Real Art of Travel

Firstly, I would like to thank the Author who inspired me to write this article - Alain De Botton who wrote "The Art of Travel"! No surprises here! This wonderful book was passed to me by a good friend, Romain just as I announced taking a 1 year sabbatical of from work to explore the world.

In this book, Alain De Botton evoked numerous emotions within me and I would like to expound upon them and my journey so far. I must admit, I’m a rather impatient person, so the way that the book was written was not exactly my cup of tea. I have not finished the book completely either. However, within the 187 out of 254 pages, I guess, I have formed my own opinion on the REAL Art of Travel.

Firstly, traveling can be done simply by flipping magazines, reading books, watching documentaries and lots of TV! Don’t we see the Taj Mahal ever so often on Discovery Channel? See the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty on the latest Hollywood flicks? Do we really want to spend so much money, time and energy to crowd amongst all the tourists to finally be there? Some people have braved all the elements, crowd and what have you just to make it there, only to realize sadly that “This is it?!”

Perhaps it’s the expectation on the end goal to be the “WOW” moment of their life. When it did not materialize, there is instant disappointment and not gratification. That’s why, I have learnt, not to just enjoy the end result of being at this “MUST SEE” attraction, but also to enjoy the process or journey as I journey towards it. Perhaps it’s the bus ride, the scenery along the way, even the native I had a 5 minutes conversation with. Whatever! It is in this mindset, that I have also come to realize, that it does not REALLY matter if I have not seen all the “MUST SEE” attractions in the city or country. It does not matter if I do not have that precious photo of the “MUST SEE” attraction in my backdrop. In fact, screw the photos! The mind is so much more powerful in recording the adventures and experiences that last a whole longer time than that piece of colored paper. Of course, with the digital age amongst us, why not if it is just a click away.

For me, the REAL Art of Travel is about Learning, Discovering and Adventure. Afterall, if what I am hoping to gain from travel can be gotten just by turning on to Discovery Channel’s Travel & Living, I might as well stay at home!

Therefore, in your next trip, pay extra attention to the experiences of your 5 senses, and even the thoughts as you travel. Enjoy the process, the planning, the ups, the downs, the people you meet, even appreciate the fact that you, compared with millions of other people has the opportunity to travel. Guess what? That might just be the best holiday for you ever.