Traveling Taught Me To Love Myself & Look At Life, Differently

When I initially started traveling, it was merely to explore new places and learn about things beyond the box. I started feeling that stagnation can never provide what my soul was seeking. With an attitude of using travel experiences as a mode of inner transformation, I had a chance to explore an intimate relationship with myself. And even before I could realize what magical spells traveling has cast on my life, I knew that I was addicted to it (in a good way!) and traveling was actually helping me to be a better person.

Before I dig deeper into this, I would like to take the opportunity and make it clear that there’s a difference between ‘Self Love’ and ‘Narcissism’ (however, it’s a very thin line and one has to be really mindful to understand this).  To put it simply, ‘Self Love’ is related to one’s own well-being, consciousness, and happiness, while ‘Narcissism’ is an excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance. While the former is usually content with oneself, the latter would need others’ approval for fueling those feelings of obsession!

Getting back to where I began – my journeys, over the years, helped me to look at myself a tad bit differently. I realized the fact that when we fall in love with ourselves, we tend to accept ourselves just for who we are, unconditionally.

Here’s how stepping out of my comfort zone and traveling across the globe helped me to fall in love with myself and look at life, differently:

Traveling helped me realize that my ‘weaknesses’ were only a part of my imagination.

We all have certain assumptions about ourselves, and we tend to think that we are ‘bad’ at certain things, without even putting much effort into trying/doing/improving. It was the same for me as well. Being very particular about everything, I often thought that I’ve acute OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and that I can’t share my stuff with strangers, or live in a messy environment!

Gladly, it all turned out to be a myth – when I didn’t have to think twice before lending my bottle of water to a fellow trekker, during a high altitude Himalayan Trek, or when I had to spend nights at an underprivileged Children’s Home in the outskirts of Nairobi, where I went to volunteer for the little ones. I realized that the constraints were all in my mind, and I didn’t need a second to break free from it when the situation arose. It made me feel more confident about myself, and I knew that I can actually adjust with anyone, anywhere!

Traveling helped me to realize that I can be my best company!

In today’s date, when we are so obsessed with the internet and keep connecting with others over the virtual world, have you ever thought how beautiful it would be to take a break and connect to yourself? We often seek love and appreciation from others, which seems like a source of happiness. But how often do we appreciate ourselves – for trying something new, or maybe for doing something we thought we never could?

I’ve been no different – for I also gave a lot of importance to what others would say about my deeds – till the point when I realized that it doesn’t really matter if I’m happy with myself. As I started to explore the world by myself, there were often times when I would find myself away from the network, amidst solitude – and that’s when I realized that I actually love being by myself! I could read for hours, or listen to music, or just sit by the window watching the clouds float –  thinking how blessed I’m to have seen the sunset in different parts of the world.

Traveling taught me to declutter my mind and trust others.

While growing up, we are often taught not to trust and refuse any edibles offered by strangers as well as not to take anything from people we don’t know, etc. Such things often clutter our mind with suspicion, and we would look at anyone with a tinge of mistrust, thinking that the person might harm us in some way or the other. It was only when I started traveling, that I got to realize how stupid these things were! During most of my journeys, I’ve blindly trusted the local transport drivers, taking me to places and suggesting areas worth exploring.

While I was in Bhutan for a month where I was mostly hitchhiking, I got into random people’s cars, who at times took a detour to drop me off! There were times when I would be hungry, and a fellow traveler on a bus or a train would offer me something that I would gladly eat. It helped me to learn that the world isn’t as bad as we think it to be while sitting at home! Eventually, it was these bits and pieces of kindness I received on the roads, that reminded me of the beauty of life, helped me to declutter my mind, and taught me to trust strangers.

Traveling taught me valuable lessons about minimalist living, compassion, and gratitude.

