Good Travel Karma

Something happened to me when I was leaving Bucharest way back in May of 2016. The feeling of good karma that day has resonated in my mind longer than many more-significant events.

I had paid for a 10-trip subway card when I first arrived in the city.. but I only used 7 trips while I was there. – On the way out of the subway on my way out of town.. I thought to myself ‘I’m going to make someone happy and maybe get some good travel karma is I give someone some free rides.. and I hope I give it to the person who needs it most.”

bucharest train station train tracks good karma tramposaurus

I offered the card to several people as I was walking through the station.. but they all ignored me and looked away like I was trying to sell them something… but then I saw a girl outside of the station, standing at the turnstile, just looking into the station. I handed her the pass.. and at first she just looked at me, then I waved it in her direction for her to take it. – As she took it from me she had tears coming out of her eyes.. and of course I get embarrassed and I just say “ENJOY!” and run away thinking that was the end of the story.

I was taking the subway to the Bucharest North train station.. and it turns out that I got off at the wrong station.. so I had to go back to the same subway station and get back on the subway… but I had just given away my subway card.
I went to the ticket booth and asked for ONE ticket.. and the lady said they couldn’t sell me a single ticket and I would have to buy two. I said OK.. whatever I needed to do.

Then she said to me in a very serious tone “I saw you give your pass to that girl…”

I could only reply.. “Yeah.. I thought I was done with it.. but I guess not.”

She said something to the men in the booth with her.. and one of them pulled out a wallet and took out money.. I guess to buy my ticket for me. But then the lady pushes the money aside and opens her booth and takes me and walks me through the gate.

I know I have gotten a bit off track in the past.. but over the last 5 years I feel like I am slowly getting back on the path I should have been living on. It is good travel karma experiences like this one that really make me feel I am exactly where I am supposed to be now.

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Meet the Head Tramp

Forrest Mallard is a travel writer, filmmaker, and adventure guide who has dedicated his life to exploring the world and sharing its stories. With over 50 countries deeply explored, his blog, Tramposaurus Treks, has become a trusted resource for adventurers, even earning recommendations from national tourism boards.

Forrest’s storytelling spans multiple mediums, from documentary filmmaking to in-depth travel writing, often weaving history, culture, and personal experiences into compelling narratives. His acclaimed documentaries on the Walt Disney Company have even earned the rare praise of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner—a testament to his ability to uncover and present compelling stories. His professional background is as varied as his passport stamps—ranging from adventure guiding in Ecuador, Thailand, and Alaska to producing large-scale entertainment in Dubai, managing concert tours in South Africa, and even working aboard National Geographic Expedition ships. This eclectic career path has armed him with a unique perspective: one that blends logistical expertise with an insatiable curiosity for the unknown. Whether leading travelers through rugged landscapes, crafting historical documentaries, or sharing insights on long-distance trekking, Forrest remains dedicated to inspiring others to explore, connect, and embrace adventure—preferably with a well-worn backpack and a good story in tow.