When Travel became a Purpose.

I have travelled solo to many places over the world and have gathered a treasure trove
of memories beautiful, adventuresome, fearless, and awe-inspiring as well as some
scary ones from which I came out unscathed yet emboldened.

Juggling my corporate life with the escape artist in me came very smoothly to me in a
span of seven years. I loved my work and knew very well not to make it get to the point
of mundane, courtesy the advice of my father. He always practiced so called ‘time-outs’
from his hectic schedule as an advocate in the high court with a simple reasoning that
‘your profession too is like a budding romance, you have got to make efforts to keep it
alive and blossoming, and for that you have got to pursue a leisure activity that takes
your mind off of your job for some time.’ ‘So that when you return, you fall in love with
your work all over again.’

That’s been my success mantra of life and my leisurely activity happens to be Travel.
Travel gives me the wholesome rejuvenation I require, like a cleansing agent that
removes all work- related toxins for me to come back to the job I love.
A month ago, at a friend’s house warming party, sitting among friends and
acquaintances, our discussions veered to taking vacations. It was one spirited
discussion for pacifying the travel itch that we all had in us and also the unified
agreement on how stressful our jobs are and the need to refresh ourselves. As the talk
ventured into holidaying in spa resorts, cruise liners for exotic getaways, I suddenly
zoned out of that conversation. I excused myself feeling somewhat weird and wary and
breezed past a few towards the balcony. As the cool air hit my face I tried to
comprehend what went over me to do such a thing! I realized that after all these years
of travelling solo, I was not looking for yet another quick getaway or fun and frolic in
white, sandy beaches.

This time I wanted to travel with a purpose - Something which is not a ‘mere’ holiday,
but something that would make me a change maker. It took me a few days and a little
bit of browsing the internet to realize that I wanted to participate in RESPONSIBLE
TOURISM. The word or rather the experience that I was looking for was – ECO
TRAVEL. It is a volunteer travel progam that makes your travel meaningful and
beneficial for the local communities, the environment and you as a traveler.
My joy knew no bounds when I came across such an endeavor being taken up by
‘Women Special Tours’ in collaboration with an eco-travel agency whose objective is
to conserve the resources on which tourism thrives, ensuring equitable opportunities for
the local populace.

It was a two week travel to Spiti Valley with fourteen enthusiastic and compassionate
women who believed in holistic travel that merges conservation and sustainable
development thus creating additional revenues and sources of income for the local
communities in Spiti. We volunteered for the ‘Backpacker with a Purpose’ program
where we live the life of locals in a trail of high villages of the Spitian mountain folk. We
engaged in activities contributing to their economic development and conservation,
herding the cattle, working in their fields, daily household chores and participating in
workshops that enlighten their minds and impart knowledge.
Thank you ‘Women Special Tours’ for providing this rare and blessed opportunity to
experience Spiti as a partner of the local community. This journey was truly surreal,
authentic and soul- enriching.

I came back transformed in spirit, mind and body.

About Women Special Tours: Would you like to go for a ‘Ladies Only Trip’ which is full of fun,
excitement, games and unforgettable experiences? Then you are looking for us. If you have any query or you want us to share your travel stories at our blog, contact us atToursWST@gmail.comor +91 –
9810555106.

About the Article Editor: Kimberly Jane Thomas is a Blogger, Writer, Communications Trainer, avid
music buff and loves literary fiction; but more than all these, she loves to listen to the animated
conversations of her kids. She considers life a blessing in the guise of challenges. She wouldn’t have it any other way. You might meet her someday during one of our tours.
Please note: Above story is a fiction work of the author. However; we are committed to creating similar kind of emotions, experiences, and stories for our women travelers. We hope one day you will also be traveling with Women Special Tours.