In our otherwise regular life, we tend to think that a lot of things are needed (which we term as ‘necessities’), and often, we end up buying stuff that we probably would never use! Our love for material possessions takes control over the mind, and we keep spending in order to accumulate things. Even I used to be a shopaholic at some point in time and would pick up anything that caught my attention. But when I started to travel, I realized that only a limited amount can be packed in the rucksack, and when I’m on the roads, I barely need those things that I’ve shopped and filled my cupboards with! The endless journeys taught me the charm of minimalistic living, and now, I pack as little as I think I would need.

Also, we often forget to be grateful for all that we have and take things for granted. As I traveled to different places, met several people, and got to know about their lives – I figured out that not all are born lucky, and I was in a much better place than many out there. This realization helped me to be more compassionate and humble than I ever was, and I learned to value things more than what I previously did.

I realized that I come alive when I wander.

There have been difficult days (especially now that the pandemic has brought uncertainties into our lives), and I realized that I felt most alive when I was traveling.

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Riyanka Roy is an ordinary girl with some extraordinary dreams. She loves to believe in the miracles of destiny and wants to travel all over the world, spend time with the natives, binge on local food, and absorb their culture. She feels that she’s born with vagabond blood, and stagnation makes her feel claustrophobic. Life, for her, is like a book, and she loves writing about everything interesting she comes across. She believes that her stories make the chapters of her book more colorful. Read more about her adventures on Backpacking Romance and follow her journeys on Instagram.

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Jet-Set In Style: Unveiling The Monos Luggage Collection For Your Next Adventure

