‘Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.’ Those words struck me as I awaited the train from Gorebridge to Edinburgh. It was what I had been doing that day, the reason I had been in Gorebridge to begin with, but it still struck a chord with me.
It was merely advertising for a local travel agency, but the message it sent, whether intentionally or not, has deep meaning that should be acted upon.
Only one chance
It is often said you only live once. Perhaps it is said so often that the phrase has lost all meaning. It certainly seems that way when you hear people using the term ’yolo’ all the time. But how about this instead? You only have one chance.
Of course, depending on where you want to travel in life, you will no doubt have multiple chances to go. If all you want to do is visit one particular city or region all the time then my argument here is pretty redundant.
But what if you want to visit more places? What if you want to see as much as you possibly can in your life? Go to as many places as possible that you have never gone to before? See the world that was previously unseen to you? Then yes, most definitely, you only have one chance. Take it!
So much choice
With all of today’s technology and connections, it can be easy to forget that our world is massive. Across the whole planet, there are legions of vast mountains and open country, enough that you need never stop walking. The beauty of it all never ceases to astound either: stunning scenery that stretches to the ends of the earth.
With approximately 200 nations across the Earth and thousands of communities, each boasting unique cultures and traditions, you are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding where to go.
What’s on your doorstep?
However, the best part is that you don’t even have to leave the country to experience this stunning scenery.
From the Cairngorms to the West Coast, from the Scottish Borders to Aberdeen, from Edinburgh to the Isle of Arran; Scotland is an insanely beautiful country, there is no denying it. Every inch of the land boasts beauty and the serenity screams at you. You can trek the most amazing walks, hike to new heights and swim in luscious lochs. With amazing historic sites and fabulous festivals, there is much to see here, so move onto a train or a bus and start exploring. Never forget home in your quest to discover new and amazing places.
Don’t forget the other home nations either. All across the British Isles lie fantastic new places to see for the first time, so go and explore them.
We only get one life. One chance to live and do amazing things. We must make the most of it and part of that is exploring new places and seeing all the things you have never seen before. There is plenty to see and do, both in Scotland and across the world, so take the opportunities when they arise to venture into the unknown. Even if it is only once a year, take the advice of that advert in Gorebridge and ‘…go someplace you’ve never been before’.
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