Adventuring with a purpose is great for work trips, but I think it is also important to take some personal time to explore, get lost, and get sucked into the culture and lifestyle around you.
This Face the Current Travel Feature is published in Issue 20 / Summer 2018. Order PRINT here, subscribe to digital membership for unlimited access to all our content, or continue reading this article below.
FtC: How has travel given you a renewed sense of vitality?
Brendan Bannister: For me, one of the greatest things about traveling is the friends, connections, and knowledge you acquire. Almost everywhere you go you meet people in different areas of work ranging from fellow photographers, to investors, to restaurant owners and everything in between. These connections help you learn about the industries and how to use real-world knowledge with your own brand or company.
Magical Sunsets: Watching the colorful sunset in Southern Bali, Indonesia
I prefer the notion ‘let’s get lost’ because getting lost is where the adventure begins.
Perfect sunrise at one of the most incredible lakes I have ever been to. Banff National Park, Alberta
FtC: Do you prefer the notion of “let’s get lost” or “adventure with a purpose” and why? Which is more nourishing to your soul?
BB: I prefer the notion “let’s get lost” because getting lost is where the adventure begins. Whether it’s being kicked out of an Uber because of traffic in the middle of nowhere in Cambodia, or getting stuck in China due to canceled flights and incorrect visas. Getting lost is where some of the longest lasting memories are born. Adventuring with a purpose is great for work trips, but I think it is also important to take some personal time to explore, get lost, and get sucked into the culture and lifestyle around you.
Diving in Gilli Meno, Indonesia
FtC: “Your journey is yours alone–not a better version of someone else’s.” Nowadays there’s a sense of competition to share the best photos and captions of travel experiences on various platforms. How might you advise people on how to keep the essence of travel experiences real and authentic, and less influenced by pressure to turn everything into the next best social media post?
BB: I think if you are traveling with the intention to post on social media you are traveling for the wrong reasons. Stop and ask yourself, “do I want to visit this place to experience it or because I want to get likes and validation on social media?” I often hear people say “that spot is blown out” and my opinion is “so what? It’s an incredible part of the world I want to see for myself.” Travel for experiences and memories, not for validation on the Internet.
Whiteout driving conditions in Iceland during winter. White brilliance.
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Instagram: @brendanbannister
