Every journey begins with meticulous planning, but it’s the unexpected moments that leave a lasting impression. My trip to Khagrachori, a remote hilly district in Bangladesh, was far from ordinary. Amidst tensions and security concerns, we set out on a thrilling hike to a majestic waterfall. Exhausted on the way back, I stumbled upon a life-saving encounter with two men on a motorbike. With no other options, I asked for a ride to the hilltop, and they obliged without a word. My friends were amazed, calling it my signature move in any situation. Little did I know, the man who offered me a ride was the leader of a local terrorist group. A chilling realization that left me at a loss for words.

Our first international girls’ trip to Pattaya, Thailand was a rollercoaster of excitement, thrill, and nerves! Off to the coral island on day one, we decided to soar over the ocean with a parasail, feeling like daredevils in the sky. The turquoise waters and the carefree vibe of the beachgoers drew us in, even though we have a stunning beach back home. So, I convinced Rizwana to join me for a swim in the crystal-clear ocean, leaving Pinky on her shopping spree. Feeling the wild spirit of the moment, I took the plunge and decided it was time for us to experience freedom in the wilderness. Rizwana was shy but couldn’t resist the adventure. We splashed in the water in our undergarments, savoring the joy of being one with nature. Little did we know that our fun would lead to a wild twist! When it was time to leave the remote island, we realized Pinky was missing. Panic set in until we found her bargaining for shorts in a shop! Once we brought her back, we shared our daring escapade with Rizwana. She couldn’t believe the “reserved” girl (that’s me!) had unleashed her wild side. She was ready to join us and go for another swim, but we had to hold her hand to get back to the mainland.

I just couldn’t get enough of adventures with Pinky, so I planned a trip to Nepal for some bungee jumping and paragliding in the mighty Himalayas! The moment we landed in Kathmandu, brokers swarmed around us, and Pinky got “sold” to one of them. Talk about a wild start! After some negotiation drama, we settled into a chilly hotel in Thamel. We were exhausted after dinner and planned to take a refreshing shower in the morning before our bungee adventure. But, oh boy, the icy water froze us in place! Pinky couldn’t resist confronting the hotel receptionist, but we had to give up on the idea and dash to the last resort for our jump. As we rushed through the dark alleyways, we faced another shock. Pinky claimed she had booked the bungee but turns out she only did half the job! My heart sank, as this was my dream come true, flying all the way from Bangladesh just for the bungee jump. In a last-minute frenzy, I pleaded with the manager to work some magic and secure our spots. Lady luck must have been on our side, as the manager made it happen! Our dream of bungee jumping was saved, thanks to some quick thinking and a sprinkle of luck. In the end, the mishaps and surprises only added to the thrill of our Nepal adventure. Here’s to more escapades with Pinky and memories that will last a lifetime!

Oh, Malaysia, you trickster! I planned my dream scuba diving trip to Redang Island, known for its underwater wonders. I was pumped and ready with my gear, but little did I know, Lady Luck had other plans! As the day arrived, I woke up early, excited to dive into the ocean’s depths. But oh no, the tide was high, the sea was furious, and rain poured down like there’s no tomorrow. I stood there, hands on my waist, wondering why on earth I didn’t check the weather!

You won’t believe it, but yes, even missing a flight is part of my adventurous repertoire! I was in the vibrant city of Manhattan, having a blast all day long. My return flight with Air Canada was supposed to be at 6 pm from New York, and I thought I had it all under control. I checked out of the Sheraton hotel in the morning, kept my luggage there, and continued to enjoy my time nearby. When it was time to head to the airport, I strolled over, all cool and collected, only to face a shocking reality. The airport kiosk refused to check me in! I went to the counter, convinced there was some error in their system. The lady called her manager, and there it was – the punchline of my trip! My flight wasn’t at 6 pm; it was at 6 am on that very day!

Picture this: I’m all set for my flight from Toronto to Sault Ste Marie, feeling like a pro traveller. The girl behind the counter takes one look at my ID and drops the bombshell – it had expired a whole month ago! With nerves of steel, I decided to embark on a mission – my passport rescue mission! I had precisely 30 minutes to make it right, and the clock was ticking. I booked an Uber right then and there, and the race against time began. Guess what? I channelled my inner James Bond and reported back to the counter within 28 minutes! Yes, you read that right – 28 minutes! I could practically see the girl’s jaw drop in awe. Mission accomplished!

Banff tested my determination not once, not twice, but thrice! But guess what? This Bond girl doesn’t back down from a challenge! Sunrise at Lake Louise was sitting proudly on my bucket list, but Banff seemed to have other plans for me. Flying to Las Vegas from Toronto, I planned a sneaky overnight stop in Calgary to make my Lake Louise dream come true. Little did I know, the forces of nature were conspiring against me. Heavy snow and no Uber service in Calgary? I bravely hopped on the public transport, determined to catch that sunrise.

And there it was – a breathtaking sunrise over Lake Louise! At the end of breakfast at the Fairmont hotel, people were curious about my shuttle back to the airport. That’s when it hit me – my reservation was in Banff Fairmont, not Lake Louise Fairmont! Time was ticking, and my flight to Vegas wasn’t waiting. I rented a car for a whopping 630 CAD! As I drove to the airport with my heart pounding, the driver, unaware of my Bond-worthy escapades, shared his Christmas plans with family. I just smiled, imagining a scene where I’d throw him out of the car, James Bond style! 😉

Arrived at the hostel late-night at in Miami, only to find a ‘bunk bed bro-cave’ with clothes scattered all around! Talk about a shocker! But I wasn’t giving up that easily. After an epic hour-long debate, yours truly emerged victorious and scored a deluxe room with a double bed and private washroom! Who needs a designated ‘female room’ when you can have an entire upgrade for the same price?

Zooming through Luxor like Cleopatra in my rented chariot! First stop: the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs’ mummies snooze in style! But uh-oh, pandemic vibes meant I was the only traveler around! Cue spooky feelings as a tourist guide swoops in like a hawk – cue dramatic music! Now, I’m brave, but tomb exploration solo? No thanks! So, I call my trusty driver to the rescue, but tourist police say, ‘Nay!’ Time for a clever debate with Chief Police himself – I should’ve brought popcorn! With my interpreter as backup, I gave ’em a show they’ll never forget! The verdict? Yours truly gets to keep her driver’s license, and we explored the valley in grand silence!  Who needs words when history speaks volumes, am I right? Just a girl entertaining the whole valley for the day!

In the world of travel, the unexpected is always lurking around the corner. My journeys have taught me to embrace the unexpected, whether it’s hitching a ride with unexpected strangers, negotiating my way through challenges, or accepting the twists and turns with grace. So, let’s raise a toast to the wild adventures, mishaps, and laughter that make every trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience!