I was recently in Delhi on business and had the chance to go down to Goa for three days. Goa is a small state on India’s west coast with beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe. It will always be a special place for me because it’s where Joe Diaz and I first hatched the idea for AFAR Media in 2007.
We had been traveling around India for six weeks and found the country fascinating, challenging, and energizing. We were exhilarated by getting out of our comfort zone. When we arrived in Goa at the end of our trip, we had a chance to catch our breath. As we reflected on our trip, as well as on our previous travels, we decided we wanted to create a media company centered around the power of travel and all the positive things that can come from it.
So, it was great to be back in Goa. The thing is, this time I didn’t really do much. I rode a scooter around South Goa, checked out some local restaurants, and met up with a couple of friends. But mostly I just relaxed around the hotel. I went to the spa. I walked on the beach. I read. And I have to admit, there was a moment when I thought, am I living up to the AFAR mission?
It made me reflect on the different ways travel can affect us.
In the time since we launched AFAR, we’ve gotten to know you, our readers. We know that you travel more than most people—an average of 10 international trips per year—and that you travel to places that most others don’t go. You are well-educated, curious, influential people. Travel is an integral part of who you are.
Knowing all this can be, frankly, a little intimidating.
Fortunately, like us, you cherish the time when you can use travel as a way to refresh and recharge.
We all need that. If Joe and I had never had time in Goa to stop and reflect on what we had seen during that first trip to India, it’s likely the idea for AFAR never would have surfaced.
I can’t say that my recent trip to Goa yielded any ideas as big as launching a new company. But I did get a chance to appreciate how far AFAR has come, and, more important, to think about our future and get energized about all that we have planned.
I hope your upcoming trips bring you all that travel can—not only the stimulation and the challenge, but also the chance to reflect, refresh, and recharge.
Good travels,
Greg Sullivan
COFOUNDER & CEO
This appeared in the March/April 2012 issue.
