Back in 2015, I joined an AIESEC conference (OPS Regional) at Jogjakarta. The chair of the conference, Kak Widy, said that she loves traveling with purpose. At first, I was mesmerized by the stories she told related to traveling with purpose, going to cities abroad not only for traveling, but mostly for free. But back then, I don't understand the feel of doing so.
Then I went for exchange in Czech Republic, in Pilsen this winter 2016. (I should have written posts about my experience but I was to lazy apparently haha) The main purpose of me coming to Europe was not traveling, but volunteering. Participating in a project. Well, I still had time to go sightseeing and really cherished that time, though :) The experience was awesome. I did feel exhausted and bored sometimes to do presentations, but when I look back and remember all the memories, I realize that I now know and understand the feel of traveling with purpose.
I think traveling with purpose is more than traveling. It is when you experience and live the culture of the country you visit. It is mind opening experience. There are so much to learn from my exchange: how to communicate well, doing small talks (I'm still not an expert though :p), having international friends, working in a team, using public transportations, etc. And also, when you travel with purpose, you get to know the culture from the native and you try speak the language. I once went to visit a school in Kralovice, and with simple Dobrý den (mean: formal 'Hello' in Czech), the locals felt appreciated. That kind of experience is one of the best.
Now, I am ready to face another travelings with purpose and just live the culture.
Global Village at Olympia Pilsen