For the Love of Travel!
In an attempt to keep things fresh on the blog, I’ve opted to write about a variety of topics but in a more uniformed way. I’m trying to get back into the blogosphere slowly, so I thought if I had some sort of plan in place this would help.
Every month, I’m going to try and post at least 4 times within these categories: Lifestyle, Travel, Food & Books. These are things I’ve written about a lot over the years anyway, but now I’m going to try and tame the chaos that is my blog.
Last week’s post was about self-care and this week I’ll be discussing my love of travelling. Enjoy!
I remember my excitement when I received the email that I would be going to study abroad in China. I remember applying for the trip to China and not really thinking, “Would my mum let me go?” Probably because I knew deep down that my mum wouldn’t mind me going if it gave me a chance to broaden my horizons. My mum is cool like that.
But, I also remember when I got back to my uni digs to tell my boyfriend at the time. I was absolutely buzzing and was so excited to share this amazing news. Until I saw his facial expression and realised that it was the start of the end.
I still went on my trip to China because no boy should ever stop you from doing what you want. I’d been abroad before but this was a big one. Being away from my family for four and a half months? Boy! Yet, I did it. I experienced so many new things, learnt a new culture, picked up a new language (which, due to my negligence, I’ve lost now except for the random “ni hao” and “xiexie”) and made so many new friends.
China was the catalyst that sparked my love of travelling.
I’ve been away abroad a lot. A fact that I do like to humble brag about but not too much, so as not to sound like too much of an arsehole. It wasn’t until I went away on my own that I realised this is something that I love.
There’s a big difference between going abroad with your family and by yourself/with friends. Sure, it can be fun with your family but the independence you get when you go without them is a whole other level.
I went on my first trip with friends to Prague in 2013. Whilst it was pretty much a whole drunken affair (don’t judge me), I still had the best time and I couldn’t wait to go away again. And again. And again.
I get holiday blues quite badly and always find myself searching for flight and accommodation costs and looking at lists of the best places to visit. I like coming up with imaginary itineraries using inspirock.com and visitacity.com because I love to imagine myself actually visiting these places and soaking it in all in.
My favourite trip to date has to be me and Mutay’s birthday trip to Barcelona back in 2016. Barcelona absolutely captured my heart from the first time I visited back in 2014 and I knew that I had to visit again. It took me two years, but I eventually made it back and that trip was full of so many happy, funny, amazing memories. From visiting the W Hotel and partying on the 26th floor to crashing into a bunch of scooters because I don’t know how to drive, everything about that trip made me the happiest I’ve ever been.
The feeling of abroad is something I want to replicate over and over again because it is a feeling like no other. Right from making my way to the airport, checking in, bag drop, going through security – even those things that may be an annoyance to some people, make me so excited for my trip. The feeling of landing in a different country and stepping off the plane makes me want to shout from the top of my lungs.
I remember when Mutay and I arrived in Iceland and we stepped out of the airport to catch our coach. I was so cold – ice cold – and yet I could not stop grinning for the fact that I was in a new country and I was there to experience new things and it just made my heart burst with joy.
I really wanted to write this post to not only let you guys know how much I love travelling but also to urge you to travel if you have the chance. The feelings that come with travelling are none other – you get to create new memories, meet new people and experience something other than ‘your norm’.
Travelling has helped shape who I am as a person – helped me grow and exercise my independence. Isn’t that what growing is all about? Exploring who we are by trying out different things and seeing what works and what doesn’t.
The day that I’m able to quit my job and just go explore regions of the world that I haven’t yet seen, will be the happiest day of my life. I just know it.
Chynna
Chynna has been creating blog posts since 2009. I hope you enjoyed this post! Please feel free to leave a comment below, I love hearing from you all ?
12 Comments
Melody Jacobs
I get that feeling, china is a lovely country to visit. Have a nice time studying.
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https://www.melodyjacob.com/2019/01/how-i-experence-real-love-and-soul.html
Chynna
My studies are finished, but thank you!
eviebraithwaite
Love the idea of writing about 4 different topics every month, why stick to one niche? You’re so lucky to have already have travelled to so many amazing countries, I’m desperate to visit China and Japan. There really isn’t anything quite like travelling. Loved this!
Evie x | https://eviejayne.co.uk
Chynna
Yaasss, firm believer in writing about what you want! Thank you – I hope you get to visit China and Japan, soon. Japan is on my travel bucket list, as well. 🙂
Miss Blogs-A-Bit
This was such a lovely post, your love of travelling is evident! I agree that travelling brings so many positive experiences and opportunities to learn. Like you, I wish I could travel more. Working for a living kinda cramps my style ? You sound so much like me too when you say that you’re always reasearching and planning. Australia is my next big plan, 3 different destinations, but not till 2020. Need to find something to tide me over for 2019! Hope that you get to visit many more awesome places this year ?
http://www.missblogsabit.com
Chynna
Thank you so much! I know exactly what you mean – I wish I didn’t have to work, but then how else can I afford my travelling haha ? Hope you find some good destinations for this year!
Sydney
Oh boy, can I relate to the boyfriend thing pre-study abroad. I went to Japan for an entire year and prior to leaving I broke up with my boyfriend of 15 months because I just didn’t want to do long distance with him, and we already had problems in our relationship. He was supportive of my choice to go to Japan, but he was convinced we’d break up while I was there and it just caused so many problems. If you’re studying abroad, it’s so much better to go single! You can meet people freely and not have any worries.
Your trips look like so much fun! I’m glad you caught the travel bug. I can’t wait to go on more trips! I really want to visit a variety of places in the States, but I also want to get out and see the world. I can’t wait until I’m out of school, making more money, and setting it aside. Like you, I just want to travel forever! Haha.
Chynna
Honestly, I swear men are trash! Like, let me live my life and just be supportive and happy for me if you actually love me. Ugh! But, yes – definitely agree to study abroad and be single. So much less stress.
Thank you so much! I hope you get to travel more around the States and other places 🙂
Nancy
How come everyone went MIA in 2018? lol it’s okay, you’re back for sure? Oh man, I remembered those Chynna in China days!! Even though you were on your own for a bit, it is good to have some independence. I love that you went on a travel roll shortly after. Hope you’ll continue to travel and discover new places!!
Chynna
Lmfaoooo, I have no idea Nancy! But I’m definitely back and if you see me slacking then you need to call me, loool. China was so long ago, amirite?! Thank you, Nance <3
Jessica
This looks so much fun! Love the photos dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Chynna
Thank you so much!