Republica talked to a few young travelers to learn about their traveling experiences and aspects contributing to making it better. Here's what they had to share.Darshan Parajuli
Student at National College
I consider travelling to be the best learning experience. I get to connect with people from different walks of life and in the process, I perk up my confidence as well. Traveling helps everyone expand their horizon and so it did to me. Recently I had gone to Delhi for a youth conference and there I learned about many global issues which directly or indirectly have been affecting us all.
Memorable Touring Experience: Two years ago, I had gone to Pokhara with some of my relatives. We decided to try paragliding as I would never think of saying no to such an adventure. When I finally flew up in the air, I experienced a mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness. It was a powerful sensation and I didn't want to stop. The trip made me acknowledge the many beauties of life.
Damodar Khanal
Civil Engineer at Rural Access Program Nepal
These days, traveling are mostly associated with fun, learning and exploring all at once. There is no doubt, people belonging to affluent families can spend lots of money on traveling whether by taking a flight or simply riding in their own vehicle, but when someone is engaged in a project that offers you a flight cum project vehicle, it is quite appealing.
When I was appointed as an engineer at the Rural Access Program 3 funded by the Department of International Department (DFID), I got several prospects to explore beautiful places of Nepal. In my job, I got my first ever flight experience, first ever Hilux Safari, that too in a blue number plated vehicle. Traveling this way helped me explore my own country which many people can only imagine. After my visit to the far western and eastern regions while exploring the lifestyle of Rajbanshi community and culture of Doti District, I realized how beautiful Nepal is. Therefore, I believe, the more secure and cheaper way to travel might be by engaging in organizations that work amongst the most poor and vulnerable people of the remotest districts.
Shristi Mainali
Student at Central Institute of Science and Technology (CIST)
Around a year ago, I went for a trip to Ghalegaun with 11 of my friends. By coordinating with a dai we met at a local restaurant, we managed a vehicle for Rs 10,000. Since there were 11 of us, dividing the amount gave us a cheaper individual rate. Later the same dai kindly provided us with a cheaper home-stay in Ghalegaun. Situated at the foot of Lamjung, Ghalegaun provided us with the panoramic view of Himalayas and serene atmosphere. Adding to the happiness was the company of my friends who also helped made my travel a lot cheaper.
What about the security issues?
In our country, traveling alone for many women would probably be an auspice, often accompanied by cumbersome discussion with parents. Probably that's why it's advisable to travel in groups. There is power in group and it can be cost-effective as well. About convincing parents, it's almost always up to how you communicate with them. Try and make them understand in their own way.
Samiksha Neupane
Executive Member, We Inspire Nepal (WIN)
It's obvious that the more you travel the more you learn because you get to witness with your own eyes the many eccentricities and beauties of the world. You feel like an independent bird, exploring the sky on her own. My recent trip to Malaysia aroused similar feelings within me. Getting acquainted with technological widgets even as simple as a vending machine turned out to be complex, impelling me to marvel at the intricacy of our creation. When we finally learned how to use it, that was a great feat on its own. Now, let's not talk about using Internet in simple personal computers, they can be tricky for very smart minds too you know...
Managing budget and convincing parents?
Managing budget can be a bit difficult but that's where parents come in. The trip to Malaysia was for a debate competition and we were required to pay a certain amount for the registration. I convinced my parents to contribute saying that it won't go to waste and it'll certainly come of use later in the future, if not soon enough.
Pradeep Raj Giri
Student at Tribhuvan University
I went to Northern Ireland as a volunteer for a year in August 2012 and I got free time to visit different places of Northern Ireland and England. Upon receiving a visa to the UK, one also gets to travel to other countries (Wales, Scotland and England) inside the UK with the same visa. I was lucky enough to get proper support from the organization for my both-way flight ticket which saved me a lot of money.
I was provided with free accommodation and food, and adding on to that I received £120 per month as a stipend. Hence, I strongly believe that volunteering is one of the best ways to travel around without spending much. Also with it comes the pristine satisfaction of serving others. Go for it.
Related story
Seven Star Int’l Travel and Tours launches ultramodern ticketin...
