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• THE BIG IDEA

Why travel should be considered an essential human activity

Travel is not rational, but it’s in our genes. Here’s why you should start planning a trip now.

In 1961, legendary National Geographic photographer Volkmar Wentzel captured two women gazing at the surf off Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. This and all the other images in this story come from the National Geographic image collection.

I’ve been putting my passport to good use lately. I use it as a coaster and to level wobbly table legs. It makes an excellent cat toy.

Welcome to the pandemic of disappointments. Canceled trips, or ones never planned lest they be canceled. Family reunions, study-abroad years, lazy beach vacations. Poof. Gone. Obliterated by a tiny virus, and the long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome.

Only a third of Americans say they have traveled overnight for leisure since March, and only slightly more, 38 percent, say they are likely to do so by the end of the year, according to one report. Only a quarter of us plan on leaving home for Thanksgiving, typically the busiest travel time. The numbers paint a grim picture of our stilled lives.

It is not natural for us to be this sedentary. Travel is in our genes. For most of the time our species has existed, “we’ve lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers moving about in small bands of 150 or fewer people,” writes Christopher Ryan in Civilized to Death . This nomadic life was no accident. It was useful. “Moving to a neighboring band is always an option to avoid brewing conflict or just for a change in social scenery,” says Ryan. Robert Louis Stevenson put it more succinctly: “The great affair is to move.”

What if we can’t move, though? What if we’re unable to hunt or gather? What’s a traveler to do? There are many ways to answer that question. “Despair,” though, is not one of them.

In this aerial view from 1967, wall-to-wall seaside sunbathers relax under umbrellas or on beach towels in Ocean City, Maryland .

A 1967 fall festival in Guadalajara, Mexico , starred traditionally costumed musicians and dancers.

We are an adaptive species. We can tolerate brief periods of forced sedentariness. A dash of self-delusion helps. We’re not grounded, we tell ourselves. We’re merely between trips, like the unemployed salesman in between opportunities. We pass the days thumbing though old travel journals and Instagram feeds. We gaze at souvenirs. All this helps. For a while.

We put on brave faces. “Staycation Nation,” the cover of the current issue of Canadian Traveller magazine declares cheerfully, as if it were a choice, not a consolation.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association, the industry trade organization, is launching a national recovery campaign called “ Let’s Go There .” Backed by a coalition of businesses related to tourism—hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines—the initiative’s goal is to encourage Americans to turn idle wanderlust into actual itineraries.

The travel industry is hurting. So are travelers. “I dwelled so much on my disappointment that it almost physically hurt,” Paris -based journalist Joelle Diderich told me recently, after canceling five trips last spring.

(Related: How hard has the coronavirus hit the travel industry? These charts tell us.)

My friend James Hopkins is a Buddhist living in Kathmandu . You’d think he’d thrive during the lockdown, a sort-of mandatory meditation retreat. For a while he did.

But during a recent Skype call, James looked haggard and dejected. He was growing restless, he confessed, and longed “for the old 10-countries-a-year schedule.” Nothing seemed to help, he told me. “No matter how many candles I lit, or how much incense I burned, and in spite of living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, I just couldn’t change my habits.”

When we ended our call, I felt relieved, my grumpiness validated. It’s not me; it’s the pandemic. But I also worried. If a Buddhist in Kathmandu is going nuts, what hope do the rest of us stilled souls have?

I think hope lies in the very nature of travel. Travel entails wishful thinking. It demands a leap of faith, and of imagination, to board a plane for some faraway land, hoping, wishing, for a taste of the ineffable. Travel is one of the few activities we engage in not knowing the outcome and reveling in that uncertainty. Nothing is more forgettable than the trip that goes exactly as planned.

Related: Vintage photos of the glamour of travel

Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. Yet we do.

That’s one reason why I’m bullish on travel’s future. In fact, I’d argue travel is an essential industry, an essential activity. It’s not essential the way hospitals and grocery stores are essential. Travel is essential the way books and hugs are essential. Food for the soul. Right now, we’re between courses, savoring where we’ve been, anticipating where we’ll go. Maybe it’s Zanzibar and maybe it’s the campground down the road that you’ve always wanted to visit.

(Related: Going camping this fall? Here’s how to get started.)

James Oglethorpe, a seasoned traveler, is happy to sit still for a while, and gaze at “the slow change of light and clouds on the Blue Ridge Mountains” in Virginia, where he lives. “My mind can take me the rest of the way around this world and beyond it.”

