The World Is Getting Bigger!

Emirates Airlines previous (and dare I say better?) slogan was Keep Discovering. With the number of routes they are creating, world travel has become an even greater possibility than before. This also got me thinking about the idea that the “world is getting smaller” – I have to now disagree. The world is getting bigger!

Apps such as whatsapp, skype and the now struggling BBM have made staying connected far easier. But it has also made the world smaller. How? Well here is my take on why the world isn’t getting smaller, its getting bigger!

Technology

Technology has been great in helping us staying in touch but it has also made us realise what we are missing out on. We hear about the quaint, weird and wonderful things are friends and relatives abroad have been up to. Our sense of discovery and adventure gets broader and broader.

I am a big fan of photography and naturally of Instagram. Accounts such as those by National Geographic or even The Photo Society showcase some spectacular images from around the world. Only increasing my bucket list of places to visit even more.

Travel

As I started off with the Emirates example, I thought this would fit nicely in. Travel has become easier (yes the security lines haven’t but in general travel has). To be able to catch a flight or gain access to places of who’s name we have never heard of before has become easier. This is in comparison to what travel was 10-15 years ago. At the rate we are going, it seems that even space will no longer be a challenge thanks to the Virgin Galactic programme.

There is no denying that tourism is becoming a huge part of a lot of countries economies. This has meant that routes as well as borders are now more open. All in the hopes of attracting foreign currency.

Travel has become cheaper. I don’t think I have met anyone who has a full time job/business who does not travel at least 2-3 times a year. Low-cost airlines are springing up all around us and if you really plan in advance then you can get some amazing deals.

Accommodation

You’ve probably heard of Airbnb. If not, then check it out. They have turned the travel market on it’s head by providing better and more affordable accommodation. if you don’t fancy staying or shelling out for a hotel then this is a great alternative.

A lot of independent and boutique hotels are also propping up around the world. They are taking advantage of the growing tourism industry but that advantage is pretty much in our favour. You get to stay in a unique property and the service in most cases is a lot more personalised then at the the regular 5* chains. Plus when you make a complaint, someone usually tends to listen and act on it.

Entrepreneurship

The world always had smart people. We just seem to have discovered or nurtured smarter people who’s vision is to make the world a better place. If you look at apps like Trip Advisor, Expedia etc then it only further enlightens you on parts of the world that you are still to discover.

Online reviews now mean you can pick lesser known brands with more confidence and save a bit of money. On the flip-side larger corporations are realising the competition and are trying harder to get your money…well most of them are at least!

Using real time e-guides means you can better plan your journey and avoid nasty surprises.

Cost

This is probably the most important factor. The ideas covered above all contribute to how little or how much you are willing or able to spend. With all the tools available now, and with a well thought out budget you can travel to some pretty exotic locations that you never dreamed of before.

The industry is geared towards both budget and luxury travellers. It’s all down to what kind of holiday you are after.

I’m fairly certain their are more tools and means on helping us discover new places and try new things. It makes all of our experiences even more unique and stokes our appetite to keep discovering. So are you now convinced that the word is getting bigger?

I was fortunate enough to travel to Yemen recently for charity work through our community. We as a community have taken it upon ourselves to rid the country of Qa’at – a mind numbing drug (from leaves) that subdues the population while taking them a major step backwards in productivity.

The subject of Qa’at can be spoken about at great lengths but that is not what I want to do here. Here I want to talk about the different world I experienced in this somewhat forgotten country.

On our arrival to Yemen the one thing that did not go unnoticed was the unbridled and amazing hospitality shown by the the people of Yemen. Everywhere we went our hand were shaken, we were hugged and made sure that we never experienced any discomfort.

We were allocated the village of Mazabahar. The house we were staying at was located on an incline where the toilet did not have running water and the 13 of us plus the members of the household shared one bathroom. However within a few hours of our arrival it was obvious that the hospitality in store for us was second to none. Any slight query about something we wanted was met with them going at great lengths to make sure we received it.

On site where we went to work, the locals (some less then 13 years old) would turn up and help. They always had a smile on their face and would sing to help keep us going.

We would get lunch on sure which would be accompanied by fruit, water to drink and wash our hands with. What I experienced through my work here is nothing short of extraordinary. It is easy to get lost in a country such as Yemen and forget your troubles. With little distraction and a night filled with some of the most amazing stars I have ever seen, you really had the opportunity to discover yourself.

I was slightly apprehensive about making this trip but I can safely say that this was a truly once in a lifetime experienced.