The problem with a materialistic world like today is that everything is available at the flick of a finger and we no longer understand there is so much to explore in the outside world. Instead, we choose to confine ourselves in a closed air conditioned environment. Even when it comes to traveling, we take the easy path of visiting a travel agency and inquiring about pre-planned mainstream destination packages and you already know what to expect. You have an entire itinerary planned for you. Where’s the element of surprise? Even worse, sometimes these packages are priced at such exorbitant prices that not many can actually afford it and when you realise it is beyond your financial abilities, you completely eradicate the idea of traveling in the first place.
When I graduated from college a few months ago in Pune, India, my dad asked me to explore my homeland before coming back to Dubai. He wanted me to travel to the corners of the country because I wouldn’t get another chance like this.
I did some research of the must-see places in India and finalised my destination. I wanted to explore the Himalayas. I realised this was my chance to pursue something I’ve always been passionate about - travelling.
Being a student, my financial resources were very constrained. I had to do some detailed planning on how I was to go about my travels. It was a proper backpacker holiday. I wanted to explore as many places as possible without spending too much money.
For this, I limited my flights and used more economical options such as trains and local buses. Instead of staying at fancy hotels, I booked at hostels and bed and breakfasts.
After flying to New Delhi, India, and then taking several buses, I finally reached my destination. I was amidst the beauty of the Himalayas. I got to explore some serene locations in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. I did some trekking through the Kheer Ganga Valley only to finally arrive at a spot where you could take a dip in natural hot springs. I couldn’t afford to dine at restaurants all the time, so I resorted to cheap street food. I was away for about nine days and all I spent was about Dh400 for the entire trip. This covered every single expense of mine because I didn’t exactly plan the places I visited.
You don’t need to have a lot of money to travel. It all comes down to your will and determination. Traveling enables you to make new friends, experience different cultures and get out of your comfort zone to have a sense of the real world.
Go on a holiday somewhere beyond the usual mediocre tourist destinations. You return home a completely rejuvenated person, ready to get back to the world of materialism and concrete jungles.
- The reader is an Indian student based in Dubai.