It’s not the place that is special but what we bring to it and, crucially, how we interact with it. Travel is not about the destination, or the journey. It is about stumbling across “a new way of looking at things,” as writer Henry Miller observed. We need not travel far to gain a fresh perspective.

No one knew this better than Henry David Thoreau , who lived nearly all of his too-short life in Concord, Massachusetts. There he observed Walden Pond from every conceivable vantage point: from a hilltop, on its shores, underwater. Sometimes he’d even bend over and peer through his legs, marveling at the inverted world. “From the right point of view, every storm and every drop in it is a rainbow,” he wrote.

Thoreau never tired of gazing at his beloved pond, nor have we outgrown the quiet beauty of our frumpy, analog world. If anything, the pandemic has rekindled our affection for it. We’ve seen what an atomized, digital existence looks like, and we (most of us anyway) don’t care for it. The bleachers at Chicago ’s Wrigley Field; the orchestra section at New York City ’s Lincoln Center; the alleyways of Tokyo . We miss these places. We are creatures of place, and always will be.

After the attacks of September 11, many predicted the end of air travel, or at least a dramatic reduction. Yet the airlines rebounded steadily and by 2017 flew a record four billion passengers. Briefly deprived of the miracle of flight, we appreciated it more and today tolerate the inconvenience of body scans and pat-downs for the privilege of transporting our flesh-and-bone selves to far-flung locations, where we break bread with other incarnate beings.

Landscape architects work in their Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , studio in 1955.

A tourist photographs a towering century plant in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1956.

In our rush to return to the world, we should be mindful of the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Now is the time to embrace the fundamental values of sustainable tourism and let them guide your future journeys. Go off the beaten path. Linger longer in destinations. Travel in the off-season. Connect with communities and spend your money in ways that support locals. Consider purchasing carbon offsets. And remember that the whole point of getting out there is to embrace the differences that make the world so colorful.

“One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view,” says Pauline Frommer, travel expert and radio host.

So go ahead and plan that trip. It’s good for you, scientists say . Plotting a trip is nearly as enjoyable as actually taking one. Merely thinking about a pleasurable experience is itself pleasurable. Anticipation is its own reward.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the frisson of anticipatory travel. My wife, not usually a fan of travel photography, now spends hours on Instagram, gazing longingly at photos of Alpine lodges and Balinese rice fields. “What’s going on?” I asked one day. “They’re just absolutely captivating,” she replied. “They make me remember that there is a big, beautiful world out there.”

Many of us, myself included, have taken travel for granted. We grew lazy and entitled, and that is never good. Tom Swick, a friend and travel writer, tells me he used to view travel as a given. Now, he says, “I look forward to experiencing it as a gift.”

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7 Personal Benefits of Travel

Forget milling around in your finest evening wear, Singapore Sling in hand: You'll be lucky to get peanuts. Flying isn't quite the party it was in Sinatra's days, and lots of time, energy, and money are expended to leave home, so why travel? How long do the  personal benefits of travel last?

Getting away from home and stepping outside of your usual routine is beneficial for both mind and body. The long-lasting personal benefits of visiting a foreign country far outweigh the costs and time to get there.

The great travel writer Pico Lyer said: "Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits." Here are seven ways that travel, especially  international travel, will enhance your life.

Travel Sharpens the Mind

You've done your old routine for so many years that you could run through it on autopilot. Being dropped into a new environment engages a dormant part of your mind and gets those synapses firing again.

Suddenly, you'll be required to navigate unfamiliar places, read foreign languages , try new things, make quick decisions, and choose your new eating and sleeping schedule.

Unlike at home, all the new sights, sounds, and places will require mental processing and filing. Your brain will welcome the workout! Once you return home, you'll be sharper than ever for better organizing and sprucing up your daily routine.

A Shift in Perspective

"Nobody comes back from a journey the way they started it." — Unknown

Being exposed to new cultures and people will greatly shift your paradigm and create a healthier perspective once you return back home. Seeing different social classes creates compassion and really makes you feel more blessed and content. Large portions of the world's population have to deal with daily threats such as hunger, disease , and landmines .

A hard day at work suddenly doesn't seem so bad when you see people in developing countries toiling in sun-scorched fields from morning to dark, or begging for a drink of water.

A Chance to Try New Things

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

While you may branch out at home from time to time by trying new restaurants or splurging on expenditures, traveling kicks you out of the comfort zone and forces you, for better or worse, to try new things!

Even if you don't enjoy your first attempt at scuba diving , at least you'll be able to relate in a new way the next time you see it in a movie or hear someone talking about it.

