Why We Travel

Travel is good for us. It’s fun, challenging and rewarding.

The travel industry is massive. Before the global pandemic, travel was a multi-trillion-dollar industry, and, despite unprecedented losses in 2020, travel is rebounding. But how did this industry become so big, and why are people, myself included, so anxious to get back out there and travel again? I started thinking about why we travel. I love to travel because it’s fun and is a way to meet others and connect with the world around us. And, travel is good for us!

Choosing to visit another place for enjoyment is a strictly human trait. Other species travel for survival, such as birds who migrate, but only humans intentionally seek experiences in new areas for pleasure.

Planning a trip can be stressful. Whether it’s a weekend away in a nearby town or a multi-week journey around the globe, there are many details to consider and arrange. Where to go, what to pack, how to get there, where to stay, what to do when you arrive, how much to spend… the list goes on. But despite the work that is involved with planning a trip, most people I know enjoy travel, and many, like my family, make it a priority for their free time and money.

Just the challenge, and excitement, of planning a trip can make you happier. I enjoy planning trips for my family and friends and spend considerable time doing so. I gain a great sense of accomplishment and joy when I find a great deal, somewhere beautiful or unique to stay, something exciting to do, or somewhere special to eat.   

Visiting someplace new can create a sense of wonder and curiosity
that compares to that of a child discovering something for the first time.

Often when we travel, we are exposed to new lifestyles, cultures, or everyday happenings that are different than our own. This can make us feel like we are part of something grander in this world and create empathy and connectedness with others.

When we witness or experience how others live differently than ourselves it can make us appreciate those differences and similarities or develop a greater appreciation for what we have. And these experiences do not need to be monumental. Traveling not far from home can often expose you to entirely new lifestyles.

Driving just a few hours from our home in Gilbert, Arizona we can be skiing, hiking, or camping in the mountains, or sitting on the beach in Mexico or California. Driving across the border into Mexico, to the beach resort town of Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco), exposes us to a vastly different culture than our own. Likewise, driving north to Flagstaff or Pinetop to go skiing exposes us to others who live a different lifestyle different, even though we live in the same state, just hours away.

Often when we travel it’s to see and learn new things, which can become part of our life. Our trips over the years have resulted in many new recipes that we have incorporated into our meal repertoire. And much of the décor around our home is comprised of mementos from our travels.  Even how I steep my tea changed, after spending considerable time in England!

Of course, another reason why we travel is just that it’s fun! When traveling, we often do things we would not, or could not, do at home. We meet like-minded people – after all, when you meet people on vacation, they are often on vacation too, seeking the same adventures or experiences. And when you are away from your ‘everyday life’ it’s easier to relax and recharge.

So, why do we travel? Because travel is good for us! It exposes us to new things, reduces stress, and creates positive experiences and memories with family and friends. Planning and executing a trip can be exciting and rewarding and is fun!

And travel is not just good for you, but it’s good for others too. Traveling supports a global industry that creates millions of jobs in the United States and worldwide and supports the economy in many ways. Doesn’t that make you feel good?

So, when are you planning your next trip? Do it soon. It’s good for you!

As much as we love to travel, plane travel is not always very comfortable. Read my nine tips to make air travel more comfortable.