A lot of who we are comes from how we are brought up, and for me, the travel bug is something I know exactly where it comes from. Sharing it here as my first draft.

My parents love traveling to new places. Growing up, traveling long distances wasn’t common - air tickets were expensive, and taking time out for vacations wasn’t easy. Back then, vacations weren’t a way to “recover from the burn” like they are now. But my parents made it a priority. Almost every year, we’d pack our bags and set out to explore new places, experiencing history and culture.

I grew up in India, a country so diverse that traveling in any direction feels like entering a different world. Every state has its own language, cuisine, festivals, and traditions. My parents might not have focused on living a luxurious life, but they always ensured we traveled. There wasn’t a landscape we didn’t explore - mountains, deserts, beaches, and everything in between.

I still remember my first time seeing snow, soft as cotton, resting on apple trees in Himachal Pradesh. Back then, food, culture, and traditions were deeply rooted in their regions, and nothing was readily available everywhere like it is now.

These trips taught me to value different cultures and learn from them. We’d taste unfamiliar fruits, chat with locals, and soak in the diversity. Over time, these experiences shaped my love for exploration. I still have that travel bug, but it’s not about extravagant adventures. For me, it’s the simple joy of trying a local coffee, strolling through unfamiliar streets, or sitting by the water and admiring the waves.

Today, travel feels easier and more accessible, but back then, my parents went to great lengths to make it happen, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful. Those journeys didn’t just teach me about the world; they taught me the value of curiosity, openness, and connection - lessons I carry with me wherever I go.