The Real Happiness Index Of Travel
Condé Nast Traveller India|August - September 2020
Janhavi Acharekar pays tribute to all the people who made her journeys worthwhile and meaningful
Janhavi Acharekar
The Real Happiness Index Of Travel

Ugyen Tsheering, who goes by his initials UT, told me about being Brad Pitt’s guide in Bhutan soon after we met him in Paro. “I was Brad Pitt’s guide during the filming of Seven Years in Tibet,” he said with pride.

I could hardly believe my ears. But UT admitted that he had never heard of Pitt or the much-publicised film until he actually met the star. “I stared blankly when Brad shook hands with me,” he recalled. “So he introduced himself by saying, ‘Hi, I’m Brad Pitt—Seven Years in Tibet.’”

“Then?” I asked in amazement.

“I said, ‘Nice to meet you, sir.

I’m UT—22 years in Bhutan.’” He grinned. “It’s a joke.” I was in Bhutan on an assignment for Condé Nast Traveller. And in the company of my jovial young guide, in a country that’s famous for its Gross National Happiness index, I smiled throughout that trip.

We rarely reflect upon people like UT—the guides, drivers, waiters, bartenders, shopkeepers, artisans, naturalists, hotel staff, homestay owners— who add to the happiness index of our travels. And yet, our journeys would be rendered soulless and incomplete without their jokes and anecdotes, their local tips and sage travel advice; they are our windows and bridges to new cultures.

Today, as we step tentatively outside the safety of our homes, a universe of travel memories swirling wistfully inside our heads, it is the human connection that we value the most. There is renewed respect not only for the freedom of travel, but also for the people who make it special.

This story is from the August - September 2020 edition of Condé Nast Traveller India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August - September 2020 edition of Condé Nast Traveller India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER INDIAView All
TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS 2023
Condé Nast Traveller India

TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS 2023

The ranking of India's 50 most exciting restaurants was revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Returning after a three-year hiatus, the event was a true celebration of the industry and the brightest stars of the fraternity showed up to support and cheer each other on!

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
ON THE GO
Condé Nast Traveller India

ON THE GO

Our pick of the most stylish finds and travel related news

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
TANGIER RISING
Condé Nast Traveller India

TANGIER RISING

THE CREATIVE VISIONARIES OF MOROCCO'S OFT-ROMANTICISED PORT CITY ARE TELLING A NEW STORY.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
BRUSHES WITH NATURE
Condé Nast Traveller India

BRUSHES WITH NATURE

On the snowy Japanese island of Hokkaido, a rich seam of creativity and craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the physical world-and in a sacred Ainu tradition that has survived here for centuries

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
KOLKATA: A WINDOW TO THE FUTURE
Condé Nast Traveller India

KOLKATA: A WINDOW TO THE FUTURE

In a city filled with colonial nostalgia, a a new restoration story and fresh approaches are changing the narrative, one building at a time.

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
VICTORIA BECKHAM
Condé Nast Traveller India

VICTORIA BECKHAM

From Paris to Portofino via Los Angeles, the fashion designer shares the places and personal stories that have inspired her first fragrance collection

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
SHOPPING IN SEOUL
Condé Nast Traveller India

SHOPPING IN SEOUL

South Korea's capital may have grown into a pop-culture powerhouse, but its artisans are keeping ancient craft traditions alive.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
POSTCARD FROM COLOGNE
Condé Nast Traveller India

POSTCARD FROM COLOGNE

Rimowa's Emelie De Vitis on her favourite places for espressos, botanical cocktails, relaxed dinners, art, architecture, and history in the German city that she and the cult luggage brand call home

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
DEEP DIVE DUBAI
Condé Nast Traveller India

DEEP DIVE DUBAI

Residents know there's more to this diverse emirate than meets the eye. The ones who shaped it share their favourite spots.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024
Winter Wanderlust
Condé Nast Traveller India

Winter Wanderlust

Embrace the best of the season with these standout winter experiences.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2023 - January 2024