Light Speed

The most fundamental aspects of nature stay the same.

For example, Einstein's papers on relativity show that the relationship between energy and mass is invariant, even though energy and mass can take on many different forms.

Even though matter produces energy, the energy-matter content of the universe never changes. Matter and energy are less fundamental than the underlying relationship between them.

We often think of things as the heart of reality. But most often the relationship is more important, not the stuff.

We may think "stuff" like space and time are unchangeable aspects of nature. In reality, the relationship between space and time stays the same.

The idea of time travel is a very recent idea that starts with H.G. Wells's 1895 novel, The Time Machine. After that, we find the concept in American science fiction, or in modernist literature - each twisting time in new ways, to explore the unpredictability of memory.

Stephen Hawking also played with the idea of time travel. He proposed the idea that it can't happen because it didn't happen.

The internet changed our perception of time: We're looking at the past on our video screens, and it's just as clear as something in the present, making it feel like an unending present.

Time travel is also a powerful way to imagine what the future might bring. Time travel allows us to explore the consequences of our worst tendencies.

• Scan your email occasionally to reassure yourself that nothing catastrophic is happening in your absence.
• Try some activities, maybe something new, so you can have so much fun you forget all work related stress.
• Turn off your phone and email notifications so you’re not constantly reminded of work. 
• Don’t be tempted to work. You are taking a vacation to get a break. Working during the break will add stress to your trip and resentment when you return.

• Get to your inbox first as it will allow you to prioritize your tasks properly.
• Try to keep away from the office or commitments at least for your first day so you will be able to focus on catching up.
• Try to incorporate the stress relieving tactics you found during your vacation to your routine.
• Don’t work late. As tempting as it may be, work your normal hours when you return.

Wheeled luggage is generally seen as a convenience, but is, in fact, a constraint, as once a heavy and large suitcase is with you, you are bound to 'wheel' it around everywhere, cutting down your travel options.

Light packing relaxes you and facilitates spontaneous travel, a minimalistic packing done in a backpack or a shoulder bag works best.

Chronic overpacking, while it seems logical as people can need so many things, is a hassle for travel, as there is so much to worry about and carry along.

Too much baggage leads to a baggage-heavy mindset.

The ‘curves in space’ theory of gravity is falling out of favour due to the fact that Einstein’s equations seem to work on our solar system but begin to break when we apply the same near a black hole or back in time, during the initial big bang.

String Theory, which conceptualizes that gravity and all other forces are products of tiny vibrating strings, is the prime candidate to replace Einstein’s work.

Einstein's General Theory Of Relativity provides a rock-solid description of gravity, black holes and even the Big Bang, but fails to explain the very ‘singularities’ that signal towards infinity.

The extraordinary force of gravity can be researched with new-age engineering experiments but there is a risk of pushing too far and risking extreme damage by accidentally creating a black hole.

Most of us forget more than we remember. We change memories to make sense of what has happened in our lives. When we then recall a memory, we reconstruct the events in our minds and even shape them to fit in with any new information.

Many of us think of our past as a kind of a video library where we can look at records of our lives. If memories were fixed like videotapes, you would find it difficult to imagine a new situation.

It is our past memories that help us imagine a future, and to preview future events. This skill of using the past to predict the future helps us try out different hypothetical scenarios before we commit.

1. To be more patient when things do not go as planned - and it happens on every trip. 
2. To leave your comfort zone. It's exhilarating to forget what's familiar for a bit and expand your horizons.
3. To be more curious. Being in new territory will probe new ideas and curiosities.
4. To appreciate other cultures. 
5. To live simply. You can survive with very, very little.
6. To make friends with strangers as travelling make you desperate for human interaction.
7. ...but to also embrace your solo travel experience.  You will come home with a new sense of independence.
8. To try new things as what you do at home doesn't always work when you travel.

9. To think creatively. Sometimes it takes a little thinking outside of the box to get by.

10. To find beauty in small things that you did not notice before you started your trip, like a home-cooked meal.

The more curious you are, the more people you'll meet. Mostly this involves asking a lot of questions.

Try it. The worst that could happen - someone doesn’t reply and stares at you.

When you get to a new place, ask yourself: "If I lived here, where would I go?" Look for cool events, gigs, and shows. 

It’s a great way to get away from all the tourist spots and into the cool neighborhoods where the locals actually hang out.

As we fall back to the ‘essential’ living conditions, locked down at our homes, the excesses of our globalized world, the giant amusement parks, malls, hotels, airlines, resorts, and the hoards of travellers are visible.

We have to look towards a more sustainable future of travel, and not screw up this time.