(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By Nezar Al-Mutairi
KUWAIT, Aug 18 (KUNA) -- The blazing sun hovering over Kuwait during the summer months is usually a harbinger of travel season, a time where many avid travelers scamper abroad for a much-needed respite from the unbearable heat.
The weather conditions notwithstanding, the people of this tiny Gulf nation have long developed a penchant for globetrotting, as the average Kuwaiti's travel bucket list seemingly combines the world's most coveted cityscapes and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
While leisure trips have taken Kuwaitis to much heralded tourist destinations such as London, Milan and New York, just to name a few, the purpose of travel has taken on a whole new meaning for millennials eager to explore the world.
Among them is 32-year old Hamad Al-Ghanim, a father of four who is a habitual worldwide traveller in his own right and an aspiring entrepreneur, with hopes that running his own business would help him make ends meet amid crippling increases in the global cost of living.
Speaking to KUNA on a scorching evening in the confines of his quaint "diwaniya," a reception area common in many Kuwaiti households, Al-Ghanim said that his foray into the culinary business has redefined the meaning of travel for him.
As we confabbed over velvety cups of coffee, Al-Ghanim pointed out that in the three years since he opened his own restaurant which caters to health-conscious individuals, he has traveled a great deal in hopes of further developing his business.
"I have spent the last year shuffling back and forth between Kuwait and Algeria," he noted, where he plans to open the first international branch of his restaurant.
While Algeria may be the furthest thing from a bustling tourist hub, Al-Ghanim says his personal affinity for the North African nation is what made him want to leave his mark there.
"I owe it to this food business," Al-Ghanim said matter-of-factly, "it has taken me to the most hidden places in our world, I mean, not too many people can say they have been to Algeria," he quipped.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Al-Awadhi, another Kuwaiti with a propensity to travel and a frequent visitor to the Southeastern nation of Albania, where the real estate investo told KUNA he spends every summer.
Albania remains largely neglected by many tourists but the hidden paradise facing Italy and sandwiched between Greece and Montenegro has plenty to offer for those looking for a serene getaway.
"Summers in Kuwait are sweltering and it is almost a given that I spend the entire summer abroad every year," Al-Awadhi said over the phone from his apartment which he described as overlooking the picturesque highlands of Tirana.
He also added that access to fresh and organic produce is a major perk of residing in such places. "You can actually feel a palpable difference with the food here, this is all high quality stuff," Al-Awadhi exclaimed.
Moreover, Kuwaitis have recently started to think outside the box when deciding where to spend a vacation, as many are veering from the well-established tourist destinations and venturing into the unknown.
According to travel agent Tawfik Mohammad, a number of countries have recently begun to draw their fair share of visitors, most notably, the Southeast Asian archipelago known as the Philippines.
While it pales in comparison to other Asian nations' thriving tourism industries, such as Thailand, Mohammad noted that "the Philippines is still fresh and underdeveloped," which explains the allure of its scenic islands ...," where people snorkeling and kayaking.
Whether it is out of an unyielding ambition to succeed, a long-overdue vacation, or simply, a desire to widen their horizons, Kuwaitis have seemingly left no place out of reach.
After all, famed Christian philosopher Augustine of Hippo once eloquently said that, "the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." (end) nam
MENAFN1808201700710000ID1095747236
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.