.

Imagine staying in accommodation overlooking the gorgeous freshwater views, a welcomed sight during your time at the picturesque settings, with ample opportunities to appreciate the pretty picture in front of you and relax with the sounds of the flowing water echoing through your ear. It’s all very soothing.

A crushing waterfall may not be your idea of paradise, but it may be for someone else who loves nothing more than to take a dip in the fresh water and feel the sensation of the powerful water massaging your back as you attempt to hold your balance. There is a lot of fun at such a hidden attraction surrounded by trees, mountains and other greenery; it’s planet earth’s way of showing off its beautiful nature.

Elephant Waterfalls in Da Lat, Vietnam.

When winter arrives, the snow comes out to play.

Far away from the sun, the palms and cocktails, winter snow is appreciated by travellers who find snow scattered throughout the mountain ranges a beautiful view, especially for those who live in an area where snowfall doesn’t happen.

Whether it’s a busy ski resort with holiday goers hitting the slopes or an isolated holiday house in the woods, paradise also comes in the form of a cold winter, as the falling snow provides a spectacle and creates many highlights for the visiting tourist. If you can adapt to the sub-minus temperatures, you’re bound to have an epic holiday appreciated by all sorts of travellers looking for a bit of fun in the snow.

There are a few ideal scenarios for when you are travelling around the world and seeking that perfect paradise. Whether in the form of sun, forest, water or snow, your favourite ideal holiday is out there waiting for you to visit. Right now, I would love to hear your description of your perfect paradise by commenting below; it may help give me ideas for when I am chasing that precious holiday.

Book your dream holiday for your different kinds of travel with Booking. com

What are your perfect paradise and the ideal type of travelling? Tell me in the comments below.

Your types of travelling may include the snow, like this stunning location in Muju, South Korea.

When the Coronavirus stops the world in its tracks, it sends people to feel a little blue while craving to watch their favourite sports team, have a beer in a pub or get on a plane and travel to their next destination.

The stay-at-home message is vital; we need to save lives.

However, it does not stop us from reminiscing about favourite adventures and thinking of the fondest travel memories over the years.

You get where I am going with discussing my fondest travel memories since right now, travel is out of the question as we bide our time and wait for the next adventures to creep back into our lives again.

A day at Bako, where else would you rather be during one of the fondest travel memories in Borneo.

My fondest travel memories before the giant virus hit the world

Since a majority of my adventures have been in the continent of Asia, it only makes sense the fondest travel memories belong in the vast continent. All nine, to be exact.

Let’s get into a few of my favourite adventures, starting from nine amid the winter snow and ending with a trekking adventure.

9. The Winter Snow melts the heart in Muju-Gun of South Korea

Snow has been a rarity in my life, especially living in the state of Western Australia, a mainly sunshine state that I’m so spoilt to call it home.

Therefore, when I ventured to South Korea in December 2014, the mountains were indeed waiting, and it was pure bliss.

In the central part of South Korea, a few hours from Seoul, sits a small town called Muju-Gun, famous in its winter months due to the spectacular mountains of the Deogyusan National Park.

I will never forget the memories, the picturesque mountain views which were so white, daily hikes in the thickened snow, making a snowman with the kids and wandering through the Deogyusan Resort to saviour the vibrancy of a famous holiday location with busy ski slopes.

Fun in the snow at Muju-gun in South Korea.

8. The Love island of Koh Samui in Thailand provides the perfect anniversary destination

When you think of the ideal location for a wedding anniversary, Koh Samui is a perfect section for a romantic destination.

Thanks to grandma, the kids were left behind as the wife, and I celebrated ten years of marriage in Thailand, staying at the stunning Mai Samui Resort.

A walk along the beach, the Ang Thing National Park, cocktails by the swimming pool, a romantic dinner at sunset, and a few private intimate moments. Koh Samui in Thailand was a week to remember.

How, during a pandemic, would you love to get that week back in your life (without the kids)?

Who wouldn’t be happy with a view like this?

7. A crazy few hours in Shenzhen, China, to check out an extensive building

The story goes!

My oldest son is addicted to buildings of the world, so he wishes to be an architect. That meant while Holidaying in Hong Kong, a temporary Visa to mainland China was essential, with the world’s third-biggest building agonisingly in reach.  

The Ping An Financial Centre is a famous building in Shenzhen, China, and once we finally got a hold of our Visas, which took forever, we made our way onto the crazy subway system searching for a building.

Without a pre-purchased sim card and WIFI hard to come by, the only way to find the building was to be above ground and look skywards for the unique structure. Once we got our radar onto the Ping An, we walked in its general direction, discovering a little more of Shenzhen along the way.

The building, at the time, was entirely new, with many shops in the mall not open yet. The Sky Deck at the very top was open for business as we made our way to the very top of the Ping AM Financial Centre to check out the sights of Shenzhen through the smog.

Ping An Financial Centre in Shenzhen.

