Travel Wins & Travel Dreams

...So, why do travel goals matter? Because they remind us that life is about experiences, not possessions...

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 22 December, 2024

December has always held a special place in my heart. First, because it’s my birthday month, and mainly because it is a time when we can look back at our year, our travel goals and our achievements. The world had so much to offer, and even though the list of places to visit and experiences to chase grows longer every year, that’s what makes the journey even more exciting.

So today I want to talk about my 2024 travel triumphs - the goals I achieved, the new destinations I discovered, and the experiences that enriched me. But I also want to dream out loud and talk about my 2025 bucket list - the travel dreams that have me eagerly looking forward to the coming year.

2024: A Year of Travel Triumphs: This year, I focused on simple yet meaningful targets - visiting new destinations and trying out unique experiences.

Visiting a New Country: Georgia: One of the most fulfilling moments of 2024 was adding Georgia to my growing list of countries visited - my 43rd, to be exact. Georgia is a stunning blend of old-world charm and natural beauty. From the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi’s Old Town to the majestic Kazbegi Mountains, every corner of this country felt like a chapter from a storybook. The food, too, deserves a special mention - traditional dishes like Khinkali (dumplings) and Khachapuri (cheesy bread) were a treat to the taste buds.

But what made this trip truly extraordinary was the fact that it was my daughter Raya’s first international trip. Raya, at just 6 months old, may not remember the streets of Tbilisi or the breathtaking views of the Kazbegi Mountains. But for Heta and me, this trip was much more - it was the creation of what I can only describe as a ‘Core Memory,’ referencing the beautiful concept from the animated movie Inside Out. Raya’s first passport stamp was a milestone for her. But it was also a significant moment for us as parents. It was a celebration of the life we want to share with her - a life full of experiences, memories, and adventures.

Discovering a New Place in India: Indore: This year, I finally checked Indore off my long-pending bucket list. Known as the cleanest city in India, Indore is a beautiful blend of history, culture, and food. One of our first stops was Rajwada Palace, a magnificent seven-storey structure that stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Holkar dynasty.

But Indore isn’t just about history - it’s a paradise for food lovers, and a visit to Chappan Dukan was a must. From savouring Indore’s iconic poha to treating myself to jalebi and bhutte ka kees, I was in absolute foodie heaven. The real highlight of the trip, though, was the day trip to Maheshwar and experiencing the serene beauty of the Narmada Ghat.

Learning a New Language: Japanese: One of my personal travel goals for 2024 was to start learning a new language. I decided to dive into Japanese. Japan has always held a special place in my heart, and after multiple trips to this incredible country, I felt the urge to connect with its culture on a deeper level.

My journey began on the language-learning app Duolingo, and as I write this, I am proud to share that I have maintained a 109-day streak of completing at least one new lesson every single day! The best part? Knowing that on my next visit to Japan, I will be able to speak a few phrases, order food confidently, and interact with locals in their native language. There’s something magical about speaking even a little bit of the language in the places you visit - it breaks barriers, builds connections, and makes travel far more meaningful.

2025 Travel Dreams: My Bucket-List Goals: Here are the experiences I’m eagerly looking forward to in the coming year - each one holding a special place in my ever-growing bucket list.

Chasing the Northern Lights: For years, the Northern Lights - that celestial dance of colours across the Arctic sky - has been a dream of mine. There’s something almost otherworldly about witnessing the Aurora Borealis, and while I had hoped to tick this off my list in 2024, it remains an elusive yet inspiring goal.

Seeing the Northern Lights is more than just a visual experience - it’s a spiritual one. Imagine standing under a cold, clear night sky, miles away from city lights, watching as vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple ripple across the heavens. I have heard stories from our tour managers who describe it as one of the most humbling experiences of their lives, and I can’t wait to experience that magic for myself.

Singapore Once More: Singapore is a destination I can never get enough of, and 2025 will see me revisiting this vibrant island nation. Earlier this year, I collaborated with Renjie Wong aka RJ, my friend and the Area Director of the Singapore Tourism Board, to create a video series uncovering hidden gems and unique experiences in Singapore. After conducting over 30 short episodes of interviews and storytelling, my to-do list for Singapore has grown twofold!

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, flavours, and adventures. While iconic spots like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands always delight, it’s the lesser - known corners - quaint cafes, nature trails, and cultural enclaves - that intrigue me the most. My upcoming trip in February is already packed with plans, and I can’t wait to rediscover Singapore with fresh eyes and newfound enthusiasm.

Witnessing Kashmir in Another Avatar: If there’s one place in India that feels like paradise on Earth, it’s Kashmir. I have been fortunate to visit Kashmir before, but there’s a unique charm in witnessing its transformation across all four seasons. Each season lends Kashmir a different persona - spring brings blooming tulips, summer reveals lush valleys, autumn wraps the region in hues of gold, and winter turns it into a snowy wonderland.

In 2025, my goal is to experience Kashmir in a new season, capturing its ever-changing beauty and soul. Whether it’s sipping Kahwa by the Dal Lake, taking a shikara ride through the mist, or wandering through saffron fields in full bloom, Kashmir offers a sensory experience like no other.

Growing My Country Count Closer to 50: As we end this year, my country count stands at 43, and now I’m setting my sights on hitting the big 50! For 2025, I’ve identified a list of destinations that I’m eager to explore, each offering something unique:

Kenya & Tanzania: Witnessing the Great Migration, exploring the Serengeti, and experiencing Africa’s rich wildlife.

Portugal: Lisbon’s charm, Porto’s vineyards, and the stunning coastal towns.

Azerbaijan & Armenia: Discovering the cultural treasures of the Caucasus region.

Nepal: Reconnecting with nature, spirituality, & the majestic Himalayas.

Mexico: Exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City, the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, and the stunning beaches of Tulum.

Each of these destinations represents a dream, a promise, and a story waiting to unfold. How many countries have you been to? If you don’t know your score, get counting. Not only does it give you a snapshot of your travel journey so far, but it can also motivate you to set new targets and plan your next adventures. Trust me, when you are aware of your score, planning and achieving travel goals gets even more tractions.

Why Travel Goals Matter

So, why do travel goals matter? Because they remind us that life is about experiences, not possessions. They help us celebrate what we have achieved and give us hope for what’s yet to come. As you reflect on your own year and dream about the next, I encourage you to set your own travel goals - no matter how big or small. Maybe it’s visiting a nearby town you have never explored or planning your first international trip. Maybe it’s trying a new cuisine, learning a new language, or simply spending more time with loved ones in a beautiful place.

Whatever your goals may be, write them down, visualise them, and work towards them. Because when we travel, we don’t just see the world - we celebrate life. And that, my friends, is the greatest adventure of all.

So, what did your year look like when it comes to travel? Did you embark on an unforgettable journey, revisit a favourite destination, or perhaps explore a hidden corner of your own city or country? Did you try something for the first time? Meet someone who inspired you? Taste a dish that you can’t stop thinking about?

I would love to hear about your travel achievements and goals. So, write to me at neil@veenaworld.com and tell me about your favourite travel memories. Who knows, your story might inspire someone else to plan their next big adventure! So that’s it from me today, until next time, as I always say, keep Celebrating Life! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!