The story goes back to my childhood when my dad took me on a road trip in our crazy Indian city. I still remember the excitement as we walked towards his vintage car.
Before we got in, he paused and read out a quote: “A tourist buys an opportunity while a traveler earns it.” Those words planted themselves in my heart and slowly started to shape the way I saw the world.
I didn’t fully get what he meant then. I just felt the thrill of adventure, the promise of new experiences waiting beyond our familiar streets. That day was the start of my journey—a journey that taught me that travel isn’t just about ticking off landmarks but about immersing yourself in every twist and turn of life.
The Traveler’s Mindset vs. The Tourist’s Checklist
Over the years, I have traveled across India, visited hidden gems nestled in the hills, wandered along rivers, and even slept in the most basic of accommodations. Every trip reminded me that comfort is a small price to pay for the lessons travel offers.
I soon realized that a tourist is often guided by itineraries, taking pictures of famous landmarks, and following a strict schedule. A traveler, on the other hand, takes the unknown by the horns.
I learned to wander off the beaten track, even if that meant spending an uncomfortable night under the stars or taking an unexpected detour through rough terrain. Each challenge and unplanned encounter deepened my love for both travel and writing.
Embracing the Unknown
One memory that stands out is from an early trip to a remote village on the outskirts of my hometown. The narrow lanes were filled with the smell of street food and the hum of local chat.
Instead of following a set itinerary, I wandered through the local market, soaking in every sight and sound.
I met an old woman selling handwoven baskets who told me stories of her youth and the traditions of her community. I listened to children playing by the river and watched a family of stray dogs roaming free, unencumbered by urban constraints.
In those moments, I realized that travel means learning from every experience, no matter how small they may seem.
Life Lessons on the Road
Every trip taught me something new. I learned that the real value of travel lies in its raw, unfiltered experiences—moments that no guidebook can capture.
For instance, spending nights in basic guesthouses with creaking beds and rooms filled with the smell of local spices became cherished memories.
Waking up at dawn to the sound of birds against a backdrop of misty mountains showed me that every moment has its beauty.
These experiences taught me that a traveler isn’t defined by the number of stamps in their passport but by the depth of the experiences they earn along the way. That one quote from my dad has made me look beyond popular tourist spots and seek out hidden corners of the world that show life in its most authentic form.
Writing: A Reflection of My Journey
My love for writing grew along with my love for travel. I started documenting my journeys in a small leather-bound journal, filling its pages with sketches, quotes, and random thoughts.
Whether I was writing about the mountains that towered over a sleepy village or the river that flowed through rocky terrain, every word connected me to the journey.
For me, writing and traveling are kindred spirits. Both demand genuine curiosity and a willingness to take the unknown by the horns. As I wrote down my experiences, I realized that each story was not just a recollection of past trips but also a reminder of the lessons I had learned along the way.
The Endless Quest to Earn Opportunities
Living in an anonymous Indian city reminds me daily of the richness of cultures, traditions, and languages that make up my country. Here, ancient temples stand alongside modern buildings, and the chatty vendors blend with the hum of traffic. This mix fuels my writing and inspires me to explore further.
Some of my most memorable trips have been the ones where I stepped out of my comfort zone. I have spent nights in simple guesthouses and faced unexpected challenges that left an indelible mark on my soul.
These experiences have taught me that being a traveler means earning every opportunity through perseverance and a deep connection with the world around you.
Every time I pack my bag and set out on a new trip, I remember my dad’s words. They push me to look beyond the well-trodden tourist spots. Instead, I search for hidden corners where nature’s wonders, local cultures, and unexpected encounters come together to create a tapestry of memories.
In short, travel has shown me that life is not about collecting stuff or ticking off a checklist. It’s about living every moment—under the stars or during a market—and earning the chance to grow, learn, and connect with the world.
Traveling for me has always been about earning life’s opportunities one experience at a time.
Saket Kumar, Travel Writer, Canada Hustle
