No civilization has ever advanced by staying within the confines and comfort of the city walls. No nation has excelled without having some brave souls who ventured into uncharted territories to return home with stories of gandeur and beauty from far-away lands

Today, although  all the boundary lines around the world are already drawn in and all flags christened and proudly hoisted, don’t we still venture out on our own private adventures charting a course to lands unbeknown to us except what we chance to read in glossy magazines or in musty, dog-eared history books.

At times we travel to see some famous landmark or historical sights. Some other times we travel to experience nature in a way we usually don’t perceive in our daily lives, be it a person from the tropics visiting the snow clad mountains, or a city-dweller retreating to the rainforests.

Indeed each journey, big or small, short or long does add a new dimension to our thoughts and leaves us with a positive impression that only helps us grow as a person.

The next time you travel, although you may have a specific purpose for travel, do allow your self a certain leeway to drift. Do something unusual, take the path less travelled, befriend a local, attend a local celebration.

Remember that the guide book is just that – A Guide! Shut it and put it at the bottom of your travel bag for a day. Go out on a whim, let your memory be your guide and then navigate your way back. It is escapes such as these which open up the doors for epic adventures and remarkable personal growth.

So what if your adventure is not recognised by anyone but yourself. So what if your journey took you only to your city park where you lied down on the grass and read a paperback for the better part of the day. It may be that your own adventure takes you on a trip across the globe or just across the street to a neighbourhood you never ventured before. As long as you proceeded with a spirit of adventure, an anticipation of discovery and the eagerness to learn, you shall not ever return empty handed.

Go create your own adventures and be the leader of your own expedition!

Love, Live, Explore!