Shyama Parui
By Shyama Parui
Over ten years ago, our family was visiting Chincoteague Island in Virginia and we decided to climb up the Assateague Lighthouse. Little did we know that we would be running for our lives chased by swarms of mosquitoes. Those annoying insects that we usually swat away were massive in size and number. Like undefeated enemies of humans, they were undeterred even when we doused ourselves with bug spray thus forcing us to fling our hats from side to side and flee while covering our mouths. The urgency to escape was so intense that we were oblivious to the comical scene we were creating. Eventually, we managed to get to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the views, but in our minds, Virginia will always be associated with the vicious mosquito attack.
Although not joyful, such incidents have never discouraged our family from traveling to different locations. Recollections of our misadventures stir hilarious conversations.
If you are wondering when the travel bug bit me, I would say that it was since I learned to read. Vivid descriptions from books often stayed on my mind’s mood board pinning a desire to visit that corner of the world. I guess, writers of fiction and nonfiction were the original influencers who boosted the phenomenal growth of the tourism industry.
In my early years, vacationing hindered the operations of my parent’s small business but to their credit they encouraged me to seize every travel opportunity that came my way.
Consequently, my early memories of being away from home were limited to Girl Scout camps, school trips and group tours with my older siblings. When I lived in India, I could not even scratch the surface of my home country’s numerous and diverse destinations. Nevertheless, the handful of places I visited were vibrant and steeped in history while revealing unique aspects of a fascinating country.
Step outside our comfort zone
A nation is more than what is featured in news stories, and I have found this to be true of other countries as well. Putting ourselves in unfamiliar territory offers a change of perspective both literally and figuratively. It nudges us to step outside our comfort zone as we try new foods and respect other cultures by examining their practices.
For most people, their daily routines rarely provide the time to gaze at the sky or admire wildlife at the nearest zoo, slowly eroding the sense of awe.
Scientists and mental health experts have found evidence that interacting with something that generates a sense of awe can be therapeutic. Its benefits range from lowering inflammation to engaging in altruistic behavior. For me, this would be the biggest reason to take that break and seek amazing stimuli which does not have to be far or expensive. For example, catching a glimpse of the recent solar eclipse from the front yard, with protective glasses that cost only about $3, was enthralling.
I was delighted to hear that students from my children’s school had stepped outside the classroom to witness this celestial event.
Satisfaction from outings is not based on its cost
Even though homes are the hub of family activities, chores and “work from home” hours do not protect family time. Vacation offers a chance to make up for this loss. It is also perfect for learning a new skill or rekindling old friendships. I am fully aware that traveling is a privilege and paid time off is unfortunately not available to everyone. It is also true that the satisfaction from outings is not based on its cost.
Some of my favorite trips were short and/or economically priced. What comes to mind is my voyage with college friends from eons ago. As a graduation gift to ourselves, my friends and I had planned a weeklong trip to Goa. It was off season, and we moved around like locals and ate at hole in the wall restaurants that served lip smacking delicacies.
Decades later, my friends and I still talk about it fondly as our youthful jaunt had given us something common to hold on to once life sent us all in different directions.
Opponents of travel are plenty and they have valid reasons to recommend that we stay put. Overtourism inspired by social media or scenes from movies can burden small towns or already popular destinations. Local people may have to unfairly deal with inflation and traffic jams as well as the stupidity of tourists. Due to ignorance, we may cause damage to fragile eco systems such as the snorkelers we saw at Baby Beach in Aruba, who were stepping on coral. At a personal level, traveling to a new country may replace a trip to visit family members and potentially weaken our ties.
All things considered; I still vote in favor of travel. Here are a few lessons that have helped me reap the benefits of travel with a sense of responsibility:
• Identifying goals related to travel and setting objectives before planning the details is important. For example, if one has been under heavy stress, a relaxing or spiritual trip may offer healing to the mind and body.
• Selecting the right destination by looking past the hype and curbing the desire to keep up with the Sharmas or Patels is more meaningful.
• Involving family members is the key to ensure that everyone is committed to the plan. We allowed each of our teenagers to plan one family trip on their own so that they could learn about budgeting, safety, and other travel related decisions.
• Avoiding the tendency to compare one destination with another is essential. Soaking in the moment and practicing mindfulness has helped us savor the pleasures of every excursion.
• After penning down these thoughts, I am eager to embark on my next adventure and I encourage everyone to explore what lies beyond the boundaries of their usual work and duties.
Bon voyage!
Shyama Parui is a long time North Carolina resident and an ardent writer. You can reach her at: shyamashree_parui@hotmail.com