BY Sarmind SafiNov 6, 2023

For regular travelers or digital nomads, a well-designed suitcase is crucial. It is probably the most crucial travel item. It is incumbent that you choose the ideal one to safely manage all of your travel necessities. Given how important it is, it is natural that travelers want to make a solid investment in their travel luggage that will last a long while. Despite this, it can be difficult to select the ideal bag. Today, we'll discuss the Monos luggage line of bags. Although Monos is a relatively new travel accessory company, its wide selection of bags is helping it thrive in the market. Is this emerging luggage brand any good? Can Monos be trusted in place of reliable names like Samsonite or Tumi? Before spending your money on the new Monos luggage, you need to learn everything about Monos and its products. Here is all you need to know and reviews from people who have used it. What Is Monos Luggage? Image Source The Vancouver-based company Monos travel luggage offers a range of travel-related products. Today, the primary focus will be on its specialty collection of high-end travel luggage and bags. Every Monos bag has a clean, fashionable design with lots of useful functions. The quality of the Monos luggage is what distinguishes it from its competition. In order to make its products last longer, Monos portrays itself as an ethical company by sourcing high-quality, sustainable materials. And if you care about protecting the environment (we should all strive to do our part!), this is a bonus. It's fantastic to know that Monos is a certified climate-conscious business with zero net carbon emissions. It provides eco-friendly and non-cruelty-based products. These both seem to be excellent selling points and are definitely things you should strive to look for when purchasing a purse. Is the cost of a Monos travel bag really worth it, despite these significant product accomplishments? Is Monos luggage worth it? Here is our take on it. Important Physical Characteristics Of Monos Luggage Image Source The minimalist and understated appearance of Monos baggage bags makes them ideal for all sorts of travel. They are available in a variety of neutral yet fashionable colors, as well as occasionally limited edition hues. This luggage’s robust surfaces are made of aerospace-grade polycarbonate, a substance renowned for its extraordinary toughness and stress resistance. They are conveniently portable thanks to their silent-running wheels and telescoping handles. Strong YKK zippers and TSA combination locks from Monos ensure that your possessions are secure. Monos has also done a good job of covering the safety issue. All Monos baggage includes a couple of shoe bags, an anti-microbial laundry bag, and a vegan leather luggage tag. Here is a quick overview of everything Monos has to offer: Different Sizes Minimal and Chic Designs Functional Features TSA-Approved Locks Monos has not left any stone unturned. In any case, Monos has been approved as a climate-neutral brand. You may feel good about purchasing things from this company, as I already indicated. A lifetime guarantee, a 100-day return policy, and free delivery to the United States and Canada are some of the additional benefits. We will now describe what Monos has to offer in terms of its featured luggage. Remember that the prices and availability are preliminary and subject to change. Visit the official website of Mono for the most recent information on prices, offers, features, and availability. Monos Luggage Review: Carry-On Collection Image Source The carry-on range features 4 models: a) Monos Carry-On - $272 b) Monos Carry-On Plus - $294 c) Monos Carry-On Pro - $300 d) Monos Carry-On Pro Plus - $321 The Carry-On models' interiors are exceptionally well-designed. The interior of Monos Luggage is lined with an antibacterial substance to keep the bag tidy and clean. You can organize your necessities with the help of the many pockets as well! Monos bags make sure you keep organized when traveling with a zipped panel on one side and a compression pad-held pocket on the other. Here are the details of each model of Monos' Carry-On collection: Carry-On Image Source Because it can fit in most overhead compartments, the carry-on is designed to be the most practical size of the bag. No matter your destination or