On the eve of adventure
Preparing for my next exciting journey
Bismillah. The suitcase is packed and the excitement has been building all month long. Another adventure’s around the corner and I thought it would be a good time to take you through my pre-travel routine and some last-minute reflections.
Packing and preparation
Whether it’s your most dreaded chore, favorite puzzle to solve, or somewhere in the middle- the first order of business is packing your bags. For me, it’s a rich and stimulating precursor to the trip. As I fold each item of clothing and tuck away my packing cubes, my imagination runs wild envisioning the adventures (and pictures) that lie ahead.
It starts with a list, I’m old school like that. The satisfaction of ticking off each item can’t be beat: clothes, toiletries, gadgets, documents, and of course a good book for those long transit days. It hasn’t always been my strength, but I believe in packing light; carrying only what’s needed and leaving room for unexpected finds along the way.
Mind and body preparation
While physical preparation is crucial, mental and spiritual readiness is just as important. Traveling light isn’t only about your luggage, but also the emotional baggage you carry. I ask myself what I need to leave behind to make space for new people, experiences, and ways of life. In the quiet before the rush, I spend time reflecting on what I hope to gain from this trip, cracking open the spine of a new notebook that will soon be filled with my memories from the road.
As for the body, maintaining a healthy routine is key, even more so in the days leading up to a trip. A good sleep schedule, balanced meals, and regular workouts keep me energized and ready to hit the ground running. With the goal of truly grounding and actually unplugging in my next adventure, I prepared with two rounds of hijama detox. I’m still processing all that came up for me during that time and I’ll make another post all about it, but tl;dr- if you haven’t tried it, it’s a game changer. 10/10 would recommend for anyone with a body and a brain.
A peek at the itinerary
Without spilling all the beans, I can share that this upcoming journey will take us places both old and new, blending the comfort of the familiar with the excitement of the unknown. There’ll be bustling cities, serene landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich history to explore, God willing.
The power (and privilege) of travel
There’s a quote by Ibn Battuta I love,
Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.
As I prepare for this journey, I’m reminded why I started traveling in the first place - the exhilarating sense of discovery, the humbling experiences, and the stories I get to bring back, to share with you. But for me, it’s much more than cultural tourism, or seeing new places and sharing what I saw from the same old perspective. It’s the culmination of how these new people, places, and experiences hold up a mirror to my very own beliefs and biases, challenging me to expand my understanding of myself.
With each ticking minute, the anticipation to be in the place, doing the things builds. Yet, amongst all the excitement, I pause, savoring these fleeting moments of quiet before the whirlwind of travel sweeps in. Travel, the ultimate teacher, the test to my adaptability, the enrichment to my soul, and the revealing of the shared human experience to my heart. I can’t wait to see what I see.
Stay tuned for the next post and safe travels to all venturing out into the world ❤️
