Looking back, I’ve always been a bit of a wanderer and a gypsy. I’ve always had the yearning to discover, learn, journey and share. I’ve never been happy sitting in one place, one city, one country (and maybe one universe?!). I know – it doesn’t really make for a very stable and predictable career, but it does bring with it experiences that are out of the world.

Jumping out of a plane was perhaps the most exciting and nail-biting thing I did last year, but I enjoyed even the mundane walk through a small town where every experience is novel. Experiencing a serene sunset, cycling through rural villages, enjoying a cup of tea by the road side, rafting down a raging river – I would have never known life’s simple pleasures if I hadn’t ventured out of my comfort zone.

And I’ve managed to pack a bit in the last year. From diving into the deep blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, to experiencing a royal way of life in Jaisalmer; from a journey into the Kanha forests to cycling to Devanarayanadurga hills on Bangalore’s outskirts – it’s been exciting, different and always new.

I came across this quote online and found it really apt: “Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.”

So, I’m not very sure where I caught the bug since not too many people in my family travel. In fact, my parents can’t often comprehend why I need to revisit the same place. But it’s difficult to explain the magic of some places – you can visit many times and yet see it with new eyes.

So, here’s to another exciting, fun-filled year. Starting off with being named as one of India’s top 25 travel bloggers, which is quite an honour. And of course, it also means that I need to get on the road again…

Once the travel bug bites, it’s hard to stop. Here’s to another year on the road. Here’s to 2014. And lots of new experiences, sights, sounds and moments to cherish.

(PS: On that note, I also need your help to put me on the Kerala Blog Express!)