This week's #FridayFeature is Aanal P.: @nomad_and_nester.
Aanal, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, shares her travel journey, along with some advice for discovering magical moments. Check it out below!
What inspired you to travel?
Eleutheromania - an obsession with freedom
That has been my motto since the very early age of my life, and with the 1st step towards travel I realized how liberated and free I felt. Being a nomad, with a gypsy soul, in unchartered places can be enchanting.
What did you learn about love through travel?
The simplest answer is, I learnt to love myself, value myself, appreciate the little things in life, and most importantly, I learnt to be content. Travel opened my mind to the broader horizon, and made me realize, I am just a tiny fraction of what the world is comprised of.
I think the exposure to new places and new people can be really reviving personally and also eye opening to see how other people live. To see how life functions, whether human or natural life, in other places is really humbling. Traveling reminds me that my life isn't the only one I could live and that in the grand scheme of things, I'm pretty unimportant to this world we live in. People get so caught up in their daily lives and forget that they can be somewhere or someone else tomorrow if they'd like. There are no limits in the grand scheme of things, except the ones we create for ourselves. Traveling helps make sure I don't forget that. I use travel as an escape from daily life. Having future trips already planned brings me joy and gives me something to look forward to.
Love selflessly, peacefully, honestly, and with an open mind!!!
What is a travel tip you would share with others?
Don’t be afraid to get lost and never overthink, because the more you resist, the more you are going to miss out on the surprises. It is ok to be cautious but not to be an overthinker. Travel can be liberating and can open your mind to a space which is irresistible and magical.
How many countries have you visited and which was your favorite?
I have traveled to almost 50 countries, and one of the countries which still excites me and with a blink of an eye can keep going back is South Africa.
What else would you like to share with our TraveLovers?
Travel light, and don’t overplan your trip. It is great to read about the main highlights you wish to explore during your journey; however, the feeling of getting lost in unknown places and discovering the magic through accident has its own charm.
Where are you going next?
My next trip is probably going to be to Botswana, considered one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. I’m excited to touch all its hidden gems and explore and unravel whats it gotten stored for me
What is the single most important type of trip for people to try?
One of the most important tips I can think of is to TRAVEL SOLO AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME!
You’ll learn so much about yourself and how to become independent. Traveling solo taught me how to fend for myself, talk to people, and handle unfamiliar situations with ease. It’s made me comfortable with myself, helped me learn about what I’m capable of. Make yourself uncomfortable and surprise yourself.
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