Revaa Vaish
Let me just start off by saying that you don’t travel just to reach at a destination; sometimes you travel just for the sake of travelling. You don’t await the stopping of the car but instead you enjoy the peace it brings you.
I used to love travelling as a child. Even when I didn’t know where we were going, I just enjoyed the moving world outside. Even now, whenever someone even suggests going somewhere or taking a trip, I am the first one to yell, “Yes!” Even if it is a short drive, I am just as excited. It’s like having all that time to just think about nothing at all. Being in Class10, things get a little overwhelming sometimes and it is good to have some time to myself.
In a magical land
As a child, I used to imagine that my car was some sort of magical carriage that was carrying me to a distant land. No vehicle remained mundane. It was transformed into a super portal to a magic land. It was a great way to keep myself occupied as long rides could get boring. When I used to actually reach the place, I would no longer remember what I was thinking about as I was just too excited to explore everything.
Growing up, I left these stories behind and started listening to songs on my phone to tune out the world as much as I could. I felt so at ease that I would almost be disappointed when we reached our destination. It helped me sort through many things in my head and further helped in my mental well being.
As a child, I used to imagine that my car was some sort of magical carriage that was carrying me to a distant land. No vehicle remained mundane. It was transformed into a super portal to a magic land.
I also love playing games with my family in the car like ‘I spy…’ It is rather enjoyable for everyone. Sometimes we have even shortened the sign on a board by saying the first letters of every word and people had to guess which board it was. This game really helps to enhance our awareness about everything happening around us.
All these games of big and small consequence really help in my overall well-being as a person and helps in bringing peace of mind too.
Mode of travelling
As for mode of travelling, there is a huge difference between what Gen X and Gen Z is accustomed to. For Gen Z, travelling in a train would be an exciting and new experience, but for Gen X, trains are so common that they don’t understand what is intriguing about them. For them, aeroplane rides are something they have not experienced in their childhood but it is something Gen Z has grown up with.
Some destinations are so peaceful that you feel tranquil even when travelling to the place. Ayodhya and Vrindavan in India are spiritual places, which provide peace of mind not only while travelling to the place but even when you are going there. You feel a strange type of peace and forget about your problems.
Taking a periodic break to visit such places has become a necessity in today’s stressful world.
Some places are a total chaos but still an absolute favourite with children. For instance, Disneyland is a child’s dream come true, any day. The world-renowned characters, the rides, the photos, the castles, they all bring such joy to children that parents are left wondering what children see in the walking mouse and ducks.
Stress buster
I remember when I was in Class 9, and was very stressed about my upcoming exams, my parents thought it would be good for us to take a small trip. We were to go to Goa for two to three days. I was taken aback that they thought it was a good idea for me to take a trip with my exams around the corner. Then I started to warm up to the idea and decided that two to three days wouldn’t matter all that much.
I had started disappearing behind exams, the stress and what not. I hadn’t even realised when I stopped being a child who could have a good laugh, could actually spend time with family and friends, and could actually love life like a child. I suppose this is the case with most children since the pressure on our generation to be the ‘perfect child’ is so much.
As soon as we left for the airport, panic set in. I wouldn’t be able to study for three whole days! I was about to tell my parents this when I remembered how excited everyone was about this trip so I just decided to go with it. When we reached the airport, I couldn’t fathom how I was supposed to enjoy this trip at all. When we were in the aeroplane, and I looked down from the window, all I could see were white clouds and I realised how easy it would be to just disappear in them.
That’s what I had started doing. I had started disappearing behind exams, the stress and what not. I hadn’t even realised when I stopped being a child who could have a good laugh, could actually spend time with family and friends, and could actually love life like a child. I suppose this is the case with most children since the pressure on our generation to be the ‘perfect child’ is so much. It was on that plane ride that I realised that I was happy being who I was. I was happy with the laughing, social, happy go lucky child that I was.
No one truly hates travelling. If someone tells you they do, you can deduce that they aren’t particularly fond of their own company or there is something on their minds that they just don’t want to confront.
Don’t forget these!
1. Choose a fun destination
Choose a destination where YOU are most likely to have fun.
2. Travel light
Be sure to carry little luggage so that you have space to buy more things.
3. Rain or sun?
Check the weather of the place you are visiting and pack accordingly, else you’ll either be shivering or sweating the whole time.
4. Toddler special tip
When travelling with very young children, always keep a snack handy.
5. MOST IMPORTANT
Have fun!!!