Nilam Farooq
This country is at the top of your bucket list
Nilam Farooq advocates making more personal decisions on vacation.
© Nilam Farooq / René Lohse
Actress Nilam Farooq traveled alone through South and Central America in her mid-20s – a good decision, she says in retrospect.
In times of Instagram and Co., holidays are increasingly becoming show trips. Many places are only visited because they are good photo opportunities. In an interview, actress Nilam Farooq (33) pleads for more self-confidence in your own decisions and reveals which country is still on your bucket list.
The 33-year-old is the new testimonial for a kayak campaign to encourage people to make their own decisions. A current survey by the travel search engine showed that 67% of Germans let recommendations from friends, relatives and others guide their travel decisions – although 70% have already experienced that their own opinion differs from the holiday recommendations of others.
Seven years ago you traveled around South and Central America on your own, how big were your reservations about going out on your own?
Farooq: There were definitely concerns and worries, both from my friends and family. “You can’t do it alone!”, “But that’s so far away!”, “It’s dangerous to travel alone as a woman” – these are just a few of the sentences that I can still remember. Sure, that made me a bit unsure at the time. But hey, I’ve always been someone who wanted to challenge myself and break out of my comfort zone. Because growth often begins exactly where comfort ends. So I didn’t let that dissuade me, researched, prepared well and thus strengthened my confidence in my own abilities. And you know what? It was a transformative experience! The trip showed me that it really pays off to have the courage to break new ground. I met so many great people, saw breathtaking places and got to know myself anew. Looking back, I’m glad I had the courage to do it.
What advice can you give to others planning a similar adventure?
Farooq: My advice would definitely be to listen to yourself and not let other people’s fears or opinions limit you. The Kayak study, for example, shows that 15% of respondents have given up on a trip idea entirely because of the opinions of others. Sure, being sensible and preparing well is important, but it’s just as important to have the courage to face the challenges. At the end of the day, your best companion when traveling is your own sanity. And if it has brought you safely through the last few years of your life so far, then it will also be of use to you abroad and when travelling. It can also be helpful to talk to people who have had similar experiences. You can get really valuable tips and advice there. But you should always keep an eye on who the recommendations come from and how much they apply to you. Because at the end of the day it is important to allow yourself to trust your intuition.
Where do you get inspiration for your holiday destinations?
Farooq: For me there is no one place where I find my holiday inspiration. I would say films and documentaries are definitely part of it. They give me a first impression of exotic places, atmosphere and culture. If I don’t have a concrete idea of where my next trip should go, I also like to browse online. I am inspired by pictures and descriptions to collect new ideas. I sometimes use tools such as travel search engines. Ultimately though, I find inspiration in many different places. Whether it’s books, personal recommendations from friends, or sharing with fellow travelers, it all helps me make my own travel plans and plan my next adventure trip.
Who do you like to go on vacation with?
Farooq: I think it’s important that every traveler has the absolute freedom to make their own decisions on vacation and to gain their own experiences. It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling solo or with your best friend in tow. Each type of travel has its own charm! Sometimes I actually prefer to go alone. Traveling solo can be a totally transformative experience where you get to know yourself better and grow personally. You are on your own and can do whatever comes to your mind. And honestly, the feeling of freedom and adventure is priceless. But I also really enjoy traveling with friends. Creating memories together, experiencing new adventures. Nevertheless, it is really important to have space for yourself. If I feel like going to a museum one day, but my travel buddy really wants to go to the beach, then we either look for a compromise or just split up for a few hours. Flexibility is the be-all and end-all!
What is a must-have for you on vacation?
Farooq: It’s important for me to be able to experience the local culture. I love trying local food, visiting traditional markets and interacting with the locals. For me, these experiences make traveling so appealing and make me appreciate the diversity of our world even more. Traveling gives us the chance to see the world through different eyes. It can deepen understanding of cultures and break down stereotypes.
What was your best and worst travel destination so far?
Farooq: I can’t answer that specifically. Every journey has its own challenges, but even from the difficult moments, there are valuable lessons to be learned.
Which destination is still on your bucket list?
Farooq: There are so many places I would still like to visit. One destination that is high on my bucket list is Japan. I really want to see the cherry blossoms.