Ten years ago, I embarked on my first solo adventure to Brussels, igniting a spark within me to keep a travel journal. However, it took a decade and a series of events for me to finally put pen to paper, or rather, fingers to keyboard. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey from the initial inspiration to the hurdles that held me back, and how I’ve come to realize the value of sharing my travel experiences, regardless of the challenges.
Brussels, a city that captured my heart (unfortunately this was not the case after my second visit there, on contrary, but that’s a story for another time). This initial experience planted the idea of keeping a travel journal, a repository of my thoughts, discoveries, and emotions during my ‘adventures’. As time passed, the desire to not just write for myself, but to share my stories with others, began to take root.
Despite my enthusiasm to share my experiences, translating that intention into action proved to be a challenge. The concept of starting a travel blog lingered in my mind, yet I hesitated to sit down and write. The turning point came unexpectedly when I penned an article about my Brussels trip for a Youth Online Magazine called ‘No Focus’ (Pa Fokus in Albanian). This serendipitous opportunity pushed me to overcome my writer’s block and put my travel memories into words. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, the magazine that had provided a platform for my travel writing aspirations was suddenly discontinued, and with it my motivation to write. Since that moment, apart from a few sporadic publications on my Instagram account, I wrote nothing worth reading about my travel experiences.
Reflecting on my journey recently, I realised that several factors contributed to my hesitation in sharing my travel experiences.
1. Comparison and Self-Doubt: Witnessing prolific travelers who had visited over 60 countries, I questioned the value of my limited experiences. However, I came to realize that my unique perspective could resonate with those who seek relatable travel stories, especially people like me with budget constraints.
2. Language Barrier: Writing in my mother tongue, Albanian, felt natural and easy. But to reach a wider audience, I needed to write in English. Back then, tools like ChatGPT didn’t exist to help me fine-tune my narration. Today, technology bridges this gap, making it easier to communicate effectively even in a foreign language.
3. Fear of Criticism: Concerns about how my family, friends, and acquaintances would react held me back. I feared being judged for not adhering to the checklist of tourist must-dos. However, I realized that authenticity and personal experience are invaluable, often resonating more deeply than the stereotypical tourist trail.
4. Limited Travel Opportunities: The belief that my infrequent international travel might lead to a dearth of content deterred me. But, I’ve come to understand that every experience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has a story worth telling.
In the process of introspection, I found the courage to overcome these barriers. I realized that I don’t need to travel to exotic destinations every month to share my experiences. Instead, I could focus on preserving the essence of each place, capturing the details that make them special to me.
Today, I’m committed to writing about my travels, not just for others, but primarily for myself. This journey isn’t about ticking off countries from a list; it’s about documenting moments, emotions, and connections. Whether through anecdotes, photos, or insights, my travel writing is a testament to my personal journey.
From that first solo adventure to Brussels to the hurdles that temporarily stifled my passion, my travel writing journey has been a rollercoaster of self-discovery. Through introspection, I’ve realized that sharing my experiences isn’t just about catering to an audience, but about capturing the essence of my journeys and preserving the intangible aspects that make each trip unique. So, here’s to overcoming self-doubt, embracing authenticity, and rediscovering the joy of storytelling through travel.
