There’s something about the thought of traveling internationally that stirs a mix of excitement and anxiety. The packing, the paperwork, the long airport lines – at first, it all feels like a mountain to climb. I’ve had my fair share of moments where I’ve thought, “Is it worth it?” The stress of checking and re-checking flight details, navigating through customs, and the jetlag that lingers for days can all feel overwhelming. But somewhere, in the midst of it all, is the kind of peace that only travel can offer.

One of my most vivid memories is of the airport experience: standing in a long, impatient line at security, feeling the weight of time pressing in, and glancing at the faces around me. Everyone seems on edge. There’s also the lingering worry: what if things don’t go smoothly at immigration? The thought of being turned away, even though it’s a slim possibility, is enough to make anyone second-guess their trip. I move through the motions, the tedium of it all, just to board the plane, knowing that once I’m airborne, the real journey begins.

And then, something shifts.

As soon as I’m above the clouds, the familiar hum of the plane in the background, the tension that built up in the hours before suddenly feels insignificant. The view from the window, as I look down at the patchwork of land below, is like an instant reset. The endless stretch of sky, the sunlight filtering through the clouds, and the tiny islands of cities below – it’s all so breathtaking, so humbling. I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for being alive in this vast world, and a gentle reminder that there’s so much more to life than what I see in my daily routines.

Up in the air, everything seems simpler. The worries of life, the stresses of daily responsibilities, all seem to fall away, replaced by a sense of wonder and calm. It’s almost as if the altitude itself brings clarity, allowing me to see the world, not as a series of obstacles to overcome, but as a vast, interconnected masterpiece of experiences waiting to be explored.

In that moment, I realize the true Zen of travel isn’t just about where I’m going, but how I let the journey transform me. The frustrations at the airport, the fear of navigating unfamiliar places – those are part of the dance, the rhythm of travel. And in the end, it’s the act of surrendering to the unknown, of letting go of the small worries and embracing the bigger picture, that creates the peaceful, reflective experience I crave.

So, when the uncertainty of international travel feels overwhelming, I remind myself of those moments above the clouds. The world is wide, full of mystery and wonder, and every step I take toward it is a step toward growth, reflection, and ultimately, a deeper peace. And somehow, the journey becomes just as valuable as the destination.

(Ayutthaya Historical Park: a photo I took during my first international travel.)