Last month in June 2023, we embarked on a vacation to the UK. The ambitious plan spanned an epic 30 days, encompassing several places, multiple museums, galleries & abbeys, performances, treks, and covered many tourist spots on the map. Months earlier when we were planning the itinerary, doubts crept in, whispering that we had bitten off more than we could possibly chew. Deep down, I harboured a suspicion that at some point, we would chuck the demanding itinerary and surrender to the spontaneous flow of the journey. Yet, the indomitable spirit of the expedition overwhelmed any thoughts of a leisurely getaway. And so when the expedition began, it propelled us into a world where every experience became a catalyst for our insatiable appetite for more. Here is a quick summary of the inspiration, inception, preparations, and inspiring execution that transformed a vision of a holiday into an unforgettable expedition.

On a delightful December day in 2022, when Mumbai was kissed by an unusual touch of cold weather, my partner and I were basking in the cool winter breeze on our verandah. It was a rare moment of tranquility amidst the otherwise warm and wet city.

As we enjoyed the serene atmosphere, my partner turned to me with anticipation shining in her eyes. “We should plan our first summer vacation since Covid-19,” she suggested.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t help but interject. “Why do you say ‘first’? Haven’t we taken a couple of vacations since Covid-19?”

She corrected me with precision, setting the record straight. “Yes, we have been on a few trips, but none during the summers of 2020, 2021, and 2022. We missed out on all three years for various reasons. In 2020 and 2021, we were in lockdown, and in 2022, demanding projects kept us tethered to our desks.”

Her correction carried weight, and I respected her clarity. In truth, I too longed for a summer escape from the bustling heat and humidity that Mumbai is known for. As I savoured a warm sip of scotch, an idea sparked within me, perhaps fuelled by the elixir itself.

With a hint of humour, I proposed, “Why don’t we embark on a month-long expedition to Scotland in June 2023?”

My wife brushed off the humour, gasping, “A month! Wouldn’t that be too long?”

“Well, for a simple vacation, it might seem lengthy, but for an expedition, it would be just right,” I replied, reigniting the humour. Surprisingly, the idea of a month-long sojourn started to tickle my mind as well.

I began pondering, what is a vacation, really? Perhaps it’s a brief escape from the monotony of everyday life, a short break to rejuvenate our weary spirits. Usually lasting a week or two, it involves leisurely activities, strolls along sandy beaches, moments of relaxation, and indulgent meals. But what if we were to expand this temporal tapestry, stretching it across the calendar like a grand symphony, infused with purpose and excitement? What if we were to elevate the modest vacation into an exhilarating purposeful expedition? Can a holiday be transformed into an expedition with meticulous planning and extended time?

In this realm of extended respite, where a month-long sojourn becomes our canvas, we may be able to paint our most vibrant experiences. Through careful planning and attention to detail, expeditions may take shape. Each day becoming a brushstroke on the canvas, adding colour, texture, and depth to the adventures that awaits. The mere idea of such extraordinary holiday uplifts the spirits!

But good ideas are fleeting, prone to vanishing if not acted upon promptly. They are often lost, forgotten, dismissed, or laughed away. Therefore, it is imperative to transform such ideas into tangible plans and commitments before they evaporate into thin air. The notion of an expedition, distinct from a holiday or vacation, thus must be firmly and quickly rooted in tangible do-able actions.

The very next morning, fueled with the energy of commandos, we turned to our trusty internet and booked return tickets for a month-long expedition to the United Kingdom in June 2023.

“It’s settled,” I said, feeling a sense of pride in our spontaneity.

“No, it’s not. It will be settled when we have worked out a compelling itinerary.” my wife added.

Her correction again carried weight, and I respected her clarity.

Over the following months, from January to May 2023, we immersed ourselves in the essence of our chosen destination. We delved into its history, devouring books, documentaries, and online resources, absorbing every bit of knowledge that we could find to enhance our appreciation of the land we were about to explore. We uncovered hidden gems and local secrets, untangling the web of recommendations and insider tips found within travel forums, guidebooks, and conversations with friends who had been there and done that.

With a map spread out before us, we meticulously charted our course, devising an itinerary that struck a perfect balance between the need of discovery and the thrill for relaxation. We sought out landmarks that had withstood the test of time, architectural marvels that whispered tales of a bygone era. We ventured onto nature’s trails, exploring enchanting landscapes, majestic lakes & loches, and serpentine pathways allowing the wilderness to embrace us in its natural beauty. We immersed in the vibrant tapestry of culture, marking out festivals, exhibitions, and performances that showcased the soul of the places we planned to colonise for a month.

Yet, it isn’t just the grand gestures that defines an expedition! It is in the minute details, those seemingly insignificant elements that weave a design of authenticity and connection. We planned to engage with locals, eager for genuine conversations that could foster lasting relationships. We yearned to sample the local cuisine, surrendering our palates to the symphony of flavours dancing upon our tongues. We decided to wander aimlessly through hidden alleyways, underground passages & vaults and routes less travelled to free ourselves from the constraints of a rigid itinerary, and allowing serendipitous encounters to leave an indelible mark on our memories.

In the realm of expeditions, time must be made an ally, a trusted companion. Time must slow down with our pace and pick up when we wish to rush. Time when an ally grants us the luxury of immersing ourselves in the ebb and flow of each destination, going beyond the superficial and truly feeling the heartbeat that pulses beneath the surface. We were able to stray from the beaten path, following whims, extending our stays, or embarking on impromptu detours. We relished in the joy of discovery, unburdened by the ticking clock and the rush of obligations back home.

So, you see, this perhaps may be how a vacation can transcend its humble origins and blossom into an ambitious expedition by embracing the art of falling in love with an idea that would have otherwise vanished into thin air. This perhaps is how we may unlock the true potential of adventures we typically call holidays. They can become extraordinary expeditions.

From January 2023 to mid-May 2023, each passing day unfolded our plans, first in our minds and then in our meticulous notes. By the end of May, it seemed that all that was left to do was to board the flight and execute the adventure in June 2023.

I must confess that I hesitated to share the details earlier, doubting whether we could truly cover everything as planned, especially since we had planned to bite more than we could chew. However, having lived through the journey, I now yearn for more months in the UK. The 30-day expedition provided us with a taste, but it only whetted our appetite to delve deeper into the intricate details of this fascinating land. In the future, another expedition may be in order, allowing us to linger in the places that captivated us and etched themselves into our cherished memories.

If you’d like a detailed day-wise itinerary, maps and directions to the gems we experienced, and information about the charming hotels, inns, farms, and B&Bs we stayed in, please feel free to contact me. Do also check my post on the kinds of travellers.