What I’m going to share with you isn’t about discovering a secret travel escape or an inspirational book by M. Scott Peck. It’s how to overcome your wanderlust, live a life with fewer trips in a year – like what I’m trying to do. I always see wanderlusts as happiest people. Oh, the twinkle in their eyes! You can feel the burning passion in them when they share their travel stories. That cheerful, spontaneous spirit and dreamy eyes… But what happens if you take the passion away from them? Like what I’m trying to do now, toning down the wanderlust within. Toning Down the Wanderlust Within Why? Because as a…
-
-
How “Begpackers” Make Me Feel Grateful for My Powerless Passport
I used to feel bitter towards “begpackers” because of my powerless passport, but not anymore. First of all, according to Global Passport Power Rank, my Indonesian passport is ranked 58th out of 93. While doing this research, I get to know that my passport is ranked lower than the passport of the countries I never heard of like Nauru, Kiribati, and Vanuatu. More surprisingly, the passport of Timor-Leste, which was part of Indonesia until 1999, is doing better – sitting at the 45th position! The Roots of My Bitterness Towards “Begpackers” For someone who loves travelling, the roots of my bitterness towards “begpackers” are obvious. I have to work hard…
-
I Visit Lonely Planet’s Hottest Destination 2019 and Regret
Like most of my friends, or should I say, most Asians, Sri Lanka, Lonely Planet’s hottest destination in 2019, is a country that we never dream of visiting. It doesn’t even cross my mind. However, my crush tells me that he’s been to Sri Lanka four times and the country is one of travel’s best-kept secrets. Really? What are the good things in Sri Lanka? Soon after, Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the best country in the world to visit in 2019! I feel so curious. I know that I need to see and experience the country myself. “You better hurry or it’ll soon become packed with travellers, just like…
-
Globetrotters and ‘Macarons’, Is It True?
Some people think that globetrotters or people who travel a lot will kiss and bang strangers from around the world. Perhaps, in every country they visit. Where’s this perception comes from?? Once I had caught up with my ex-colleagues. We’re very close and brutally honest, we discuss anything. At one point, my male friend asked me, “So Clara… Do you try a lot of ‘macarons’ when you’re travelling?” “Macarons?” I asked in confusion. The first thing that popped up in my mind was Ladurée, the famous French macaron that I tried while in transit in Charles de Gaulle. “You know what I mean,” he looked at me with a naughty…
-
Digital Detox Trip: Nature Edition in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
For this week’s blog post, I want to share an unforgettable digital detox trip experience in Raja Ampat, Indonesia 2016. Situated at the tip of The Bird’s Head Peninsula, West Papua, it’s hailed as The Mecca of Diving by divers worldwide thanks to the marine life diversity. Imagine finding 75% known corals, 1,700 species of reef fish and endangered mammals when you dive! Even better, you can go island-hopping and find yourself surrounded by gorgeous nature. Moreover, there are many beautiful white-sand beaches which you may have on your own. Talking about a much-deserved break from the city! If you love photography, Raja Ampat or the Four Kings will make…
-
This Christmas… Dare to Dream and Repurpose Your Life
On November 30, 2017, I made a wish: All I wanted for Christmas is fantastic trips next year. 2018 is the year when I totally surrender to my wanderlust. What’s supposed to be two trips suddenly morphed into six trips. I totally agree if you think I’m crazy, yet I love it. However, the time has come to dream and repurpose my life. I saved for a year to realise my 15 days Cuba trip, failed to step my foot in the Holy Land of Israel thus went to Spain + Portugal half-heartedly. The beauty of Chiang Mai +Chiang Rai captured my heart, and so did Da Nang + Hội An,…
-
You Need to Stop Judging How Female Solo Travellers Fund Their Trips
People need to stop judging how female solo travellers fund their trips because it’s none of their business. By this time, I guess you’ve read some news about female solo travellers getting raped or killed while travelling. Some people blame the victims for travelling alone (yes, it’s not just about the funding). An article published in 2016 by The Guardian “Why is Travelling Alone Still Considered a Risky, Frivolous Pursuit for Women?” discusses a very interesting topic about double standards for female solo travellers. Besides sexual violence and gender inequality, let me add one more double standard on female solo travellers: how we fund the trips. People often praise male…
-
#hellostrangers: The Quirky Travel Photos
When we travel, we want to freeze that happy moment through our lenses. Be it unique, beautiful, or a quirky travel photo, it will forever be in your heart. After all, we’ve come from far far away and been waiting for the holiday! For me who often travel solo, I’m always a bit anxious if I would meet people who can handle my DSLR. Even though I always join a tour group or book private drivers and guides (which most people I meet can handle the camera), there will be times when I’ll be roaming the street alone. I used to believe that anyone can handle DSLR as long as…
