Women's Day Special: In Her Own Words

 How Travel Fuels Creativity And Perspective

For me, travel is freedom. It gives me perspective, opens my mind, and reminds me of the endless possibilities the world holds. Every destination becomes a learning of the world itself, its cultures, its way of life, how people see things, what they prioritise, and what truly matters to them. Travel teaches you to observe before you judge, to listen before you speak, and to appreciate differences rather than compare them.

It is also deeply personal. I travel to understand, not just places, but people. And inevitably, food becomes a gateway. Experiencing a destination through its staple cuisine, its local flavours, and everyday meals offers insights no guidebook ever can. Food tells stories of history, geography, tradition and community, often more honestly than words.

On the occasion of Women’s Day, I spoke with leading women who inspire, aspire and define success on their own terms, to understand what travel truly means to them, in their own words.

Shirin Mann, Founder and Creative Director – Sand By Shirin and Needledust

Travel has always been a very important part of my life. It isn’t something I do just to get away, it’s something that shapes how I think, observe, and create. I’m drawn to places that allow me to slow down and truly experience them, rather than rush through them.

I’ve never enjoyed seeing a destination only from the surface. I like to go beyond the main town and into quieter spaces, whether that’s small villages, countryside roads, or local neighbourhoods where life moves at its own pace. Those are the places where you really begin to understand a culture. It’s in the way people live, how they dress, the languages you hear around you, the sounds, the voices, and the music that fills everyday life.

Every journey leaves something behind with me. The details I notice, the rhythm of a place, and how deeply people value time and individuality continue to influence my creative process long after I return. Travel keeps me curious and constantly inspired.

Some of the places I keep going back to are those where I feel both creatively inspired and personally grounded. Japan and Italy, in particular, offer that balance for me. More recently, discovering South Africa while shooting the SAND campaign opened up an entirely new perspective, from its expansive landscapes to its raw, powerful beauty. Experiences like these remind me how much there still is to explore.

This is also what led me to create SAND as a travel-inspired brand. It comes from the idea that exploration and personal experience are far more meaningful than following trends. Each piece is designed to feel personal, collected over time, and reflective of journeys taken and stories gathered along the way.

Travel, for me, is about depth rather than distance. It’s about being present, going a little further than most people do, and constantly looking forward to discovering new corners of the world.

Ramya Ramachandran, Founder & CEO – Whoppl

Travel is one of the most essential parts of my life. It’s where I truly get time with myself, time to think bigger, dream wider, and reconnect with the larger purpose of what I’m building.

Every destination brings something new. The culture, the food, the people, and the energy of a city all leave an imprint. Travel has a beautiful way of expanding your mind without you even realising it.

My recent trip to Morocco was a perfect reminder of that magic. In one journey, I experienced the sea, the vast Sahara desert, and the mountains, each completely different and equally powerful. The diversity, the colours, the craftsmanship, the traditions, the food, it was rich, vibrant, and deeply inspiring.

Being surrounded by such vastness sparks perspective. It opens you up to possibility, creativity, and ambition. You return seeing the world, and your own potential, a little bigger.

Travel gives me space to unwind, reflect, and recharge. When I come back, I return energised, focused, and ready to build with renewed momentum. For me, travel isn’t just an escape. It’s fuel.