6. Dalat, A garden city in Vietnam with stunning waterfalls

What is a Southeast Asian piece without mentioning Vietnam’s delightful yet chaotic country?

Dalat, in the Central Southern Highlands, was an incredible destination that offered great food, busy streets, gorgeous lakes and streaming waterfalls in several locations.

Not only that, but Dalat is also the garden city of Vietnam, with plenty of fascinating places to visit for spectacular garden views with booming flowers, and undoubtedly the Dalat Garden Centre will demand your attention.

A day trip away from the chaos of the city streets is compulsory for all tourists, and it’s no different for our family getaway to the city, as we ventured far and wide with a paid driver, visited coffee plantations and the majestic Elephant Waterfalls.

Elephant Waterfalls in Da Lat, Vietnam.

5 The Cat city of Kuching in Sarawak made for the ideal solo adventure

The Sarawak state of Borneo, Malaysia, was one of the last destinations visited before the virus hit. I am pleased to say that the Cat city of Kuching left a positive effect in many ways.

A solo trip, Kuching was much admired for its laidback city streets where you could easily browse through markets, enjoy a beer overlooking the Sarawak River and visit many astonishing historic sites.

Once I got out of the city limits, the region showed its beautiful colours with the likes of Bako National Park, a picturesque hit with many excellent treks and gorgeous coastline views. One of the National Parks within easy distance to the city, along with Sarawak Cultural Park, showcased the city’s culture from long ago.  

What to do in Kuching varies from a river cruise to a visit to a National Park.

4. Stepping into the DMZ of North and South Korea

There is always an eery feeling when you are about to enter the Demilitarized Zone of Korea and cross the border into North Korea, even if it is within the rooms of the Blue House.

Please make no mistake about it, when holidaying in Seoul, South Korea, a DMZ day tour is a compulsory trip. 

There’s nothing like learning about the history of Korea, looking through the binoculars of North Korea, and stepping into the Blue Houses of the DMZ.  

For my wife and me, the whole day was a real opener. However, the best experience was talking to a North Korean Defector and discovering her struggles to leave her husband behind to defect through China with her daughter and set up a new life in South Korea.

Inside the blue building of the DMZ.

3. The Cultural city of Kyoto in Japan is a favourite city

It’s the best city I have ever visited during my adventure in Asia, Kyoto, in Japan.

I love the culture, food, and historic structures, and Kyoto delivers in spades when it comes to those specifics, not to forget the breathtaking nature of the city’s outskirts, especially Arashiyama.

It’s no surprise that Kyoto is a favourite for many tourists who venture to Japan. The fantastic landmarks to visit never end and the around the city, especially when you think of iconic places, which include the Bamboo grove of Arashiyama, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, The magnificent Kinkaju Temple and the iconic Nijo Castle.

Only a few of the temples come to mind when I think of my four days in Kyoto. I wish it had been more, but I’m sure I will return to this incredible city.

The streets of Kyoto City.

2. Volunteering in Vientiane, Laos is an adventure never to forget

To volunteer was an adventure of a different type and most satisfying: giving back to travel and assisting those who needed help.

Volunteering abroad was always my goal, and I achieved this when I ventured to Laos in 2017 to teach English in the capital Vientiane to school kids and Monks.

Please make no mistake about it; volunteering programs are not cheap. Still, money isn’t everything when it comes to experiencing something incredible and lending to assist those who need help in a poverty situation.

My most cherished memory was meeting other volunteers worldwide and bonding together for a particular purpose. Most of the volunteers were young adults, and it was incredible to see these young people give up their time and hard-earned money to experience an authentic and satisfying adventure.

The country Laos and the city of Vientiane was a unique destination. A Southeast Asian country lacks chaos on the streets and is laid back to explore the city streets, enjoy a cold beer and eat delicious local cuisines. The city landmarks were quite distinctive too.

Teaching Monks in Laos.

1. The Himalayan Mountains come alive in Nepal

The number one adventure is no surprise at all. Think about it, how amazing it is to have the opportunity to stare at the Himalayan Mountains in the flesh and the mountains follow you for the three-day journey. Unbelievable can hardly describe the trip.

During my trip to Nepal in March of 2019, I visited Kathmandu city and took part in a short three-day hike on the edge valley, the Chisapani to Nagarkot Trek.

With a guide who had a wealth of Knowledge, the trip was unforgettable. From pushing through the pain barrier on the treacherous mountains to dealing with the difficulty of breathing at high altitude, never in my life had I experienced a trip where it was hard work, however high rewarding.

The Himalayan Mountains will never leave me for as long as I live. Whether through the memory of the occasion or the thousands of pictures I took, I can gladly say that the Himalayan Mountains aren’t a scenic beauty I have seen in travel books but through my own eyes.

Happy travels to you, and hopefully, the world will open again soon, so I can create new adventures and memories.

The sunrise from Chisapani and the Himalayan Mountains.