**Travel Choices and Regrets: A Contemplation on Lost Chances**
Travel choices can linger in our thoughts, frequently haunting us with regrets long after other recollections have dimmed. After several years, as we become more financially secure, we might reflect on the journeys we opted out of with a sense of resignation, wondering, “What was I thinking by passing that up?!”
For me, my most notable travel regret traces back to 1998. It was our fourth or fifth time arriving in Bangkok, and we knew the city well enough to navigate it easily. Once again, we deliberated a side excursion to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a spot we had mulled over numerous times while in Thailand.
Yet, circumstances continually seemed to thwart our plans. In the 1990s, political turmoil, notorious violence, and inadequate infrastructure rendered traveling to Cambodia difficult. The expense of visas and a flight added $450 to our backpacker budget for just a few days, prompting us to forgo the trip yet again.
We weren’t the only ones making such a decision. In 1993, Siem Reap recorded merely 7,650 international arrivals, and by 1994, there were only seven hotels. It wasn’t until 2003 that Siem Reap’s tourism revenue surpassed $100 million, with over 60 hotels. By 2009, the area proudly featured 118 hotels with 8,935 rooms, and tourism had skyrocketed, especially with a surge in Chinese visitors. Angkor Wat became a focal point for discussions on managing tourist crowds.
Despite its rising fame, we let the opportunity slip by in 1998. Life went on, and our travels in Asia were paused as we settled into family life and stable jobs. During the 1990s, only a handful of daring adventurers had made it to Angkor Wat, but as time passed, it seemed everyone but us had visited. The opportunity to experience Angkor Wat without throngs was lost.
Eventually, in 2012, we redeemed airline miles for a family getaway to Southeast Asia. Despite the summer heat, we finally explored Angkor Wat. The site was considerably busier than it would have been in the 1990s, yet competitive pricing in the hotel industry made it more affordable. The journey from Bangkok was now easier, reducing the necessity for an expensive flight.
One travel regret was finally erased, yet other missed chances still linger. Some places may remain forever out of reach, and the opportunity is lost for good.
**Travel Choices in the Scope of a Lifetime**
When it comes to making travel decisions, especially when under a strict budget, it’s vital to turn down certain experiences. The big question is, how long will you carry that regret? Oscar Wilde’s saying, “Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets,” is especially hard to embody on a backpacker’s budget.
Consider those who traveled to Peru in the 1990s but bypassed Machu Picchu. In 1997, a newspaper report lamented the throngs at the site, with 200,000 visitors that year. By 2019, visitor figures soared to nearly two million, making it impossible to appreciate Machu Picchu without crowds. Similar narratives apply to Bali, Borobudur, Prambanan, and Tikal.
**Time to Compensate for Past Travel Regrets**
As travel surges post-pandemic, individuals are coming to recognize the necessity of seizing opportunities. Many postpone travel until retirement, only to discover their bodies are less inclined to adventure. This week, I’ve found myself in Chilean Patagonia, experiencing the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Although the costs are steep, the experience is invaluable.
This marks my second visit to Patagonia, as I had delayed an epic adventure due to the pandemic. As soon as Argentina reopened, we secured tickets and made it a reality. We won’t live eternally, and I even commemorated my birthday there.
**Secure Those Essential Travel Experiences Now**
The lull in travel during the pandemic was fleeting. As borders reopened, travelers eagerly ventured out once more. If there’s a destination you’ve always yearned to visit, take the first step toward making it a reality.
Here’s my suggestion:
1. Compile a list of places you regret not visiting.
2. Create a list of bucket list spots you’ve dreamed of for years.
3. Rank the top two or three with your travel companions.
4. Make reservations. Many offer flexible rescheduling options.
This takes a leap of faith, but cancellation policies have become more accommodating. Planning upcoming trips will elevate your spirits and provide sufficient time for research.
Consider booking a small group tour with companies like Intrepid or G Adventures. This simplifies logistics and provides a clear financial plan.
Everyone operates within a budget, but if you missed the chance to visit renowned places minus crowds, you can still evade peak times with careful planning. When an experience promises lasting memories, ask yourself, “Fifteen years from now, will I regret not pursuing this?”