TRAVEL WITHOUT BOUNDARIES & EXPECTATIONS
Photo Courtesy: The Range
This is a quote (source, unknown) that I literally live by when it comes to travel. I know, as human beings we have expectations of a way we think our travel destination should be. After all we picked it for this particular reason, right? For, example, last September, Dr C and I, many of you may remember, went on a coastal trip of the Amalfi Coast. Well, we knew exactly what to expect because of what we’d seen of our destinations on social media and glossy mags! But, a lot of you may not know, generally when I travel, I have no expectation what so ever. For me this is the winning formula for no disappointment and gratitude for discovering a new place be it a hotel, city, experience or person.
Recently I was asked what my worst travel destination has been. Well, hand on heart, I can say that I have never had a bad travel destination. Yes, I have had a couple of bad experiences whilst travelling but it’s what you make of these that counts and that they do not defy the destination as a whole but a snap shot of bad luck!
For this month’s travel link up, judgement, expectations and disappointments are the hot topic. I’m focusing on my personal memorable travel experiences, which I have entered into without bated breath and have left me with nothing but gratitude for the opportunity of travelling to that part the world.
RIGA
The day I found the Baltic States, I literally found the crown jewels! Well no not exactly but you know what I mean. My first introduction to this part of the world was through a city beak to Riga. I still to this day have people ask me why I chose to go here! The problem is that Riga has been cauterised as a Hen and Stag haven, giving it a little bit, if a bad press In my opinion! Well travel for me, is all about going somewhere that I know nothing about, somewhere I can be educated and learn of a new culture. I’ve got to say, a destination I literally hadn’t seen so much of but that’s what I loved about it, the unspoilt nature of not Knowing what to expect.
If you’ve never ventured to the Baltic States before, get a little taster from my post below..
TALLINN
Another of the Baltic destinations I actually visited this year was Tallinn. It is so much more than just a cruise stop for the day or a few hours. The Old Town is a complete UNESCO World Heritage site and if you followed my trip, I had no idea there was so much to do, see and of course eat. To date one of my favourite destinations ever and yet a couple of years ago, I knew not much about this little gem.
If you fancy learning more about Estonia’s capital, look no further…
VIETNAM
I’m guessing you’ve probably read my Vietnam itinerary by now and learnt of one of my favourite trips ever. We visited a few years ago, Vietnam was just breaking into the tourism industry, with many places still being unspoilt and untouched. One thing for sure at the time was that I couldn’t help but think how under-rated it is. This is my travel style, adventure, the unknown and the stories and remnants of the Vietnam War. In the words of Robin Williams, ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ indeed!
Heading or planning a trip to Vietnam, well you’ll want to refer to my itinerary…
PHNOM PEHN, CAMBODIA
One of my most humblest moments on my travels was when I sat next to Mr Chum Mey, a survivor of the Khymer Rouge genocide in Cambodia. A true example of having no expectation, of living every day as it comes and still having the strength and enormous courage after being tortured by the Pol Pott to lift your head and be grateful for life. This is what travel is about. Learning that something so harrowing occurred in your lifetime and its impact on a destination, its political and economic state of affairs.
COSTA RICA
You all know I love my remote locations and sustainable lodges but staying on the Osa Peninsula at El Remanso Lodge was literally taking that to another level. No contact with the outside world, in a jungle with A LOT of wildlife including a roaming Puma is something one has to get used to. I know many couldn’t take to this but my adventurous side saw this as a challenge to unplug and immerse myself into the activities. What did I learn? Well that I am quite the Ornithologist and love a spot of bird watching!
You can have a peruse of the activities I took part in from El Remanso Lodge below…
‘Travel without boundaries and to experience the unknown’
Bejal Gosai
I’d love to know all about your travel expectations and/or disappointments. Why were they so memorable and did the disappointments ever manage to redeem themselves? Let me know in the comments below!
Á Bientôt…
PIN FOR LATER
Neha
This was a lovely read and I agree with you on the first bit. The last thing you want is to be disappointed on your travels especially after spending so much money so the best one can do is make the most of the situation. Always see the good in the bad.
Bejal
NehaThanks Neha! My motto entirely, just enjoy the unknown. You can never be disappointed!
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN)
I really admire the way you travel! Sounds like I need to visit Riga!
Bejal
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN)Thanks Angie and yes you must. There are so many amazing restaurants too!
mackenzielian
Definitely read for another trip after reading this. So many places to explore!
Bejal
mackenzielianYes!! You need to book ASAP! xx
Kerry LifeandLoves
Tallin just always looks so beautiful! I have high expectations for that haha! I am a little like you, in that I try to not have any expectations. I can have an idea of how it might be, but usually, a destination doesn’t disappoint me, but hotels can do. I hate it when you are so excited to stay in a particular hotel, and it falls short of your expectation. By the same token, I love it when you go somewhere and it blows you away! It is all the wonder of travel isnt it xx
Bejal
Kerry LifeandLovesYou have to go to Tallinn and totally agree with you. I think I’m just over positive and always see goo din every situation so end up making the best fo everywhere I am! I can understand about the hotel though!
theRedPhoneBox (@redphoneboxblog)
I definitely want to visit the Baltic states.great post!
Bejal
theRedPhoneBox (@redphoneboxblog)Thanks so much! Yes you must, they’re worth exploring for sure.
Binny
Love this – always make the best of any situation!!
Bejal
BinnyThanks Binny and YES! Always look to the positive
louise
Is there a place, that you haven’t been yet, Bejal? 😀 My Goodness, you have seen a lot – lucky duck! <3
You are so right about expectations – I have a lot when travelling (especially if I have paid a lot of money for the trip… You sort of expect getting “value” for the money”. But I am sure, if I learn to lower them, the trip will be more enjoyable! Good read! Thank you for this
Louise x
Bejal
louiseHaha I love travelling and I have not been to many places that I really want to go to. Thanks for your lovely comment Louise and yes expectations are a difficult thing. I totally agree with you’ve paid a lot of money for something we expect perfection but maybe its just me and my personality that just lets nothing get in the way xx
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi
Going without expectections really is the best idea!
Bejal
Emma @ Adventures of a London KiwiYes for sure Emma! The way forward!