ON THE ROAD WITH US – RÉKA'S STORY - AFTER 26 COUNTRIES - Dharmaral Adventure

The protagonist of the following story has been known to me since the beginning. First only through her online presence, and later I had the good fortune to meet her in person. Réka was one of the very first followers of Dharmaral's online presence. When only a few people were following our travels, I remember she was always there with a like or two, encouraging us on social media.

Réka is a true traveler. She has traveled the world, not only being an important participant in group trips but also embarking on solo journeys for months, even to the other side of the world. She gets to know new cultures and takes advantage of opportunities like house swapping or cat sitting.

Get to know the story of a truly feisty young girl.

If a close friend had to introduce you, what do you think they would say about you? I have a feeling you asked me this question on purpose because you already know me. The truth is, I have no idea. They would surely mention that I talk a lot, I'm alwayson the go, yet I'm always available if there's a problem. One thing is for sure, I love to help anytime andin any way, and I've heard this from others many times. Besides that, they often**mention that I'm cheerful and emotional, perhaps overly so. But that's how I am, and now, at 30,I've reached a point where I don't want to change that. If I asked all this from a childhoodacquaintance, it would surely come up how much I've changed since then, but somehow I've still remained myself.*

Which was the first trip you took with us, and why did you sign up for that camp? *I first traveled with you to Italy, to Lake Garda, back in 2024.**I longed to travel with a team of similar age and mindset. I've always been interested in yoga and movement, even though I find it hard to slow down.**Finally, I took the plunge and didn't regret it. Later, in the same year, I participated in the Mallorca camp, where I also met great people.However, my biggest desire was to travel outside Europe, andalthough I travel alone a lot, I didn't dare to embark on a completely solo journey. As a result, in March 2025,**we set off together for Bali. I knew this would be a completely different experience.*A journey that would set me off in a completely different direction.

**You've visited 26 countries and are still very young; which trip was the most defining for you, and why?**I'm currently on the road, and if all goes well. I always wanted to travel, but for a long time, I didn't know how it would happen. Today, it's not about how many places I've visited, but where my heart truly pulls me. If a place doesn't call to me, I don't go, but there are countries I would return to again and again, like Spain. If I had to pick one trip, it would be Australia. I spent two months there alone, which was a completely different experience than anything before. Not just because it was far away, but because I was constantly pushing my own limits. There were difficult moments when I would have preferred to come home, but I learned the most from them. For me, travel is not just an experience, but also an internal process. I often get to places as a petsitter, which allows me to spend more time in a given country and get to know the culture more deeply. These journeys have given me a lot, not only in seeing the world but also in getting to know myself better.

**In your opinion, and for you, what is the biggest difference between organized travel and solo travel?**For me, the biggest difference is that on an organized trip, I'm not alone. It's no coincidence that I sometimes join such trips, even though I generally travel alone a lot. When I'm on a solo trip, everything falls on me: the organization, the programs, the decisions. And although this becomes natural after a while, in the long run, it can be tiring to always have to take care of everything myself. On an organized trip, however, everything is provided: program, accommodation, transport. It's much easier to immerse myself in the experiences, it's less strenuous, and often I get a deeper insight into the local culture. Solo travel, on the other hand, provides a different kind of experience; there I get to know the daily lives of locals more intimately. For me, the two do not exclude but complement each other.

**Do you remember if you felt fear before your first solo and first group trip, and do you still feel that when you embark on a new journey or join a new community?**My first solo trip was quite unconventional. It was the second time I had ever flown, and my English wasn't yet strong, so I chose London, figuring we'd somehow manage to understand each other there. Back then, I was employed and attending university, so the challenge was more about how to manage it time-wise and financially. I don't really remember feeling fear; perhaps I went into it a bit naively, but that's precisely why it became one of my best trips. Before the group trip, however, I did feel some uncertainty. I knew you to some extent, but not the others, and I knew myself to be quite intense: I talk a lot, I'm enthusiastic, and I crave company. Ultimately, these very qualities helped me, because I am fundamentally open and friendly, so I connect easily, even though I consider myself more introverted.

**As you see more of the world, is there anything you do differently or see differently in your life because of it?**As I travel more, I appreciate what I have much more. Not material things, but basic things like cleanliness, peace, or safety, which are by no means taken for granted in many parts of the world. I've also noticed that after every trip, I'm much more open, motivated, and kind for weeks. Although I receive a lot of stimuli, which could even be tiring, it actually recharges me and gives me new momentum.

In your opinion, how do these trips affect your mental state, and in what ways do you feel the biggest change in your personality? With each trip, I get to know myself more deeply. Many people ask how I dare to set off alone as someone with panic disorder, if I'm not afraid. I always say: travel heals me. It helps me understand my limits, how much I can allow myself physically and mentally. Interestingly, difficult periods occur less frequently then than when I'm at home. I believe that anyone who dares to set off alone, even if just to a neighboring country, becomes much stronger. They learn to handle situations, become more independent and flexible. For me, there is no better way to self-discovery.

How does a perfect trip look for you, and what makes a camp truly good? For me, the key to a perfect trip is balance. I also need calmer days; constant rushing from one place to another is not for me. When I travel alone, I usually alternate days: one day exploring, one day working. This way, I can truly be present without getting exhausted. I like to set off spontaneously, deviate from the usual routes, and seek out local, less “touristy” experiences. In camps, it's even easier to experience this balance. There's space for my own rhythm, while the burden of organization is lifted from me. I know I'm safe, and I can simply follow the events, which gives me true freedom.

To whom would you recommend community travel, and to whom would you recommend setting off alone for a longer period, if they can? What would you say to someone who is currently thinking about going? I would recommend solo travel more to those who are not terrified to board a plane, and who generally feel comfortable alone. A little fear is natural, but if someone doesn't even like traveling alone in their own country, then community travel is a better first step. However, if you want to get to know yourself, push your limits, and have always longed to travel but never had anyone to go with or knew how, then simply go. As a start, for example, England or Malta can be good choices: they are easy to manage, safe, and you can get by well even with basic English.

**Is there a bucket list destination or experience that particularly appeals to you now, and what do you think everyone should see?**If I started listing them, I'd probably never finish, because once you start, it's hard to stop. Currently, New Zealand is at the top of my bucket list, with a motorhome tour. Besides that, America is also very appealing, but not in a classic city-sightseeing way, rather as a longer, deeper exploration. Central and South America also call to me, especially the natural world of Costa Rica and Chile. If we stay closer, then the Nordic countries: Norway, Lofoten, these could be truly special. And what should everyone see? For me, the Great Barrier Reef was the most profound experience, almost inconceivable. In Europe, Spain, specifically Seville, stands out in terms of atmosphere and beauty.

**Can you highlight a moment during your travels when you stopped and felt: 'this was worth setting off for'?**The Great Barrier Reef. I can't even describe this feeling. I'm almost tearing up even now, thinking I got to see it, experience it. For this, all the money, time, energy, fatigue, and early morning wake-ups are worth it. I will never forget it. One thing is for sure, I still have things to do in Australia. I didn't have time or opportunity for many places, so in the future, I'd like to return, hop in a car, and explore this vast country that way.

If you're curious about Réka's journey, her way of thinking, and how she can be so consciously and bravely present in the world, it's worth following her by clicking on the icons below.

Her story clearly shows that travel is not always easy, but it is deeply transformative. Perhaps that's what makes it real.