Why travel?
The reasons for travelling might be obvious: seeing new places, relaxing in the sun, exploring beautiful destinations, meeting new people, sampling exotic foods, all while escaping work and responsibilities. Who wouldn’t enjoy it?
I think travel is so special is because it can be a so different to our usual daily lives. When I live in one place for an extended period, working five days a week in a largely predictable routine, I tend to overlook the smaller things in life. I become less appreciative, take things for granted, and generally less inspired about life. But when I get a chance to explore somewhere new and go on an adventure, I’m excited, enthusiastic, and eager to take the opportunity.
Novelty
When you’re in a new place you might start to take note of the many differences around you; from the architecture and scenery; to the food, music, and culture; as well as the people and their behaviour. Anything that deviates from the norm can stand out, because it is a new experience or sensation.
I also find relatively insignificant events can be more memorable. For example, receiving advice or directions from a stranger, when attempting to navigate an unfamiliar city, can endear you to the locals. The first conversation in a foreign language, in the native country, and you feel like you’ve been understood – it makes all the effort to learn the language feel worth it. Trying a new type of food, traditionally made, and discovering completely new tastes.
Perspective
Another meaningful aspect of travel for me is witnessing how people survive in challenging conditions. A visit to a developing country makes me realise how blessed I am in my own country with all the comforts we have. Yet the citizens of those countries seemingly appear more grateful and content with what they have. And I have, to date, never felt unwelcome when travelling – often meet friendly and welcoming locals.
It is a humbling experience to see how people make the best of their situation. When I think back to my complaints about relatively minor inconveniences, this provides me with perspective, instils gratitude, and helps me focus on what is important in life.
Beauty
Discovering places of breathtaking natural beauty is undoubtedly a major incentive to travel. The first time I stumble upon a particularly striking landscape is guaranteed to lift my mood. I remember the first time I saw mountains on the South Island of New Zealand, near Queenstown. We hiked a trail up Ben Lomond and the feeling of walking high in the sky – overlooking the lake below and mountains beyond – is unforgettable.
You might be inspired by the golden sand and turquoise water of a tropical beach or spotting an endangered animal you had only ever dreamed of seeing on a screen. In the era of globalisation and easy access to travel, its now possible for many of us to see the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations, and it’s a privilege I encourage any to take.
Expectations
Although a privilege, travel isn’t always – for want of a better phrase – plain sailing. Exhausting long haul flights, draining delays in airports, uncomfortable bus journeys, jostling the crowds, or avoiding the pickpockets and touts can make a trip memorable for the wrong reasons. As can stifling heat, bedbug-ridden beds, food poisoning, getting sick, injured or lost. There’s potential for things going not as planned, or badly wrong.
Travel is not for everyone. It’s not as carefree as one might imagine, and it is wise to have awareness of your own wants and limitations before heading off. Speaking to family, friends, or anyone you know who’s been away is a good place to start, to get an idea of what options there are and what you might enjoy.
Ultimately, though, you will decide why you want to travel and what you take away from your adventures. How you approach your trips, and whether you decide to go back for more, is up to you. At the very least, you should have some interesting stories to share when, or if, you go back home.