airline, Monos' standard-size carry is the ideal cabin-sized travel companion. Its outside dimensions are 22" by 14" by 9”. User Review: "I wanted a suitcase that didn’t look like everyone’s Away suitcase at baggage claim. I waited for a sale and got the carry on and check-in medium in terracotta. I get compliments on the color, but it does get scuffed up easily, which I don’t think is really avoidable for suitcases that aren’t black/dark grey. I was worried about the quality because it felt a thinner than Away, but I really stuffed both to the brim (like sitting on it to zip it up) on international trips and it surprisingly held up." Carry-On Plus Image Source A larger "sibling" of Monos' original Carry-On is the Carry-On Plus. For travelers who want more space, this is the perfect suitcase. According to Monos, the Carry-On Plus will fit most US airline guidelines due to its size and proportions. However, this might not be your luggage if you're traveling on a smaller aircraft or using a carrier with stricter carry-on regulations. The Carry-On Plus is 23" x 15" x 9.5" in size. User Review: “Purchased the monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus for about $300. When I purchased the luggage I thought the suitcase was ALL aluminum and it’s NOT which I was bummed about. The luggage is plastic and the frame and latches are made of aluminum. Would I buy again probably not but for $300 I can’t complain I guess. One of the things I was worried about was the size being too big for carry-on. I flew with United from LAX to Cancun and to my surprise it fit in their overhead compartment. I tried writing a review on their website but I was unable to do so. I contacted Monos and they told me that they would send me an email after 90 days of purchase which I thought was weird. I never received the link to write a review. I contacted them again and they said they didn’t have the ability to send me another link which I thought was suspicious. So it may be some of their reviews may be biased.” Carry-On Pro Image Source The Carry-On Pro is the following variant. In addition to having a front pocket, a laptop sleeve, and zipped pouches, it is the same size as the original Carry-On. User Review: “My go-to boring and ugly American Tourister black carry-on gave out on me after 9 years of service (10/10 durability). On the market for a treat-yo self-stylish upgrade for my suitcase, I got the Monos Carry-On pro and I am obsessed. It's functional, has held up great over several international flights over the last few months, and the four-wheel drive is impressively smooth. Above all - its just CUTE.” Carry-On Pro Plus Image Source The concept is the same. Use the extra exterior pocket on the Carry-On Plus to fit electronic devices like computers, iPads, or travel headphones inside. Monos' Carry-On Pro Plus is made to cover all that. Advice: The Carry-On Pro Plus is bigger than a typical carry-on luggage and may not fit in the overhead compartments of smaller aircraft or airlines. User Review: “Initially I felt the duffel cost way more than it should. However, when I received the duffel and compared it to another one I recently purchased I realized that the bag is made with a lot of thought involved and the quality of the material is great. I am now considering buying the duffel in another color and giving away the one I originally purchased especially after traveling with it.” Conclusions About The Carry-On Lineup We hope the differences between the various models are clear. How do they perform when traveling with others? These carry-on bags meet all the right standards. They are lightweight, made of materials that are extremely durable, and simple to manage. However, these bags don't always adhere to size requirements. One piece of advice I would provide is to make sure your Monos Carry-On works with your favorite carrier by checking the measurements, especially for the Pro and Pro Plus! Additionally, the front pocket of Mono's Pro luggage is frequently criticized for being challenging to close when fully packed. Pack sensibly and appropriately! Read Also: Traveling During Winter? Here Is A Winter Vacation Planning Checklist Winter Camping Checklist: 10 Must-Have Items For A Cozy Campsite Must Pack Business Travel Packing List Along With Tips 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip

