"The origin of existence is movement. Immobility can have no part in it, for if existence was immobile it would return to its source, which is the Void. That is why the voyaging never stops, in this world or in the hereafter." Words of the Arabian philosopher Ibn al-Arabi, as reported in the Nomad's Hotel.

Immobility. Something I'm trying to come to terms with as I finished my last year rarely sedentary. Some of you might have read about it? For those who did not catch the articles in Lifestyle last year, here's a brief recap.

I decided in 2008 to relinquish my journalism job with The Royal Gazette and approach the world for a couple of months. Turns out the world is quite amenable and one year, some 24 countries, 50,000 miles, and more hostel rooms than I care to think about I made it.

This was not an easy task and by no means are we talking all roses. What was the most difficult thing? The unknown. And I don't mean the countries. I approach new cultures and new people with enthusiasm.

Do you know where you're going to sleep tonight? Probably. Any idea what you're going to eat? Well if not you probably know the store/restaurant/cafe/friend's fridge you are going to rummage through. Who are you going to grab a drink with? I'm going to guess you probably have a good idea. And if you don't...Welcome to Bermuda and believe me we are friendly and you will settle-in soon.

The unknown is fun and kept me on my toes, but after a year it's also tiring. What has this unknown taught me? Home is good. But so is the road.

Both ends of the trip provided culture shocks. I know, who woulda thunk. In the beginning, I had to get used to not running three or four times a week, worrying about everything I ate (being celiac this is more difficult than for others) and adjust to the lack of clothing choices (not so difficult for the girl with high school clothes in the closet).

Four months in, my regular travel buddy was ditched in India and the solo expedition began; though solo it rarely was. If I was alone it was because I chose to either due to time constraints or lack of buddies going the same way.

This kind of traveling builds-up defenses. Back home it took me weeks to stop worrying about where I put my bag or constantly checking my pockets to ensure my money was still there. Then adjusting to the same bed and being able to leave my laptop on the table. Silly, eh? But it's true. These are all things I can now, since I have been home for three months, take for granted again.

Am I traveling now? No...not yet. Instead I want to welcome you to my first travel column here at The Royal Gazette. Who would have thought after travelling around the world I would want to write about....travelling? How can you write a travel column without being "off the rock"? I make things up. No, I kid.

So why a column? Because there are so many aspects of travel and about my year away that I was unable to cover in the articles I wrote. And it's basic self promotion! I'm compiling the articles into a book and well... please buy it when it's ready.

More importantly, while last year was about me (in case you didn't catch that in the 40 odd columns I wrote), this year I'm interested in you....well and me, but mostly you. I want to help those who worry about travelling, struggle with a budget for travelling or simply don't know where to start.

There is so much information out there. Believe me. One little "google" and travel inundation takes place. Unfortunately a lot of it is not always relevant to Bermuda or requires some adjusting (i.e. that $200 ticket from New York to Paris just is not going to cost that from Bermuda).

And what about trying different things? Want to go to Thailand versus your regular New York commute. It's easier than you think. How did I do it? Wasn't I ever scared? What was the craziest experience I had? Well I'll tell you it was some transvestites in a Cambodian bar picking-up American service men....but that's another column.

The easiest way? E-mail of course. So try me at robynswanderings@gmail.com I promise to get back to you. Or visit my blog at: www.robynswanderings.com or if you're really desperate to follow what I'm doing check out twitter: robynwarbles!

I can't wait to hear from you!

l Next Monday: How not to let your budget limit your travelling.