Life @ SAP: How I visited 43 countries!

What started as a dream (40 countries by 40 years of age) became a reality last week, as I visited 43 countries…

How it all started?

It started in school, when my mom gifted me a Time Life book called “Famous Places” to build interest in reading, when I was in class 1. I saw pictures of the seven wonders of the world and was blown away. It triggered the curiosity and wanderer in me to explore places and things around me. I never missed my school trips. This is how I really got interested in traveling and visiting these famous places became my childhood dream. I was born in India and went to many trips with my family across India till the age of 12. My first trip outside of India was to Nepal in class 9 when I was 14 years old. My first trip on a plane was also when I was 14, from Bangalore to Delhi.

How did the 40@40 goal come up?

I just had a moment during one of my work trips (thanks SAP!) when I was 36 years old, when I decided to take on a personal “challenge” to visit 40 countries by 40 years of age (40 @ 40). Of course, it was not going to be easy, given limited amount of time, resources, and leaves ?? But I went on with it and started visiting places and country counting with family, friends, solo etc. In 2018, I visited 9 countries in a single year. Yes, I was crazy! By 38, I had visited 33 countries and my goal seemed to be well on track. But, in 2020, COVID / pandemic hit delaying my goal by ~2 years. I was disappointed that even with perfect planning I was not able to achieve what I wanted. Life threw a curve ball when I was in the last leg of my goal. I was thinking of giving up on my goal, when my elder son said why don't you adjust your goal to 42@42, and that’s what I did this year, finally!?Children do teach you a lot of things ??

How did I do it?

With planning, research, and a bit of risk, I started small and built my confidence. I started with family vacations and then clubbing countries during my work trips to make it very efficient in terms of budget and time (example - when I visited Germany, I managed to see Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, and Monaco by extending my trip - that's 5 countries in one trip!). I believe you can do it solo or find a travel buddy, go with family or with friends. I made sure I took my annual leaves and visited some place new every year ever since I started working. I remember a time when I had visited 3 countries in one day (it's possible in Europe) breakfast at Bruges, lunch at Luxembourg, and dinner at Amsterdam. I saved for my trips and during many trips I went over budget, but it was worth it when I see the benefits! Of course, it came with a lot of adventures and scary moments too (like losing your cell phone or getting a phone bill shock), which I will reserve for another blog ??

Why did I do it?

In one of my trips an older woman traveling with her buddies asked me why I was traveling alone: I told her I was doing it for myself, yes I am married, I have two kids, and I do travel with my family and friends. But the solo trips I take is purely for my mental health and happiness. I have finally decided to put myself first. If I am happy, I can make others happy. I told her about my 40@40 goal as well!

Over the years, many people I speak to about traveling wondered why I do these fast trips. Let me tell you why - we have limited time on this planet, fewer leaves if you're working, lots of experiences to be had, beautiful places to be visited, all before we get old and become risk averse. Travel costs money, time and energy, one cannot have it all at the same time!

I have learnt so much in every travel, no text book, course, or university can teach you. It made me confident, believe in my abilities, take risk, plan, challenge myself and finally get out of my comfort zone. An added bonus is you make many friends around the globe! Many travelers like me are out there ONLY for themselves. In my recent trip to the Balkans, I met a 67 year old lady, who was doing a solo trip by herself despite her work and 3 grown up kids, grand children, and COVID (few months back which drained her physically). I was inspired and touched to hear she’s been doing this every year.

Travel releases tension, lifts your mood, and people notice your positive energy. That’s a lot of pluses. ?

To summarize, here are my 5 top reasons to travel:

1. Gets you out of your comfort zone
2. Challenges you to adapt to new environment and share stories ??
3. Teaches you to embrace new things, to see new places, try new food, and meet new people!
4. Relieves stress and anxiety and improves mental health
5. Makes you happier, enriching your life with meaningful experiences and great lessons

Many people have told me to capture my travels via blogs and social media. I see many doing it. Unfortunately, I am not able to do this actively, as it requires time. I believe in balance, which makes me prioritise family, health, work and finally my passion (travel). So hopefully when I have the time, I will try to write a book about my experiences!?

To mark my 10 years work anniversary @ SAP this year, I visited 10 countries, took my 10 days long service leave, and met my goal, which made it a perfect 10-10-10. I would like to thank SAP as a company which ensures you have enough time, resources and energy to pursue your passion outside of work.?

I’m very grateful to my family, friends, colleagues, bosses and the universe for manifesting my dream. I’m able to end my day with a sense of gratitude and satisfaction. As I visited 43 countries last week with the Balkans region, my heart is full and I feel blessed for having lived my dream. I feel happy to be a living example to show women CAN HAVE IT ALL, if we believe in ourselves, plan and march towards our goals unapologetically. One piece of advice to all the working moms who want to travel, delegate where needed, trust people, ask for help, and don’t think too much, just go for it. Prioritize yourself and your dreams!

What next?

I pray, hope and ask the universe for strength, resources, and opportunities to fulfill my life goal of visiting 100 countries along with other responsibilities I have as a wife, parent, professional, daughter, friend, and colleague. All of these roles in my life keep me grounded in reason and reality! It hasn’t been easy, but I believe I’m progressing and growing as a person to make sure I navigate through the intricacies of life with positivity. I believe we all have the power to execute on our goals.

In closing, I leave you with the quote- “Travel is an investment in yourself.” Only do it for yourself, to learn, to open your heart, broaden your mind, boost your creativity, increase your confidence, and fill your life with wonderful experiences and stories to tell your friends or grandkids!

Lastly, if anyone is looking for inspiration, guidance, and tips for planning solo travels, do reach out. I’d be happy to help in anyway I can!?

#travel #SAP #lifegoals #happy #worldtravel #challenge #explore #dream #dontwait