5 Ways to get Your Travel Mojo

Hit the road Jack, or Jackie of course!

I recently received an email from a friend in Australia. She was coming to the end of her thesis and was ready to get back in the saddle and do some travelling. She wanted some different advice to the normal guidebook stuff and asked me to suggest five places in the world that she might find stimulating, exciting or worthwhile to discover; with a caveat that it should not be all hedonistic as she wanted to put something back into the world on her path through it.

At first glance I thought this is easy, however with so many possibilities it soon became hard to ditch one idea for another, which of course was the reason for her asking me in the first place I guess. A balance between doing the circuit and stretching yourself can be a little or as great as takes your fancy but here are the five ideas I suggested to her.

1. Czech Republic.

For a “New-Worlder” this is the epitome of Old Europe, stunning architecture coupled with a tenacious hold on providing some of the coldest and often cheapest beers around! I jest of course; there is more to the Czech Republic than pilsner and podiums. It has set itself up as one of the foremost places to take a TEFL (or similar) certificate in teaching English as a foreign language, a perfect addition to any self respecting world traveller hoping to add to their travel budget.

Although the European Union has swallowed it whole the country still retains its robust nature and offers even the jaded traveller a few jewels and memorable adventures. Just step out of the city and explore the countryside, go camping and avoid the crowds, stop in small villages or sample the wines in eccentric bohemian Melnik.

2. Guatemala.

Downright dangerous at times, exhilarating and enchanting at others Guatemala is a tricky place to strike a balance. It is a poor country but also has a wealth of wonderful colonial cities that it is sometimes hard to remember that life is tough for the campesino.

Children have it hardest; orphaned, abused or just mistreated, the least able to protect themselves are the most vulnerable. Many missions are engaged in tackling these problems in Guatemala and a cadre of volunteers from all over the world support their cause. It is not cheap, volunteers are expected to pay for their keep and endure long hours, however the reward of smiling faces and knowing you have made a difference makes the effort worthwhile.

3. Egypt.

Egypt - Photo by Scott Kennedy

It’s not all about self sacrifice on the road though and those with a desire to understand ancient history will be well served by a trip down the eternal Nile River. Egypt, one of my favourite destinations, has been troubled in the past by terrorist attacks and can be a difficult place to feel totally comfortable but a little caution and the usual safeguards should suffice.

Ancient edifices thousands of years old, the romance of the desert, Pharaohs and Roman generals, Sumerians and Macedonians all melt together in this mix of timelessness that will capture the imagination of any would be Egyptologist. Grab a pair of boots, your best desert vest and a guidebook....let your sense of adventure free.

4. India.

Such a huge country cannot be justly served with a paragraph or two; nevertheless I would make a case for a few suggestions for the weary traveller.

Perhaps unleash your inner spirit with a Yoga course in Goa or use that well earned teaching certificate to help out in a school in Puna. Discover the backwaters of Kerela in the hot and humid south or hike the trails in the cool north of the country. With India you could go on and on and on....

5. USA.

Much maligned, I would say that for sheer size, diversity and importance The United States is a must do for any self respecting road warrior. Those with the fortune of being young enough can qualify for a working visa and take advantage of the opportunities on offer. Camp Counselling seems to be the choice move here; helping out with kids is a great way to interact and offer some exposure to other cultures that is so important for developing a balanced view of the world.

So after you have done your bit, buy a clunker and do the quintessential road trip that generations before you have done. Step in the tracks of Kerouac, Jack London or Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon. Explore the wilderness and the concrete canyons and bring to life the real Americana.

If it was ten I would love to have included some other great places but I was asked for five.

What would you have suggested? Where would you send your best friend, or your worst enemy? Leave a comment below with your thoughts!

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