Inspiring Travel By Sharing Your Memories

For me, travelling allows me to see the world through new eyes. Fuelled by my insatiable curiosity, I was born into this pastime. It has shaped my outlook on life and has given me so much. Travel marketing experts have studied the soulful journey I take each time the travel bug bites, and I'm compelled to explore. Their findings show it comprises five distinct parts: dream, plan, travel, reflect, and reminisce...

What Inspires Travel?

It all begins with a spark of inspiration fuelled by an experience I seek or a discovery I wish to make. Going to a new place brings a tingle of anticipation and, sometimes, nervousness.

Next is the meticulous planning stage – a crucial aspect of any successful trip, a segue to the sweet stuff sandwiched between the third and fifth phases.

In the penultimate imprinting phase, my experiences fill my senses and seep into my soul before, finally, the most potent stage of my traveller journey – the reflection stage.

The Dream

Sometimes, my journey idea peters out before the dream can take root. Like an incomplete thought or an ellipses, they disappear into the ether. 

Possible reasons could include an overscheduled life – so every day in the modern age, incidental obstacles blockade my pathway to following my bliss. Could it be a lack of resources, such as time and money and the availability of the desired travel product, such as flights and accommodation? 

My plans may be stymied because my would-be travel companions cannot join me. Solo travel is on the rise in answer to a generation of travellers who answer a resounding "yes!" when the urge to go walkabout strikes. 

Following the irresistible drumbeat of wanderlust, I usually find a way to get out into the world and explore, even if it means delaying my trip. 

The Plan

The good news is that against these odds, travel dreams survive. I'm constantly gathering inspiration by consulting the latest travel trends, talking to friends, or on my social channels. 

Researching destinations, booking accommodations, and planning my route all play a crucial role in shaping the itinerary of my adventure. 

It's vital to understand the reason for my trip and allow the plans to fan out from there, like the far-reaching fingers of the Okavango Delta. Sidestepping the pitfall of cramming too much into my itinerary is a discipline I've grown into; needing a holiday from my holiday from my holiday does not speak to me. By tapping into the slow travel movement, I'm guided by the principles that foster deeper connections while travelling by taking the time to savour the experience. 

Getting the right help with planning and receiving in-destination support from an experienced travel planner can not be overstated. Local knowledge is vital in unlocking soul-stirring travel. 

The Trip

My favourite travel experiences include safari and wilderness escapes. The more far-flung, the better. I lose myself in nature, which is also ironically, where I find myself. Becoming a mother has tempered my choice of destinations. However, a family-friendly safari remains one of my top choices. The restorative power of Mother Nature is integral to my sense of balance and inner peace. There are few better ways to teach children about the interconnectedness of life than in the bushveld. 

I support community-led, responsible tourism products. Tourism, done well, can be a powerful force for good, an economic kickstarter with a relatively low barrier to entry since it's chiefly a service-driven industry. 

The Imprint

When my journey leans towards its end, I prepare to travel homeward. As the sun sets on my journey on the last day, I become introspective, allowing my experiences to settle within my soul and colour my dreams. 

Some of my best trips – even those with world-class infrastructure – have been hampered by travel delays, illness or a documentation dilemma. 

Being a good traveller means not sweating the small stuff, learning to think on your feet, and, most importantly, knowing how to ask for help and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, especially when things go awry. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. 

The Reflection

Sometimes, so keen to share the joy of my experience, I may post hurriedly on social media with a few snaps accompanied by a cobbled-together caution peppered with spelling errors as I stand in the check-in queue en route home.

Other times, I return to my life and don't take the memory card out of my camera for weeks, even months, deciding the gravity of the experience deserves time and dedication. Suddenly nostalgic, I remember a time before digital cameras when one film reel was all you had. Twenty-four potentially overexposed, blurry and potentially great shots to show for your trip. The agony of opening the back of the camera is a painful experience I do not wish on anyone.  

Once, I received a curated hardcover coffee table book from a friend showcasing a unique selection of memories I'd garnered over time. A treasured gift, the pages are a rich mosaic of some of my most cherished travel experiences. People I'd met along the way, activities I'd enjoyed, and even some recipes to recreate the meals at home, sharing the spirit of my travels with friends and family. 

It's Time to Inspire Travel to Africa

As the protagonist of my traveller journey, I can decide which memories to share. Whether through social media updates, curated photo albums, or personalised mementoes, I enjoy sharing my experiences with others. Each shared moment becomes a testament to the beauty of travel, inspiring others to power through the obstacles and embark on their adventures to foster connections that transcend borders and boundaries.

So, go, feel inspired to travel, and come to Africa. Rhino Africa's Travel Experts are ready to make your African safari dreams come true.