A young woman, inspired by her imaginative childhood, has transformed her dreams of travel into a tangible reality. Despite facing financial constraints, Melody Dhlamini, born and bred in Thulamahashe, an outskirt township near Kruger National Park in Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga, prioritized experiences over material possessions, which led her straight to her exploration of her home country South Africa and, eventually, international destinations.
Early Adventures in South Africa
Reflecting on her early experiences, Melody stated, “When I got my first job, I realized that I had a choice: accumulate things or collect experiences. I chose the latter.” This decision propelled her into solo adventures across South Africa, where she immersed herself in nature and engaged in various activities. Although international travel felt out of reach, she remained optimistic, documenting her top three African countries to visit each year.
A Significant Milestone
In 2019, she received her first passport stamp during a trip to Eswatini for a church event. “That trip sparked something in me,” she remarked. “It was a reminder that travel is possible, even if it starts small.”
A New Travel Partner
In April 2024, her journey took a significant turn when she met her partner. “He became my travel companion almost immediately,” she said. Just a month later, they embarked on their first trip together. “In five months, we managed to explore one local destination and six international ones. I’m incredibly grateful that he covers all expenses; it allows me to focus on the experiences.” said Melody with a blush on her face.
Notable Destinations
With the new traveling mate combined ever since they met and started their duo world tour adventures, their travels included Cape Town, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Namibia, Türkiye, Zanzibar, and India. The trip to Türkiye was particularly impactful according to Melody. “It was our first long-distance journey together, and celebrating his birthday there made it even more special,” she shared. The couple explored Istanbul, Cappadocia, Taksim, and küçükkuyu, and she had the opportunity to meet his family.
Planning Approach
When it comes to planning their trips, she balances structure with spontaneity. “I like to plan when necessary, but I always leave room for unexpected adventures,” she explained. Their recent journey to India, which was originally planned as a solo trip by her partner three years prior, became a shared experience this September. “Seeing the Taj Mahal was our top priority, so we made sure to plan for it.”
Cultural Insights from India
During their time in India, she encountered a whirlwind of sights and sounds. “It was a bit overwhelming at first,” she admitted. A memorable moment occurred during a four-hour road trip when they encountered a cow walking alongside the road. “Cars stopped to honour the cow, which reflects the deep respect in Hindu culture,” she noted. “It’s fascinating how they see the cow as a symbol of life and nourishment.”
She also recognized the contrasts within India. “There are developed areas and places that are less so,” she said. “But despite the chaos, the people are incredibly friendly, and the food is absolutely delicious. I love spicy food, and India delivered on that front.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, she expressed excitement for the upcoming festive season and her birthday in January. “I have no specific plans yet, but I’m hoping for another island getaway,” she said with enthusiasm. She aims to take advantage of South African holidays and long weekends, balancing her travel aspirations with her work commitments. “Traveling is not just a hobby for me; it’s a fundamental part of the life I deserve.”
Lovely 😻
Thank you ❤️😊