the story behind –

I think I was supposed to write this as my first entry to this blog… but it’s not too late… so here it goes…

:Find and Follow the Good Path:

I was thinking of a good, short, easy to remember name for this blog, and then suddenly I remember a phrase I stumbled upon while reading a tweet and a blog update from one my favorite persons. The phrase “find and follow the good path” is literally written all over her lower left arm, in Balinese script, which she got during her recent trip to Bali, Indonesia.

Lovely and inspiring, isn't it?

why and how does one travel?

today at the office while I was sitting at my friend's desk, I noticed one of the few things posted on his wall... It was the "Laws of the Lighthouse" bookmark. It was a list, which according to the author, are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life.

but what really caught my attention was how he summed it up, into six, short, powerful phrases... and this is how it goes...

"Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home."

-In the Eye of the Storm, Max Lucado ©1991

these six, short, powerful phrases made me think why and how does one travel...

why?

because we want to see something new? to go someplace better than where we are now? to discover new wonders? to be amazed by nature? to get away from the hustle and bustle of your very busy, daily routine? to relax and unwind? to spend time with your loved ones?

how?

do we travel in style? carefree? with a lot of baggage?

I think between the two, "how we travel", matters more... How we perceive the new sights and sounds. How we are awed by our new discoveries. How we explore nature. How we instill in our minds the lessons learned. How we communicate with people. How we make new friends. How graceful we get off when we get home.

what to pack?

before I start discussing one by one the places I've been to, I think it is appropriate to first make a list of the important things we need to pack so we can enjoy every second of our trip... no more going through the hurly burly of looking for a convenient store just because we forgot to bring one or two of our daily needs.

here is my "travel essentials" list... in case I miss out on something, feel free to add them up...

• Suitcase - A good suitcase, that is! Whether it is a wheeled suitcase, a backpack or a duffel bag. Suitcases needs to be tough, especially if you are traveling for a long period of time. I prefer mine to be waterproof too, cause we'll never know. It will really depend on what you are most comfortable with and of course, don't forget to have some extra space for the goodies you are bringing back home!
• Daypack - A small bag that you can use during the day, whether you are off to the beach, to the mall, to the tourist spots, or even to adventureland!
• Comfortable clothes & shoes - A MUST! You don't want to have blisters and spoil your vacay! The key is to pack clothes & shoes suitable for your destination and for your activities.
• Toiletries - Be sure to pack your personal toiletries, they need to come in handy... after all, they might be unavailable where you are headed.
  
• Rain Gears - The same reason I opt to bring waterproof bags, for me, rain gears make all-weather travel bearable. I never forget to carry my collapsible umbrella anywhere I go... it's even on my bag, every single day...
• Maps and/or Guidebooks - Researching is helpful, indeed! Where to go, what to see, where & what to eat, what to expect, what to explore are just some of the questions you may want to be answered before packing your suitcase. You don't need to do a detailed research, especially if you are up for surprises, but a little information wouldn't hurt. Oh and by the way, do look for the prices of commodities and services beforehand... it will help you save A LOT of moolah!
  
• Back-up documents - This is particularly important if you are traveling outside of the country. Make a copy of your passport, visa, e-ticket and other documents considered important.
• Camera - Of course, you wouldn't want to miss capturing those astonishing views and precious moments. However, it is still best to enjoy the scenery and be a part of the memories while you are there. You can buy postcards afterwards, anyway.

Some people prefer to pack light while others (like me), would want to bring the whole dresser... I know, I know... my goal is to do a backpacking adventure next. One backpack will carry all my needs during my journey. I'll be sure to let you know when that happens... if that 'will ever' happen... tee hee! ü

Did I miss out a lot? Care to share your travel essentials?

Oooppsss... just wanted to add, do not forget to bring your warmth and sunshine wherever your feet takes you... and never ever fail to wear your smile... always! :)