I am sometimes asked- when did I start to travel? Well there are two answers to it. One is that I started traveling after I stopped being active at sports. But these days a different answer suggests itself to me. And that is, I hardly travel! I have not yet started traveling, I want to travel much more.
Now if you ask me when I started travel blogging the answer is more definitive. I started blogging in June 2005. At that point of time I was stuck in a very lousy job and travel writing was an escape. At that point of time there were few India travel blogs. That was also the time when people used to ask you, “Who reads your blog?” Things have changed since then.
Blogging seems to have exploded. Some of my friends went on to quit their full time jobs and make a living out of travel. There is a new breed of bloggers who started in a better blogging landscape.
But I am most puzzled by a personal development. In 2005 or so I would probably travel 4 times a year, maybe even less. I remember in 2008 I went out only twice. In 2012 I traveled almost every month and I started this year thinking that would it would fine if I traveled every month.
Shovling the Snow, The Khyber, Gulmarg
This year also started fine, we traveled to Chennai for a family vacation, then we went to Alwar in Rajasthan. Now February went blank but I went to Gulmarg in March. And there are two more trips planned for March, of which I am sure at least one will happen. Chances are both will happen.
What caught me by surprise was the restlessness after the Gulmarg trip. I usually do not get restless after a trip for at least a month. But that is changing. I was restless as soon as I recovered from the tiredness of the trip! I wanted to go out again after two days! Now with a full time job and a young naughty child that is simply not possible. But the year is young and I hope I will get ample opportunities to test my theory.
I wonder if this is how things are going to be how long will I resist? Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my work in academics but wanderlust is creeping on me and it is becoming worse with age! And I no longer feel sure, I no longer feel in control!
It does seem to have expanded. But its not easy and not everyone is capable if it.
Mridula, I think that the wanderlust is something we caught even without being aware of having caught this bug!!!! and now its so difficult to stay home, even when I know I have work here… u can imagine how I feel, not having gone anywhere since the beginning of the year!!!
That restlessness they say, is what moves people in the right direction!
Wanderlust is irresistible. Once you catch the fever there is no medication to control it 🙂 I have been bitten by the travel bug too. I wish I could take a trip every month but domestic responsibilities put brakes on my wander lust. I travel only around 3-4 times a year but hope to increase the frequency.
Shalu 😀
Anu I am troubled as it seems to just keep increasing. 😀
Thank you for reminding me DrDoubt.
Rama I do hope you too get to travel more 😀
Your post mirrors my mind! Though I make only about 3 ‘big’ trips in a year, I cannot stop thinking about travelling. Every upcoming trip is a great source of positive energy for me, like the Sikkim Barsey trek that I’m about to experience in a couple of weeks! Fingers crossed and bags packed 🙂
Enjoy Malini.
First off, Mridula, that is a perfect image to send you backpacking. I know how travelling can be addictive. I here am a simpleton, just an English major, having put in significant years in a commercial bank. Why am I telling you this? Because, I want a job in the organisation you work for! How else do I get so many leaves? 😉
Sir you will get my salary too 😀
Yes I am addicted to it now. Can’t stop thinking of it.
Vishal 😀
Even I love travelling. But, official responsibilities and the family has put a brake to it. But, I enjoy the latter part too. So, no complaints.
Jeevan I am sure you will get back to it.
Ah yes – I love to travel too…
Wonderful shot!
Thanks LadyFi.
very insightful post!!! Like you when I started blogging, it was an outlet out of my very bad personal time and I did not even tell people that I blogged…now obviously every one knows am a blogger and more importantly a travel writer…and it feels good!!!
I have had a bad start to the year personally and havent yet opened my travel account in 2013…but yeah like you say, the year is young 🙂
Yes the year is young and here is to more travel!
Having a wanderlust is one thing, getting opportunity to satiate it is another. I wish I too am able to give in to my wanderlust to this extent someday. COz as of now, I dont get that much opportunities.
Shaivi everyone feels they travel less!
Having child slows down the wanderings…but let them grow up and you will have someone else to enjoy God’s gift
We will take the child along! Otherwise we take turns. 😀
Interesting post!
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Thanks Niranjan.
So I am not alone! The intense desire to travel fills most of my waking thoughts. I was beginning to think something was wrong with me. Really loved finding this blog.
Thank you Nancy.