“Not all those who wander are lost”
J.R.R. Tolkien
Hello and Welcome to Passports and Bags Travel Blog!
Passports and Bags is a travel blog – an international destinations guide – featuring our own personal travel experiences around the world. It’s an international destinations guide that will hopefully help you plan your trips as it’s full of useful information and descriptions of places and culture.
My wife and I have been traveling a lot since 2021. We’ve been to over 40 countries so far and many more are being planned as I write this blog.
We didn’t start off with the idea of starting a blog. But as the word got around about our travels, friends and family wanted to know how we did it. They would ask for tips and advice on where to go, how to plan, how to budget, what to see, etc. So we thought why not create an “international destinations guide”. We thought sharing our stories and experiences might be of some benefit.
Hi, We’re Nusi and Gijji. We both love to travel and experience different cultures around the world. We would like to welcome you to our travel blog and take you on our journeys with us as we explore the world.
Traveling is So Much Fun, And Also a Great Way to Learn About the World
International traveling allows us to learn about and appreciate new cultures and traditions and understand different points of view. I feel it’s the best way to expand our understanding of one another as human beings and to learn to respect each other. God knows we need that more than ever these days.
When you visit new places you want to check out the main attractions of course. But don’t forget to just wander around also, and explore the neighborhoods, go shopping and dining where the locals go, and take in and experience more of the local life as well.
When traveling overseas, it’s also good to learn a few words of the language spoken there. It helps connect and build rapport with the people of the land.
What Motivates People to Travel?
People have all kinds of reasons for hitting the road or hopping on a plane. Here are some of the big ones:
Adventure
Some folks just crave the thrill of exploring new places and doing things they’ve never done before, like hiking up a mountain or scuba diving in a coral reef.
Relaxation
For many, travel is all about kicking back and escaping the daily grind. Beach resorts, spa retreats, or just a quiet cabin in the woods.
Culture
There’s a huge appeal in experiencing different cultures, from trying new foods to learning about local traditions and history.
Nature
Nature lovers travel to witness breathtaking landscapes, whether it’s the Northern Lights, the Grand Canyon, or a serene lakeside.
Self-Discovery
Travel can be a journey inward as much as outward. People often find themselves, or at least a new perspective, while exploring unfamiliar places.
Family and Friends
Visiting loved ones is a big reason for travel, whether it’s a family reunion or just catching up who live far away.
Events
Some people travel to attend specific events like concerts, festivals, sports, games, or even weddings.
Learning
Whether it’s a cooking class in Italy, a history tour in Egypt, or just picking up a few phrases in a new language, travel can be incredibly educational.
Work
Business trips are common, but some people turn these into “bleisure” trips, mixing business with pleasure.
Bucket List
Everyone has those must-see places or must-do activities they want to check off their list.
Each traveler has his/her own mix of these motivations, making every journey unique.
What’s your motivation?
Latest Posts:
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The Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul offer an experience unlike any other. Rooted in the teachings of Rumi and the Sufi Mevlevi Order, their hypnotic spinning is a deeply spiritual act symbolizing the path to divine love. My interest in Sufism goes back many decades. I had a cousin who was a practicing Sufi, and he…
Unearthing The Hidden Gems of Lisbon: Discovering the City’s Best-Kept Secrets
Hidden Gems of Lisbon: Why You Should Explore Beyond the Tourist Attractions While iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are must-sees, the city’s true charm lies in its lesser-known corners – in the hidden gems of Lisbon. Venturing beyond tourist attractions allows you to experience the city’s authentic character and avoid the…
Turkey Travel Guide (2025): Everything First-Time Visitors Need to Know
Planning your first trip to Turkey (now called Turkiye)? You’re in for an unforgettable experience. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey is a fascinating destination that should be on your bucket list. This is where ancient history and modern culture come together. The country offers everything from sun-soaked…
How to Explore Istanbul in 4 Days: A Complete Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Istanbul is a fascinating city with an incredible history and beautiful architecture. My wife and I spent 10 days here in October 2024 and loved everything about it—the people, the culture, food, shopping, everything! I can assure you that you’ll love it too. My goal is to offer you a guide – an itinerary –…
Your Perfect Athens 3-Day Itinerary: Explore History, Culture, and Food
Athens 3-Day Itinerary Planning a trip to Athens, but only have 3 days? Don’t worry—it’s enough to experience some of the best this historic city has to offer. This Athens 3 day itinerary will guide you to explore all the world-famous landmarks like the Parthenon and other temples on the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s…
Greece Travel Guide: A Journey Through History, Sun, and Sea
Why Visit Greece? Greece—a land of myths, ancient ruins, and breathtaking islands—has something magical for every traveler. As the birthplace of Western civilization, Greece has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years. From the mighty empire of Alexander the Great to the birthplace of democracy in Athens, Greece has shaped art, philosophy, and politics…
