If you haven't read The Alchemist yet, then you need to get yourself to a bookstore immediately, and if you have read it, then you should probably read it again. Yup, it's that good. But, not only is it that good, I find that the message you take away from the book changes depending on the stage of life you happen to find yourself in.
You might read Paulo Coelho's story and realize that you need to pack your bags and go on an adventure immediately or come to the realization that you have everything that you want right in front of you, you just hadn't realized it yet!
“…when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it”
— "The Alchemist" page 24
This enchanting story follows a shepherd boy named Santiago, who travels to the Pyramids of Egypt in search of buried treasure. Along the way, he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an Alchemist who give him guidance on his journey.
What begins as a search for worldly goods, ends up turning into a meditation on the importance of listening to our hearts and the transforming power of giving in and letting destiny guide you to your dreams.
An absolute must-read.
“‘Why do you tend a flock of sheep?’
’Because I like to travel.’
The old man pointed to a baker standing in his shop window at one corner of the plaza. “When he was a child, that man wanted to travel, too. But he decided first to buy his bakery and put some money aside. When he’s an old man, he’s going to spend a month in Africa. He never realized that people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”
When I was first asked by some fellow foreigners in South Korea if I wanted to get naked in a public bathhouse and sauna on my first weekend in the country, I looked at them like they were nuts.
Somehow though, they managed to talk me into it (I blame severe jet lag), and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.
Based on my experience living near and then returning to this magical city, here is my guide to (what I think are) the best spots to see, and why you should see them (and if they are worth standing in line or paying the fee to enter).
Are you in the mood for a spring or autumn polar dip? Looking for a nice cold swim after a long summer hike? Or were you just hoping to dip your feet into crisp glacier water?
Despite being fed by glaciers and icy cold, these crystal clear lakes are the perfect places to cool off on a hot summer day in the mountains. In Jasper — a mountain town in the Rocky Mountains in Canada — temperatures can head well above 30°C (86°F) in the summer.
If the last few years of travel has taught us anything, it is that airports are busier than ever, and both they, and the airlines, are struggling to keep up with the demand.
Throughout the recent summer and holiday seasons, we were bombarded with images and videos of stacks of lost luggage left in airports all over the world. If you are anything like me, it has made checking a bag seem like a risk that I am not willing to take — especially if I am going for a short trip and don’t want to be without my clothing, etc. for even a day.
I am always surprised at the power of language — especially when a short sentence or quip completely changes my perspective, sets me on a new path, or inspires an adventure.
Hopefully one of these modern travel-inspired quotes inspires you!
The Anthrotorian has officially been around for more than a decade — since 2012, I have been writing about travel, culture, art, and history on this website. To celebrate this landmark birthday, I published a book, It’s Rude to Keep an Adventure Waiting: Travel Advice, Tips, and Tricks.
Passing a slow moving car would have been a suicide mission.
The small, 13-seater bus was stuffy, hot, and full of fellow travelers half asleep from the heat and half sick from the drive. Gritty red sand, mixed with the sweat in my sandals, smooshed between my toes.
From the lush landscapes of fantasy epics to bustling city streets featured in iconic dramas, set-jetting allows you to step into the world of your favorite characters.
What is set-jetting?
Set-jetting is the trend of visiting destinations made famous by movies and TV series, and it is capturing the imagination of travelers worldwide.
It is officially 2025, and we are all gearing up for fresh adventures and exciting new experiences.
Whether you're looking for travel ideas, insight on the best way to travel in 2025, or simply need practical travel tips, these travel trends promise to make your trips unforgettable. So, pack your bags, and let’s dive into the top travel trends of 2025!
When I was first asked by some fellow foreigners in South Korea if I wanted to get naked in a public bathhouse and sauna on my first weekend in the country, I looked at them like they were nuts.
Somehow though, they managed to talk me into it (I blame severe jet lag), and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.