During his 78-month world travels, author Nicos Hadjicostis journeyed as far inside himself as he did around the planet.

His book, ‘Destination Earth’ takes us through many lands, not the least of which are his inner philosophical and emotional travels. During his long voyages in solitude and with companion Jane Kayantas, Nicos Hadjicostis built his new philosophy of travel.

The book features photographs from all over the world, which illustrate the writer’s philosophical thoughts. His direct experiences are written as bold parentheses, acting as triggers for more ideas connecting his search for wisdom and knowledge.

One world

While each country has its cultural differences, and Nicos Hadjicostis was a stranger to all he met, humanity showed its beauty and protection to him, offering him hospitality and help on his road to the greater realisation that he is, as we all are, citizens of the world. Even the Earth seemed to bless his voyage by revealing its spirit mile by mile, person by person.

Travel in four dimensions

A traveler can choose from four dimensions; one-dimensional (point-to-point travel); two dimensional (surface, or tour operator travel); three-dimensional (solid or independent travel); and four-dimensional (total or travel par excellence).

World travel is a way of journeying in four dimensions; through studious planning, understanding the culture; constant mindfulness; and longer travel duration. Of four-dimensional travel, Nicos Hadjicostis writes:

“The whole of life becomes the field of the world-traveler. His journey embraces the whole spectrum of experiences - from the simplest and most ordinary to the most complex and extraordinary. Nothing is either too small or petty so as to be rejected, or too sophisticated or “upper-class” to be avoided.”

The Wise-line

Travellers can plan a visit to a country using a ‘wise-line’, which takes into account four elements:

• The depth - or magnification - to which they wish to experience the country’s culture.
• Identifying the resonating, characteristic features of its geography and culture.
• Honouring one’s loves and interests, and exploring them further within the country.
• Being open to surprise.

N.H. discovered that during an in-depth journey around the world, there is a process of ‘becoming’. Becoming free, becoming present, becoming alive and becoming open. Like music, ‘becoming’ brings one into harmony with their surroundings:

“The musician makes you slow down, find your center.” Nicos Hadjicostis

Your own journey?

The writer is completely enthusiastic about triggering the reader’s curiosity about the endless wonders of the Earth. He strongly advocates expanding one’s horizons under the guiding light of cultural understanding and trust.

Destination Earth offers helpful tips for planning an around-the-world journey, although its main focus is the lessons and discoveries about life along the way.

Destination Earth can be ordered on Amazon.com.

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