Travel whenever you can because travel is a source of energy and health
My love for photography and travel encouraged me to write about the places and countries I visited on my Instagram profile @julija_sekulic. There are many beautiful things around us - museums, restaurants, theaters, squares, streets and cities, as well as various events and manifestations. Writing a blog has made me happy as a hobby for two years now, and my intention is to share my impressions and positive experiences from my trips with others. My profile has gathered a wonderful community of over seven thousand people, with whom I share experiences and where we learn from each other. I decided to write a blog overnight, one day in February, in the time of corona, when I realized that writing is an activity that will help me focus my thoughts on beautiful things and that brings me new ideas, people and positive energy.

Every trip as an opportunity to gain a new experience, trying to get to know and feel the local values and specifics of each place, touch a new sky and find inspiration. Sometimes a souvenir or a sunset is enough to fill us with energy and good thoughts. For me, there is no better mental therapy than walking through unknown streets, finding hidden corners, tasting local dishes and drinks, getting to know history through museums and cultural exhibitions, socializing with locals. The concept of ‘traveling with the soul’ became my primary style, with the message: Look around you. Enjoy the moment. Record with camera.

I plan trips about four months in advance, especially when I organize them on my own, which I like to do, although I also had experience with travel through travel agencies. The decision depends on the estimated cost of the trip. When I choose a destination, I first look at all the costs: plane tickets, transfer to and from the airport, accommodation, entrance fees and food. The plane ticket has a vital role, so I mostly use flights from low-cost companies like Wizz Air or Ryanair. When I buy a return ticket for less than 80 euros, I'm well on my way to making an affordable trip. I do a lot of research on the Internet, I travel prepared and use the most favorable options because a good plan and organization always lead to a successful trip.

I like to travel in company because laughter and presence of dear people and children give a special charm to travel. I passed on my love of traveling to my older son, so on our trip to get to know Ireland in December 2023, he was our guide and organizer of all activities. So far, I have visited thirty countries of the world, and my goal is to visit all European countries.

I enjoy every trip, but I always emphasize that my visits to England and London are the most beautiful. London is special in many ways and I will always be happy to return to it. Traveling through the Alps on the Bernina Express panoramic train, from the Italian town of Tirano to the Swiss city of St. Moritz, was an unforgettable adventure with alpine landscapes in the palm of your hand. I talked about this adventure in a podcast on the topic ‘Trains are back in fashion’ on Oradio RTV. As very dynamic and challenging, I would single out the last trip, in February of this year, when I visited the Portuguese island of Madeira as part of the ‘Brunch and Cookie Travel Adventure’ project, where I had the opportunity to show my skills in making cookies and enjoyed researching nature of this magical island in the Atlantic Ocean. In Italy I stood on the crater of Mount Etna at 2000 meters above sea level, in Sweden I tried the best ‘Marabou’ chocolate, in Valencia, Spain I experienced a shock watching a bullfight, and in Santorini I saw the most beautiful sunsets.

When I'm not travelling, I like to photograph my town Vršac. There is a lot of content about my town on my profile. This year's beauty of Zmaj Jovina Street in the days of Japanese cherry blossoms attracted the attention of half a million people. The video was also shown in the show ‘Good Morning, Vojvodina’ on RTV, and will be shown at the event in Belgrade during the World Wellness Day.

While traveling and exploring new places or countries, we are simultaneously exploring ourselves – our needs, thoughts, feelings. When we leave our comfort zone, we enrich ourselves and our horizons, gradually year after year. Travel experiences stay with us forever, and the best diaries are kept on the wings of beautiful memories and new challenges are best planned. Travel whenever you can.

Author: Julija Sekulić, Senior Supply Network Planner, Hemofarm A.D.

Source: Hemofarm Foundation - Travel whenever you can because travel is a source of energy and health (fondacijahemofarm.org.rs)