Sugarcane juice seller follows his travel passion, has explored 10 countries so far: His motivation and planning

For Hashim VP, travel is a dream he lives to fulfill. And he has been following his undying passion. The 67-year-old sugarcane juice seller has explored 10 countries.

"I [have] travelled to 10 countries so far, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The last trip I did was to Turkey; it is beautiful. Now, after three months, I'm planning to visit China," he told news agency ANI.

His first trip was to Delhi in 2012 and after that he has been travelling to different countries often with his wife Haseena.

His favorite trip? Turkey, he says, is "beautiful". He recalls experiencing an earthquake in Turkey. "In the panic, we rushed to the lobby. Fortunately, no one around us was injured," he told TNIE.

He is planning to visit China soon. He also dreams of experiencing a cruise journey; a three-day cruise from Singapore.

His brother encouraged him to travel

Hashim told the media that his brother ignited in him the passion for travelling. "From then on, I have not stopped travelling and continue to explore new places whenever I can," he said.

With the income he earns from selling sugarcane juice, Hashim chooses private tour packages.

Travel has the power to change perspective

According to Hashim, travelling has the potential to change perspective. Studies have also proved this.

A 2024 study examined recreational travel's impact on 46 Dutch workers and found that it led to increased cognitive flexibility and creativity post-vacation, attributing effects to stress relief, diversifying experiences, and positive emotions.

Another study of older adults in the US linked leisure travel (especially long-distance) to improved cognitive function, reduced depression, and lower loneliness in comparison to non-travelers.

A study done in 2024 showed leisure travel enhances quality of life, happiness, and resilience in general adults, with stable improvements via increased participation.