READ MORE velvet escape travel blog

Want The Best Travel Tips: Go Through Velvet Escape Travel Blog

BY sagnika sinhaJul 26, 2023

Craving an indulgent and immersive travel experience and yet cannot travel? We have got Velvet Escape Travel Blog to satisfy your visual and mental cravings! This blog is the ultimate example of perfection, branching out in diverse ways related to tourism and travel. As a Blog, it encapsulates a complete version of all travel aspects, such as the interests of tourists, trending travel destinations, promoting different marketing aspects, and others. In this article, you will find a discussion of detailed elements that highlight the Velvet Escape Travel Blog. Concerns related to travel are addressed and answered on the blog with detailed travel stories concerning city trips, adventure sports, offbeat locations, leisure experiences, and others. You will find the blog a refreshing and welcoming website for travel plans and advice compared to others in the market. Velvet Escape Travel Blog: Why Should You Check It Out? The writings of Jenkins are detailed regarding getting an overview of the travel experiences. He is detailed about his knowledge and uses blogs to connect with his readers by answering their questions in the comments. He makes it a point to inform travelers about buildings, notable structures related to history, and other educational content. The blog details sustainable travel experiences and how Jenkins explores the world by visiting different destinations. The blogs also help connect with other travelers, find deals on booking tickets and accommodations, and learn about people's experiences. You get to know a lot, especially about locations and how to visit them. What Is A Velvet Escape Travel Blog? The Velvet Escape Travel Blog has the logo "Go explore. Experience. And be inspired." which presents a fresh perspective on traveling. The new generation of travelers considers travel in a different light where it is more of part of lifestyle instead of just a little break. Here comes a beam of light as an inspiration for travelers for adventure or leisure. The unique element of storytelling is comprehensive information, personal experience, and guidance for diverse travel experiences. The blogs on Velvet Escape Travel Blog create an immersive travel experience with stunning visual images, detailed backgrounds of the locations, and adventure. They also make customized travel experiences regarding the personal experience of the travelers who write the blog. Founder The founder of the Velvet Escape Travel Blog website is Keith Jenkins, also the Chief Executive Officer of Ambassador. The Ambassador is a leading network for content creators and professional travel bloggers worldwide. He is also the publisher of the Velvet Escape Travel Blog website. The website is an award-filming site and has successfully influenced millions of people across the globe. Jenkins is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He has been an investment and corporate banker for a decade; however, it was in 2008 that he embarked on a new journey. His journey consisted of pursuing his passion for traveling by traveling, photography, and writing about it. In 2008, he founded the blog called Velvet Escape Travel because it created diverse avenues for travelers like him. Services Available On Velvet Escape Travel Blog Various services are available on the blog founded by Jenkins because it focuses on writing detailed, fun, and inclusive articles. He also tries to create an experience for the readers so they can use it as their guide. The significant features of the blog are services, shops, and ambassadors. In relevance to services, you will find a variety of marketing and advertising services. Velvet Escape has made a significant contribution to different travel experiences and approaches. iambassador is a premier travel blogger network connecting bloggers worldwide based on content services and digital marketing. The product or the destination of travel is essential. Hence, it is through this network that tourists and travelers are encouraged and advised. The Velvet Escape blog is also a store that sells travel accessories and travel souvenirs. The different products you can buy from it connect you further with travel experiences and destinations. Why Is The Velvet Escape Travel Blog Different? The blog is dedicated to creating travel as an inclusive experience with a wealth of propitious information. The articles written on the website are a collection of hotel experiences, travel itineraries, tour reviews, destination guides, and luxury stays. As a practical resource, blogging is created for thoughtful travelers seeking advice and travel ideas. The articles are detailed for a month-long or a week-long vacation, which is quite an idea for people who want a customized itinerary instead of just following tours and trip packages available in the market. The blog is also successful in highlighting offbeat locations so that travelers seeking a unique experience can develop an idea. Topics related to Food & Wine, Nature, Beaches, Travel stories, culture & history, plane views, and city trips are discussed on the website. Types Of Blogs On The Website The collection of articles is diverse on the website, especially concerning the features related to travel destinations and experiences. Offbeat and stunning locations are highlighted in the articles written by Jenkins. History & Culture The range of destinations that are covered under history and culture is diverse. The man's personal experience is shared on this platform leading to practical guidance and advice for the people. The articles are compelling from the perspective of travel bloggers who love traveling. Luxury & Wellness The articles are written by Jenkins and sponsor products related to wellness and luxury. You will find guidance when affiliating with different businesses and brands. Some blogs inform about the writer's personal choices and how they can guide others. Nature The blogs about nature are pretty descriptive and help readers understand visitors' preferences in different locations. It is essential to identify how the writer highlights the significance of nature in his blogs. Whenever he visits different places, he discusses nature and the way it influences nature. It is unique because many travel blogs do not share their personal experiences. City Trips The blogs talk about the trips concerning the locations and how you can go around the city. A detailed description of the town, the transportation, and the local resources are shared by the author. Conclusion Please read the article to learn about the Velvet Escape Travel Blog and the features of the blog. Comment below regarding your favorite blog article in the Velvet Escape Travel Blog. Read Also: Lifestyle Blog For Women Family Fashion Food Travel: Why You Should Follow Them! Things To Know About Glasgow Foodie: Foodie Explorers Food Blog Travel Blog Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights?

