It has been said: “A person’s greatest enemy is oneself.” This can also be interpreted as meaning that you are the one who influences yourself the most. Though it may sound abstract, in reality, the person you’re with 24 hours a day, every day, is yourself. Many times, we need to befriend ourselves and strive to return to a state of mental and physical balance and clarity. In this process, we explore our direction and values, reflect on different levels of awareness, and allow ourselves to spend more time in an optimal state of being and inner peace.
Drawing Spiritual Nourishment from Sacred Sites %s India
For thousands of years, people have followed the footsteps of the Buddha, treading a pilgrimage route along the Ganges River in northern India. Although up to 82% of India’s population practices Hinduism, this does not represent the full picture of its 1.2 billion people—there are also Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Christians, and others. In India, religion not only influences people’s daily lives but also shapes their behavior, thoughts, family life, social connections, and societal structure.
Just like the scenes depicted in the movie Eat Pray Love, countless travelers have found a place of spiritual solace in India, experiencing joy and strength through rebirth, which continues to attract many more. Traveling in India allows you not only to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the power and beauty of yoga but also to visit its countless sacred sites, such as the famous Varanasi and Bodh Gaya. Varanasi is considered the land of Shiva in Hinduism, and the Ganges River flowing through it is not only a symbol of ancient Indian civilization but also regarded as a holy river. It is believed that having one’s cremation and ashes scattered in the Ganges ensures liberation of the soul and reincarnation. For Hindus, bathing in the Ganges at least once in a lifetime is essential. Bodh Gaya is where the Buddha attained enlightenment, and its main sites include the Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and Vajrasana (Diamond Throne)—all must-visit pilgrimage spots. One can’t help but wonder: could we also uncover the truths of life here?
At dawn, when the sun begins to rise, layers of mist drift over the river. As the sun fully emerges, the people along the Ganges each attend to their rituals—washing clothes, praying, cremating—the sights are truly mesmerizing for visitors. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
A Leisurely Stroll Through an Ancient City Without Purpose %s Chiang Mai
Known as the “Shangri-La” of Thailand, Chiang Mai spans over 20,000 square kilometers with a population of just 1.8 million. Everywhere you go, you’ll find traces of the Lanna Kingdom’s customs that have endured for more than 700 years. The city center is enclosed by four walls. Whether you take a stroll through the bustling Tha Phae Gate in the east or pause at Chang Puak Gate in the north—once reserved for royalty—you’ll find it a mystical corner for conversing with yourself. Walking through the ancient city streets, aside from the occasional low-key passing of red songthaews and tuk-tuks, you’ll see historic temples shining with timeless glory. Outside the weathered red-brick walls lies a square moat, lined with shady trees and flocks of pigeons pecking at food near your feet. Even traveling solo can fill you with a sense of happiness and romance.
One of the most fulfilling experiences in Chiang Mai is finding a traditional Lanna-style guesthouse to enjoy the exotic atmosphere and refined hospitality. Then hop on a tuk-tuk to stroll along the Mae Ping River, immersing yourself day and night in the lazy riverside music and street food. Perhaps try some local snacks from roadside stalls or indulge in a Thai massage—not for any particular purpose, yet it makes the richness of the journey all the more vivid.
A Tipsy Evening by the Waterfront. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
A Pure Dialogue Between Scenic Beauty and Inner Self %s Hokkaido
When the lavender fields of Furano bloom in July, it’s as if even the air turns into a romantic purple hue carrying a faint fragrance. Beyond the lavender, as the weather warms, beautiful wildflowers such as lilies, poppies, lupines, and cosmos begin to bloom along the roadsides of Biei and Furano, even in the corners of Sapporo’s streets and parks, adding vibrant colors to Hokkaido’s short summer.
If you visit in winter, the heavy snowfall—often seen as a “nuisance” by locals—paints a breathtaking silver-white world for travelers, a serene and otherworldly beauty that is one of Hokkaido’s many enchanting attractions.
In such a pure and clean world, everyday worries seem to freeze and gradually fade away. Gazing upon the tranquil mountain lakes untouched by the clamor of the world, soaking in an open-air hot spring where the sky and water merge, a sense of happiness seeps into your heart bit by bit. Of course, there are also various seasonal delicacies for food lovers to savor. The romantically inclined might also chase the spectacle of autumn leaves. Between the drifting seasons and journeys, let the natural beauty engage in heartfelt conversation with your inner self.
Finding Your Place Again in Hokkaido’s Pure World. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
A Spiritual Stroll Along the Seine %s Paris
Paris holds an important place in everyone’s heart. Whether you seek romance, art, Michelin cuisine, or shopping, Paris always has some “treasures” waiting for those who come looking.
Putting aside its most famous landmarks and museums, if you want to find yourself, choose a sunny day to take a walk along the Seine in the Latin Quarter. It will be an enchanting experience. Pause on a bridge or under its arches, letting the turbulence of your thoughts gradually clear with the flowing water. Or find an open-air café by the riverbank, use a book or an open heart to capture the bits and pieces of your journey, enriching your spirit with ample energy.
Let a touch of Parisian sunlight enrich your soul. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler)
Let the glow of Parisian daylight enrich your soul. (Photo provided by TRAVELER Luxe旅人志)