Why do you travel?

I’d been asked by somebody I just met on why do I travel?  I hesitated for a moment to come up with an answer.  Then it dawned to me if I have the same reasons as to what I have now, when I was only starting to explore my very own country.

  

I traveled because of work.  I’d check the common tourist spot where most people would go.  To say later that I’d been there.  I’d try the specialty food that the province has to offer.  To say later, that I’d eaten that food there.  My first trip because of work was Zamboanga City, where I tried a sumptuous meal with their famous curacha. Then I traveled more and extend my stay to venture the place.  I realized that I became a beach person when I first explored Bantayan Island when I was only 21 years old.  I love the salty water, the blindlng light of the sun when I walked on the sand bars.  I don’t mind getting sun-kissed by the sun because luckily I don’t get dark even if I stayed all day into the outdoors . I became fascinated with nature that I started to catch sunrise and chase sunset.  I’d talk to locals to understand their history and culture.   

There came a time that traveling for me had become a scapegoat.  That going to an unknown place is my way of finding myself.   When you’re into sales or maybe if you’re over fatigue with work, which most of us go through, you’d experience a lot of burnt out.  And travelling is a way for me to have a peace of mind, to realize that life is not a routine that I’m getting out of my comfort zone, learning about myself and finding my limits.  I would always look forward on my next trip, or plan a trip even two years ahead.

Everybody has a bucket list.  Mine contains all the places in the Philippines where I’d want to go.  I’d been doing it since I went to Bantayan Island.  I’d crossed the name of the place if I got the chance to see it and add more if I heard of a place worth exploring.  This time around my bucket list are countries I’d want to have my very own adventure. 

But yes, I love my country the most, I made sure that before I started globally I could say with pride to everyone that I explored the archipelago.  There were only a few places left that I’d want to go to that was still on my list: Siargao, Batanes and El Nido.  As for the rest of the Philippines, I had memories, stories and experiences I could share.  Boarding a plane, a ferry, a boat, a bus, a jeepney,  a motorcycle, or whatever means of transportation there is, had become ordinary.  Staying  in a luxurious hotel, a hostel, an ordinary house or even camping I tried it all. I had my stomach full by eating out in an expensive restaurant, meals offered by locals, food on the streets, specialty of the place (some places I couldn’t eat their specialty food though.)  Every time I’d visit a place whether it’s new or a place I’d been to, I’d always search for a church or a chapel to pray and thank my creator for giving me a wonderful life.

And now, why do  I travel?  I guess, I still have the same reasons when I was only starting:  1. To check my bucket list. 2. To explore the place; the tourist destination, the food,  and learn the history and culture.  3.  I find myself when I travel.  4. I create memories.

I think, the last reason for me traveling is the greatest of all.  To look back years from now, I could say to myself that I’d been there, done that.  

And to quote:  I haven’t  been everywhere but it’s still on my list.  So I’d keep on exploring more.

How about you, why do you travel?