READ MORE When can navigation rules be overlooked

When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked?

BY Nabamita SinhaJan 5, 2023

If the question arises of when can navigation rules be overlooked, then the answer is that they should never be overlooked. However, there are moments when you only have the option to ignore these rules. Certain situations and groups can ignore and overlook these rules whenever they want. To know them, too, scroll down below. What Do You Mean By Navigation Rules? Image Source For every water vessel traveling through water bodies, specific rules are enforced to see their safe travel. These rules are like the traffic rules, but except for roads, they are for the waterways and waterbodies. These navigation rules ensure the safety of the vessel and the passengers onboard from dangerous rocks, shallow waters, and reefs. When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked? The navigation rules are set in place to ensure safe and secure travel on water, but there are moments when these rules need to be followed sometimes. So the situations that can force the sailors to ignore the navigation rules are as follows. Crossing Dangerous Waters Image Source When you are crossing turbulent and dangerous waters, with the people on board being unsafe, the navigation rules can be overlooked; their priority is to protect the passengers. When it comes to sailors, during storms and dangerous turbulent waters, they are not bound to follow the navigation rules. They can easily overlook them. To Avoid Immediate Danger Image Source Who may depart from the navigation rules? The operators may need to depart from the navigation rules while trying to mitigate imminent dangers. While traveling over waters, danger can happen anywhere, and at any point, so paying proper attention to the navigators is essential. They are trained for any sudden changes in water and air direction. So if travelers and navigators predict something dangerous, they can ignore all the navigation rules. This is how they can keep the onboard passengers safe. When A Vessel Has Little Maneuverability Image Source If the captain and crew feel like the vessel is going through a little maneuverability, then they are allowed to overlook all the navigation rules for boats. It is more important to keep the passengers safe than to travel in a hazardous environment. When The Sailor Is Inexperienced Image Source It is important that navigators and sailors should know how to navigate their way around the water. That way, they don't end up endangering the lives of others on the vessel. To save time, these inexperienced sailors sometimes disregard all the maritime navigation rules that are in place. When can navigation rules be overlooked? – if you are a navigator or sailor, look back to your novice years. Sailing In Poor Visibility Image Source When a sailor is sailing in a situation with poor visibility, then the rules of navigation are ignored. If the radar is not working properly, then the navigation rules can be ignored. When climatic situations make it difficult to see, and visibility becomes a big issue, navigation rules are entirely ignored. That is when experience and intuition come into action. What Are The Basic Rules Of Navigation? The "rules of the road at sea," or navigation regulations, apply to all boats. These regulations clearly indicate when to pass, approach, yield, and overtake other boats. The International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (ColRegs) and the fundamental rules of the water should be familiarized with by all boaters, regardless of the size of their vessel. For other masters to see your intentions, you should always move in a clear and deliberate manner. Never assume that the captain of a different boat will follow the rules; always be ready to prevent a collision. To prevent collisions with other boats, the Colregs provide clear signals for passing, approaching, giving way, and overtaking. These are the rules for boat traffic. Rules: Here are some of the basic rules of navigation that you need to be aware of when at sea: When navigating a river or channel, a boat must always operate on the starboard (right) side. You have the right of way when a boat approaches from your starboard (right) side. You have right of way if you approach another boat from the starboard side. However, you must act to avoid collision if the other boat does not yield. Each boat changes course to port (left) and changes course to port (right). Always assume that this is the case. You have the option of overtaking a boat from either side of the one you want to pass. But you have to stay far away from the boat you're passing. This is true for sailboats as well as powerboats. The sailing boat with the wind on the port side must give way when there are two boats with wind on opposite sides. The boat to windward must yield to the boat to leeward when both boats are facing the same direction. Sail usually triumphs over power. However, this isn't always the case. Due to their size, larger vessels, like ferries and container ships, are difficult to maneuver. By giving larger vessels a wide berth, masters of other boats, including sailboats, should always use common sense and good seamanship. What Are The Consequences Of Overlooking Navigation Rules? Image Source For those asking, "when can navigation rules are overlooked," it is essential for you to know that there are severe consequences for not following the rules. And some of the effects that may befall you if you overlook the navigation rules are listed below. They are endangering the environment. The ship and its onboard passengers can get lost at sea. With overlooking the navigation rules, a shipwreck is a strong possibility. A hazardous environment on the ship can create a dangerous place for the people onboard. This can lead to health issues and even death. The vessel and passengers can face legal trouble for not following the navigation rules. Read More: What Are The Different Types Of Cruises (And How To Choose The Right One For You)? Who May Depart From The Navigation Rules? Image Source The navigation rules are set up for everyone's safety and security, so not following them can be risky. However, some people ignore these rules to stay safe and do their work. Please scroll down to see who these people are, who can overlook the navigation rules whenever they want. Pirates And Illegal Fishermen Image Source For pirates, the rules of navigation don't apply. They are beyond any rules, which is why they are pirates. They do this so that law enforcement can't catch them, and they can run away free. That is the same for fishermen who are fishing illegally. Those In Imminent Danger Image Source The recent enforcement requires maritime law that the answer to the question of when navigation rules are overlooked is during imminent danger. Escaping a dangerous situation is much more important than abiding by the law. Read More: What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard? Research Vessels Image Source Marine life science research vessels can easily deviate from the navigation rules. The study is based on marine life and the ocean, so they need help to go by the navigation rules. Those Experiencing A Mental Health Crisis Image Source If someone goes through a mental health problem on a vessel, they can let go of the rules. Instead, they don't tend to follow them. In addition, if someone is emotionally distraught or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they might not follow the rules. Wrapping Up! Now that you know the situations and people who tend to ignore the navigation rules, your question of when navigation rules can be overlooked is answered. In these situations, people don't regard such laws when they travel on international waters. So if you want to know more about this topic, we have more articles on our website, so browse through them, but first give us a like and comment below. Read Also: The Ultimate Hotel Tipping Guide Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida For Families Speed Boat Miami Tour – Sightseeing And Entertainment