By Luca Whenever I travel, the one item that never fails to make its way into my suitcase is a pair of sandals. They have become my travel companions, my trusty sidekicks that accompany me on all my adventures, whether I’m wandering through a bustling city or hiking along a serene coastal trail. It’s funny how something as simple as a pair of sandals can carry so many memories of far-off places, new experiences, and wild adventures.
Looking back, it’s almost as if my sandals and I have developed an unspoken bond. They’ve seen me through countless adventures, from lazy beach days to long, uphill treks to ancient ruins. Each time I slip them on, I’m reminded of where I’ve been and where I still want to go. I never thought much about sandals until I started traveling, but now, they represent so much more than just a comfortable shoe. They symbolize the freedom of travel, the joy of exploring new places, and the peace that comes with stepping out of my daily routine into the unknown.
I remember the first time I realized just how important a pair of sandals could be for my travels. I was preparing for my first trip abroad, a solo adventure to Greece. My destination was a mix of bustling cities, historic ruins, and sun-drenched islands. I knew I needed something practical for walking, something that could withstand the long days of sightseeing and outdoor excursions. After much searching, I picked a simple pair of tan leather sandals with soft straps and a comfortable sole. They weren’t flashy, but they felt right.
I wasn’t expecting much from those sandals. I was more focused on the excitement of traveling and the destinations I was about to explore. Little did I know, those sandals would become one of the most significant items I packed. They accompanied me on every walk through Athens, from the Parthenon to the bustling streets of Plaka, where I sipped coffee and watched life go by. They took me along the dusty trails of Santorini, where I hiked from village to village, the sandals protecting my feet as I navigated the volcanic rocks.
What surprised me most was how much more comfortable I felt in those sandals compared to other shoes I had brought. I had packed sneakers and even a pair of dressy sandals for dinner outings, but nothing compared to the freedom I felt in my travel sandals. They were perfect for all-day excursions, and when I wandered down to the beach to dip my toes in the Mediterranean, they were exactly what I needed to feel relaxed and at ease. That trip was when I first realized how essential the right pair of sandals could be to my travel experience.
As I traveled more, my collection of sandals grew. I began to realize that sandals weren’t just shoes—they were an essential part of the experience. Each new pair I acquired was a reflection of a new destination, a new chapter of my travels. There was something about slipping on a pair of sandals after a long flight or a long day of walking around a new city that instantly made me feel grounded. They were the symbol of freedom—freedom to explore, freedom to roam, and freedom to be yourself.
One of my most memorable trips was a month-long journey through Southeast Asia. From the jungles of Thailand to the beaches of Bali, I wore the same pair of sandals nearly every day. They weren’t fancy, but they became my go-to footwear for the entire trip. There was something liberating about wearing them as I walked through the vibrant streets of Chiang Mai, where I encountered colorful markets, street food vendors, and monks in their saffron robes. They carried me across the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, where I spent hours exploring the intricate carvings and lost cities hidden in the jungle.
But it wasn’t just about sightseeing. Those sandals gave me the comfort I needed during long days of travel and the flexibility to navigate the sometimes rough terrain. In Bali, I wore them on a sunrise hike up Mount Batur, where I watched the sun rise over the island while perched on the edge of a volcano. I would never have made it up that steep trail in anything else, but my sandals, sturdy and light, were perfect for the adventure. They took me through the sweltering heat of the island’s rice terraces, where I walked barefoot through cool streams to escape the midday sun.
What I’ve come to realize is that sandals are also a symbol of my connection to the earth. When I wear them, I feel more attuned to my surroundings, whether I’m walking on a sandy beach or a stone path. Sandals don’t cover your feet as much as other shoes, and that openness allows you to feel more connected to the ground beneath you. I’ve always loved the sensation of feeling the earth beneath my feet. There’s something so grounding about it, something that reminds me I’m part of this world.
One of my favorite experiences was walking through the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan. I had visited countless historical sites before, but this one was different. As I slipped on my sandals and walked along the winding paths through the rose-red stone city, I felt a sense of awe that I hadn’t felt anywhere else. The sandals allowed me to feel every step, each movement as if I were walking in the footsteps of those who had come before me. The dust of the centuries clung to my sandals, and the ancient stone seemed to come alive beneath my feet.
Later that night, as I sat around a fire with fellow travelers, the warmth of the flames dancing in the cool desert air, I looked at my sandals and realized that they had carried me through some of the most unforgettable moments of my journey. They were more than just a pair of shoes—they had become a symbol of my travels and my connection to the world around me.
As my travels continued, I started to notice how essential my sandals were for my everyday adventures. Whether I was navigating a crowded city or trekking along a beach, they were the one item that provided both comfort and practicality. They allowed me to enjoy the sights and sounds of new places without worrying about my feet. Whether I was wandering the streets of Paris or taking a boat ride in Croatia, my sandals became my travel companions in every sense of the word.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about wearing sandals while traveling. They make it easier to move, to feel light, and to embrace the spontaneity of travel. I’ve found that sandals are perfect for those impromptu moments when you decide to change your plans, to follow a path you didn’t expect, or to explore a new alley or street that you hadn’t planned to visit. They don’t weigh you down, and they allow you to pivot on a whim, to be as flexible as the journey requires.
Looking ahead, I know my sandals will continue to accompany me on my travels. They’re more than just a piece of footwear now; they’ve become an essential part of the way I experience the world. With every trip, I find myself adding new stories to the memories I’ve collected in those sandals. They’ve been to places that are now imprinted on my heart, from the beaches of Thailand to the streets of Rome, from the jungles of Costa Rica to the quiet trails of the Swiss Alps.
In some ways, it feels like my sandals and I have a special bond—one that connects us to the very essence of travel. They symbolize everything that makes travel so fulfilling: freedom, exploration, and a deep connection to the world around me. Whether I’m hiking a mountain trail, lounging on a beach, or strolling through a foreign city, my sandals will always be there to carry me forward.
Each pair holds not just the memories of places I’ve been, but the promise of adventures still to come. And as I continue my travels, I know that my sandals will always be there to remind me of the freedom that comes with stepping out into the world, barefoot and unburdened by expectations.