I intend no offense to Jules Verne and all his fans, but “Around the world in 80 days” sounds pretty dismal to me. I find the idea of simply ‘hopping’ from one country to another a sad waste of time; ironically because the whole thing takes place in a paltry span of 80 days. Taking pleasure in such a rushed trip is just difficult to imagine.

The whole point of traveling is not merely to get from one point to another but to have a chance to enjoy the uniqueness of each place you visit. Expect new adventures at every new turn; another fresh experience as you pass through the “Thank you” arch of one place right into the “Welcome” arch of another.

How can this be done if you keep rushing from one place to the next? Slow down, take a long, appreciative look around, give a smile to the faces that you meet and stop to smell the flowers (figuratively or otherwise). When you find yourself in a foreign land, absorb as much culture as you can, broaden your understanding. Be adventurous enough to try out their native food; make friends and try to learn a word or two of their language. The same way your destination changes you, try to make your mark in the most pleasant yet memorable way.

Also, learn to appreciate the pleasure that may be had in the journey itself. Do not miss out on the beautiful scenery floating right outside your window or in the beautiful conversation your travel mates may offer. Take your time… 80 day? Might as well multiply it with a hundred.