-National Geographic’s Andrew Evans
Sure, you will be dealt your fair share of Lonely Planet
lemons and stinky toilets. You will likely contract various tropical diseases
and lose more socks in the wash than ever before. But really, if that is the
worst that could happen, then what’s keeping you?
It is the pursuit of new cultures, the pursuit of new
people, the pursuit of new beliefs, the pursuit of new experiences. Travel is
the pursuit of everything and nothing.
Herein is a recipe proven for success:
Ingredients
5 Pairs of Underwear
5 Pairs of Socks
5 T Shirts (or similar)
2 Pair Trousers
2 Sweaters
2 Pair Shorts
1 Sun Hat
1 Wolly Hat
1 Waterproof Jacket
1 Swimsuit
1 Pair Jandals
1 Pair Sturdy Shoes
1 Bottle Sunscreen
1 Bottle Insect Repellent
1 Backpack (or similar)
1 Good Sense of Humour
A whole bunch of time
Step 1: Collect all items on ingredients list and pack into
backpack (or similar).
Step 2: Realise that everything you really need is packed
into your backpack. Proceed to throw out, give away and donate nearly all of
your other possessions except the sentimental Christmas jersey from your Nana
and love letter from your first boyfriend/girlfriend. Put these sentimental
items in a box in your parents’ attic.
Step 3: Start dreaming. Let your thoughts run. Jot down
ideas. Talk to other travellers. Determine a starting destination.
Step 4: Buy transport ticket to predetermined starting
destination.
Step 5: Follow your nose, follow the road, follow whatever you
like; but for best results try not to follow other travellers too often.
Step 6: Maintain an open mind and heart, take only pictures,
leave only footprints.
Step 7: Accumulate numerous stories of rabid dog attacks, 70
hour bus rides, jumping out of planes and swimming with piranhas. Caution: Don’t tell these stories to your
mother for the sake of her sanity.
Step 8: Realise that in the course of your travels you have
been actively trying to repel numerous insect creatures but there is one bug
that you have taken quite a likening to – the travel bug.
Step 9: Repeat from step 3.
