You know what they say… “its not the destination – it’s the journey.”
How often I have set out in one direction and ended up somewhere completely different, because of a “perceived problem” (couldn’t get a visa or political demonstations) or because of a natural disaster (an earthquake or a volcano erupting) or more often, I just met someone who said, “oh, have to you been to ... Colombia, no? – You have to go!” And so I did.
It really doesn’t matter where you end up; it’s what you learn, the people you meet, and the adventures you have. Its not how fast (or even easy) it is to get there, how many countries you can tick off the bucket list or even how much fun you have each and every day. It is the sum total of the experience. Did you grow? Did you get uncomfortable? Did you learn something new? And did you CONNECT with someone? Because ultimately that is the real purpose of travel; to get outside the old comfy zone and learn about the great big world around us and in so doing learn more about ourselves.
My site is Pam’s Endless Journey, because although each trip has had a beginning and an end, they are all an integral part of the same life journey. .
There are many ways to travel: from super budget backpacking trips to luxury cruises, safaris, and organized tours. I have done a little bit of most types and they all have their plusses and minuses. I will be discussing the pros and cons on this site so you can make informed decisions about which type is best for you! The main thing, no matter what your comfort level, is to just get out there and give it a try.
I never REALLY know what is next on my list. Every time I travel I meet people who have been somewhere interesting where I instantly want to go and THAT goes on my new list. This year it is Bali, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Next year?? Maybe India and Sri Lanka. But that could change. Ill keep you posted!
When I was a child in the 60’s my favorite time of the month was when the new National Geographic arrived. I marveled at dramatic scenery, exotic indigenous peoples, and the beautiful textiles and art of the various inhabitants of the world. I longed for the day I could visit them all!
At nineteen I did my first solo backpacking trip – 9 weeks in the UK and Europe. I loved every minute of it and swore that this was to be my new career: I would be a travel writer/photographer. But then life happens – at 24 I got married and by 25 I had bought a house and had a child, and then went back to college.
In the early 1990’s I took a summer job in the Yukon and found myself with some free time that winter. I decided it was high time to do that travelling I had been longing for. So, at almost forty, I strapped a pack on my back for the second time and headed south. I spent 6 months travelling through Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize. And I was hooked! Since that epic trip I have usually spent at least 2 to 6 months travelling in the winters, mostly to Latin America, with a few trips to Europe thrown in and I even lived in Jamaica for 2 winters. (for that story download my book The Sandpig and the Slippery-headed Fish )
2023 was my dream come true – to finally visit Africa! I travelled with a friend through nine countries in four months which only sparked a desire to see more… and then went on to South East Asia for 4 months.
The more I travel the more places I want to see! The world is a fascinating place, full of wonderful people, places and things to do.
So join me for this next trip. Hit subscribe and follow my journey, ask questions, send suggestions, whatever you like. Maybe we’ll even run into each other along the way?....