by Kavita Nanda Makin
Longlisted: PureTravel Writing Competition 2025
There are moments in life when travel becomes more than just a series of destinations, it becomes a transformation. For me, that moment happened on a remote island in Indonesia, where I learned that travel isn’t just about what we take from the world but what we give back.
The Journey Begins
I had always been an adventurer, chasing pristine beaches, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. My bucket list was filled with places that looked like postcards; untouched, unspoiled, and waiting for my footprints. But it was during a dive trip in Raja Ampat that my perspective on travel changed forever.
I had come to explore one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, eager to witness the dazzling coral reefs and vibrant marine life. But beneath the surface, I found a heartbreaking reality. The reef, once teeming with life, showed signs of bleaching, and the beaches I had imagined as untouched paradises were littered with plastic waste.
The Turning Point
One afternoon, while walking along the shore, I met a local conservationist named Aji. He was collecting plastic bottles washed up by the tide, sorting them into sacks for recycling. Curious, I struck up a conversation.
Aji explained how climate change and pollution were threatening the coral reefs. He told me about local efforts to restore marine life, including reef rehabilitation and sustainable tourism initiatives. Then he said something that stuck with me:
“If travelers come only to take, soon there will be nothing left to see.”
That sentence hit me like a wave. Until then, I had seen travel as an escape, a way to satisfy my curiosity and witness the wonders of the world. But what if my presence, my footprints, and my choices were part of the problem?
A Shift in Perspective
That night, instead of browsing for my next adventure, I researched sustainable travel. I learned how small actions, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, reducing plastic waste, supporting local businesses, could make a big difference.
I decided to spend the rest of my trip volunteering with Aji’s team. For the next week, I helped with beach cleanups, learned about coral restoration, and even assisted in a sea turtle conservation program. I met other travelers who had also been inspired to give back, people who had chosen to make their journeys meaningful rather than just memorable.
Bringing Change Home
That trip was my turning point. When I returned home, I didn’t just carry souvenirs; I carried a new mindset. I became more conscious of my travel choices, opting for ethical wildlife encounters, staying in eco-lodges, and reducing my carbon footprint.
More importantly, I realized that travel isn’t just about what we see but how we leave a place behind. The true magic of travel lies in the connections we make, with people, nature, and ourselves.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I see that my love for travel didn’t change, it deepened. The world is full of wonders, but it’s also fragile. Every traveler has a choice: to be a spectator or to be a force for positive change.
My turning point happened on a distant shore, with a handful of plastic bottles and a wise local conservationist. Where will yours be?
Photo by Simon Spring on Unsplash
