Escaping the daily routine and giving yourself enough time to rethink your life priorities – only a few of us don't dream of this from time to time. However, those who overcome their barriers and seize the opportunity usually do not regret it. Pavel and Pavla Wilhelm, who traveled through 10 countries in 300 days on their own, are among them.
For almost a year, you wandered through Asia and Australia with backpacks on your backs. Bagalio was one of the companies that supported you on your journey of discovery. However, we know very well that some experiences need time and fade away gradually. Can you now, with more than a year's distance, summarize what traveling gave you and what it took away?
Pavla: I don't think it took anything away from us. On the contrary, it was an enriching experience. Even though it was a difficult decision and we considered it for a long time, in retrospect, I see it as a huge contribution to life. You rethink certain "things," and new possibilities open up for you after you return. Plus, the experience of that freedom...
Pavel: Today, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it. Our parents and grandparents didn't have this opportunity, but we do, yet most people don't use it, even though there are plenty of opportunities – various organizations, study stays, internships in companies around the world, but it's also easier to do it privately. So we told ourselves that as long as we don't have children and a mortgage, it's our only chance to go. The biggest myth, which initially held us back a bit too, was the belief that you need to save a huge pile of money. But that's not true.
Yes, finances are an inseparable part of travel plans. Will you tell us what your jobs were before the trip, what you lived on during your travels, and what you are doing now?
Pavla: We were raised to be modest, so we could use savings from our student days. Besides, life in Asia is not that expensive. Before, I worked in HR, I still do it partially now, but I combine it with counseling psychology. I see more meaning in helping people now.
Pavel: Before we left, I worked in a huge company, and during the trip, I realized that I needed to be something other than a small cog in a big company. So after returning, I moved to a smaller one and I am much more satisfied.
So you had to quit your jobs before the trip and become unemployed?
Pavla: Yes, voluntarily unemployed.
Pavel: Yeah, it's not such a problem in the Czech Republic. That's another finding from this trip – that we actually have it really good here.
If it's not too personal, how does such a trip affect a partnership? Didn't you get "cabin fever" after a while?
Pavel: I think everyone gets cabin fever.
Pavla: You are basically together non-stop...
Pavel: ...and you have exactly the same perceptions. When we returned and started working, we could talk for a week after coming home. On that trip, we saw, heard, and experienced everything together, and that makes it difficult afterwards.
Pavla: But it didn't seem like a total crisis to me. It was just a different lifestyle that brought a different experience of the relationship.
And what about other relationships – did they suffer any scars from the separation?
Pavla: Our parents were worried that we would be so far away and that we wouldn't see each other. We were in contact via Skype, but even so, one perceives some alienation. When you return, the first feeling is "yay, we can hug," and after a while, it's as if you were never gone.
Pavel: The biggest fear of parents is that we are going into the unknown. Here we don't see each other for three weeks, but they just assume we'll be fine. They are more scared by the unknown risks and unimaginable distances...
Pavla: ...but anything can happen to you here too. We just don't perceive it that way.
You have seen many countries, but especially the inhabitants of foreign countries – is there anything that we as Czechs, or Europeans, should be inspired by?
Pavla: I think by their openness, friendliness, helpfulness, and gratitude for small things.
Pavel: We are very closed compared to them. For us, it's about coming home, closing the door, and not dealing with anyone. There, one really doesn't have personal space; that coexistence is on a completely different level, a completely different concept of the world. Moreover, they have harvests more or less continuously, they don't have the need to prepare for worse times, and therefore they are not so oriented towards performance and money.
If you had to give one good piece of advice to travelers who are preparing for a similar trip, what would it be?
Pavla: Advice? Go for it!
Pavel: Exactly. And also, let everyone do it their own way. During the trip, I felt pressure that we should write a blog, take photos, and meet some expectations. Plus, all those social networks today – the need to communicate with fans and I don't know what else. Sometimes it's really more of a burden than a joy. Better to clear your head and do it your own way.
Now let's pause at the equipment – what do you consider really the most important? For example, a backpack becomes your closest partner for a significant amount of time. What else is worth thinking about in advance?
Pavel: We mainly didn't know what could be obtained along the way, and in retrospect, I would say that finding quality outdoor equipment in these countries, especially at a reasonable price, is really difficult. There are a lot of fakes, but maybe only one authorized store in all of Nepal. So it's definitely good to secure a quality backpack and shoes in advance. Otherwise, I would recommend minimalism. What definitely came in handy for us was a filter bottle and a backpack cover, because backpacks are not handled the best during transport.
The output of your travels was also a series of lectures with which you traveled around the Czech Republic. What were the reactions – did you encounter admiration or envy?
Pavel: The real reason why we did it was to share the experiences with our family and loved ones whom we have all over the country. We really didn't get rich from this.
Pavla: And as for the reactions, I think there could be both admiration and a little envy. But when we told them, you should go too, classic excuses about work and commitments were heard. But on the other hand, it is true that this adventure may not be for everyone...
What are you planning in the near future and what are your life (travel) goals? The original dream was America – is it still on the "wish list"?
Pavla: It's in our heads, but it's not in the diary (laughs). Now we are getting to know the Czech Republic and Europe more through shorter trips, but we try to get the most out of them too. During one trip, we might visit three destinations. Sometimes it's about luck and the skill of finding cheap flights.
Can you think of anything else you would like to say to our readers?
Pavel: Just whoever can, should go. At work, a person exchanges time for money, and it's great to stop and think about whether what I'm doing makes sense. Traveling is ideal for rethinking and broadening horizons.
Thank you for your time and I wish you many more travel experiences!
Details and interesting facts about Pavla and Pavel's wanderings can be found on their website full of inspiration.
