Happy #TravelTuesday Everyone!

Recently I was nominated by Deon Kitching to take part in this popular #My7ReasonsForTravelling travel conversation on Twitter, so I thought I’d share a post about what my Top 7 Reasons for Travelling are.

7. Travel Sets Your Spirit Free

Whether it be the wild open road or the sand between my toes, travel allows me to leave my everyday concerns at the door and live fully in the moment. When I travel, I lose all sense of time. That daily monotonous grind of life fades away to a blissful, faint background noise never to be heard from again…well until your trip ends. *sigh* A change of scenery no matter how short, is good for the soul, there’s a reason for that saying “Change is as good as a holiday” *wink* When last have you set your spirit free?

6.  Making New Friends

It’s incredible to meet kindred spirits along the way. All from different walks of life, with one common goal of travel.

This past year I was fortunate enough to attend South Africa’s very first National Instameet. Where Instagrammers from all over our country converged at Graaf Reinet for 4 days! Newbs (like me) & Legends (like Gareth Pon – the Holy Grail of Instagrammers, if you haven’t heard of him, I suggest you give a quick google. He’s photography is beyond amazing) collided with the common goal of taking photos. I learnt a lot, from panos to macros to getting the perfect foodie shot. An unforgettable camaraderie brought together by a few clicks. The energy was truly amazing! Many of these awesome peeps I’m still in contact with today!

I did not take this photo – credit http://www.pembaboutique.com/blog/tag/beadwork/

3. Experiencing New Cultures

A great thing about travelling is, that it allows me to experience other cultures.

Another amazing trip I was able to take in 2015 was to Nairobi, Kenya. I was very fortunate to speak at the East African E-Tourism Summit. Whilst there I not only met incredible people but learnt so much. Kenyans are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet as I learnt from my cab driver for the 4 days I was there. Nothing was too much trouble for him, despite him living an hour away from my hotel and us having to sit in 2-hour traffic on the way to the conference venue and back every day. He was just happy he had a job. This made me think and be a little more grateful of all the conveniences I had in my life, which he lacked.

4. Tasting New Foods

What better reason to travel than this? From the spicy Mexican chillis to sweet Flammkuchen in Germany, if the language is a barrier in the country that you’re visiting you can be sure to breach that through food. Whilst music may be food for the soul, soul food is music on my tongue and love in my tum!

3. Immerse Yourself in History
One can learn many things from a place’s history. A few historical highlights of my trips this year: Graaf Reinet – home to 220 National South African Monuments…did you know that? I didn’t! The most national monuments in one town in SA! Also a visit to our State Capital in Tshwane, where I not only saw Madiba’s giant statue but the Freedom Charter scribbled on the wall of his holding cell while he awaited trial! *goosebumps* I felt a part of something greater than myself. I have so much love and hope for my country, South Africa. Nelson Mandela was a man who showed us what a world would be like through forgiveness and love. A great man who will always be remembered and honored for his integrity and his beliefs. There’s no amount of money in the world that can take these experiences away from me.

My guest House in Graaf reinet was a historical monument

The Freedom Charter scribbled on the cell wall in Nelson Mandela’s own hand

2. Life Is Short Learn Something New 

It wasn’t that long ago that I caved in and joined Instagram. What a fun, very visual way to share my stories.

Now I do not possess the fanciest of cameras, nor do I possess mad editing skills like the pros you see on Instagram.

But what I do have is my iPhone and my point of view. So I decided to learn all I can about using my iPhone’s camera to the best of its ability. I reckon the camera on my phone takes pretty good photographs, In fact, the master of the #phonephotography is @scrumpyjackson he is an amazing #phonographer ! So blessed was I to have met some really skilled photographers at the #Instameet who very kindly helped me perfect my shot. Special thanks to: @greatgrampops ; @henrymarsh ; @kim_vniekerk ; @jayjaygregory ; @eye_of_chey ; @its.just.al   See you’re never too old to learn!

1. Discover Yourself

Last but by NO means least, my #1 reason for travelling is to discover myself! There are moments in our lives when I’m sure we’ve all doubted ourselves in one way or another, but

when we travel there is no room for doubt. We just do!

When there is no one else to rely on or blame, we find all sorts of hidden strengths and talents we never even knew we had. I’m so blessed over the last few years to have learnt so much, mostly about myself. To know that I am stronger, braver, tougher, wiser, than I ever imagined. I’m not perfect and have a long way to go, but each day I am learning more and I am open to the Universe to receive my lessons good or bad, it is all ultimately for my own good.

What are your reasons for travelling? I’d love to hear them in the comments below.

As always,

#WishYouWereHere

Jax