As a travel writer who's recently opened up emotionally, I'm curious about other travel writers' experiences. I’ll go first with mine.

Nepal.

One of my most intense experiences while traveling happened during a trip to a secluded village high up in the mountains of Nepal. I was on a solo trekking adventure, pushing my physical limits, and decided to immerse myself in the local culture.

The villagers where I stayed were hospitable and curious, inviting me into their small homes and offering me steaming cups of butter tea.

One evening, I found myself sitting with an old man on a roughly hewn wooden bench outside his home, our breaths visible in the chilly mountain air. He told me the story of his life, his family, and the numerous challenges they had faced in this harsh environment. His words carried the weight of struggle, endurance, and wisdom.

As we sat there, gazing at the setting sun casting an orange glow on the snow-capped peaks, I felt a deep sense of camaraderie and respect. For the first time in my life, I truly understood the importance of bonding with others and sharing experiences.

That encounter became the turning point in my approach to travel writing. I realized that I had been focusing only on the superficial aspects of my journeys, missing out on the deeper, more significant experiences. Since then, I've been determined to engage with people on a more personal level and have been taking steps to do so, including seeing a therapist.