Travelling should change you

Tarryn Tomlinson is a philanthropist, businesswoman and accessibility consultant within the hospitality industry. She is also a writer for Mango Airlines in-flight magazine, ‘Mango Juice’ on accessibility issues. A brand ambassador for numerous brands such as FEDHASA Cape and OttobockSA, she brings awareness to the general population about people who are differently abled through her company Able2Travel.

How did you fall in love with travelling? I fell in love with travelling via books. I had been an avid reader since young and the one thing that books do best is open your eyes to a world beyond your reality.

What kind of traveller are you? I am mostly a solo traveller.  I find that when I am on my own, I can see the world on my own terms. Spend more time in places that really appeal to me or sleep in a bit later if I feel like it. It may be a bit selfish, but I like that when travelling alone I get to give my full attention to the experience. 

What’s your travel philosophy? My travel philosophy is that one should not compare places when travelling. Leave your preconceived ideas and judgments behind when you travel. Each place has an essence, discover that essence, the good, bad and ugly. You can travel the world and still not be changed and travelling should change you.

What are your top travel essentials? Though I pack light, my top travel essentials are my phone, my camera, chargers and a book. Everything else I can buy and are of less importance to me.

Where was your most memorable trip? I have two my first trip to Italy and then more recently to climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

How has traveling changed your life? Travelling has opened my eyes and my mind. The experiences I have had, has enriched me like no other.

When borders open again and the world starts to return to ‘a new normal’ what’s your first travel destination on your list? The first place I will be going to is Zanzibar. I have fallen in love with Tanzania and would love to experience more of it.

Best travel advice you can share? Be vigilant about your surroundings but do not be afraid to meet natives of the land and go off the tourist path. Travelling is not about ticking off items from a bucket list, it is about the experience of the culture and the people. Leave your prejudices at home and go with an open heart.