Becoming a well-rounded individual enhances self-confidence and will help you find new material for conversation in social settings with a wider variety of people.

Who knows, you may accidentally discover your new favorite food or find out that you want to pursue a new career in karaoke!

Meet New People

"A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles." — Tim Cahill

You'll meet far more friendly people on the road than you will under ordinary circumstances at home.

Other travelers are always looking to share experiences, give tips on places to go, and meet people from all over. Striking up a conversation with other travelers is extraordinarily easy.

A polite "so where are you from?" breaks the ice quite easily and may lead to lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

See the Real Deal

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." — Aldous Huxley

Until you visit a place and form your own opinions, your understanding only comes from what you were taught in school, read in books, or saw on media, which may or may not be a complete truth.

Don't over-research your upcoming destination in guidebooks. Do your best to avoid building a bias toward a place or installing mental filters before you visit. Wait to form your own opinion, remaining objective until you can make up your own mind.

Exercise and Sunshine

Sure, you could just go sweat in the gym under fluorescent lighting, but chances are that you'll be much more active from day to day while on the road, regardless of whether your trip is an adventurous one or simply a relaxing beach trip .

You could be exploring new cities on foot, hiking , swimming, walking between places, and hopefully soaking up some needed sunshine while doing so. And it's guaranteed to smell better than the gym.

Come Home Renewed

After stepping away from home for a while, you'll return with renewed energy, a new set of mental filters, and ready to take on the next big project or challenge. Call it a life reboot.

Getting away for some time, even though it requires effort, will greatly enhance your attitude and productivity once you return home. Sure, you may have some mail piled up and matters to attend, but those are simple challenges easily knocked out.

Breaking up the monotony for a while is a great way to reduce stress and give your life an injection of excitement. Don't be surprised if shortly after your return, you're already counting down days until the next trip!

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5 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Traveling Abroad

When was the last time you traveled abroad? Traveling for business is one thing, but I’m talking about packing your bags, logging out of your email account and disconnecting from your normal routine for a week or more.

Traveling the world isn’t just fun and exciting; there’s ample research to suggest it’s highly beneficial for your physical, mental and emotional health as well.

Check Out These Five Proven Benefits

Americans may say they like to travel, but most don’t venture abroad very often. According to a study published in the Hostelworld Global Traveler Report, Americans are half as likely as Europeans to go abroad and visit more than one country.

The average resident of the UK has visited 10 countries, Germans have seen eight, and the French traveled to five nations on average. But Americans? They tend to visit just three. In fact, 29 percent of American adults have never been abroad!

When citizens of the U.S. do move past the border, most visit Canada or Mexico. Affordability is evidently a big factor — about 71 percent of Americans say it’s too expensive to leave the country — but that’s hardly the whole story.

Given what all the travel and deal sites have to offer today, you can travel abroad without ransacking your piggy bank. Perhaps many Americans don’t grasp the benefits of traveling abroad — and there are many!

Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the health benefits that researchers have explored and verified scientifically.

1. Travel Makes You Healthier

According to a joint study from the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association, traveling actually keeps you healthier . The study found that women who vacation at least twice a year show a significantly lower risk of suffering a heart attack than those who only travel every six years or so.

The same is true for men. Men who do not take an annual vacation show a 20 percent higher risk of death and 30 percent greater risk of heart disease.

2. Travel Relieves Stress

Although missing a connecting flight or losing baggage in a foreign airport is sure to boost your anxiety, traveling has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels, and rather dramatically.

RELATED: Try These Simple 1-minute Meditations to Calm Your Mind

According to one study , three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood. Interestingly, these benefits tend to linger for weeks after the trip has ended.

3. Travel Enhances Your Creativity

“Foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought, the ability to make deep connections between disparate forms,” explains Adam Galinsky , a professor at Columbia Business School who has authored a number of studies that investigate the concrete links between creativity and international travel.

Travel alone isn’t enough, however. Galinsky has found that international travelers have to be purposeful about engaging.

RELATED: 7 Creative Pep Talks to Get You Through the Work Week

“The key, critical process is multicultural engagement, immersion and adaptation,” he continues. “Someone who lives abroad and doesn’t engage with the local culture will likely get less of a creative boost than someone who travels abroad and really engages in the local environment.”

4. Travel Boosts Happiness and Satisfaction

Most people tend to be happier when they’re traveling and don’t have to worry about work, of course. However, one of the more interesting takeaways from a Cornell University study is that people also experience a direct increase in happiness from just planning a trip.

Three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood.

The study found that the anticipation of taking a vacation is far greater than the anticipation of acquiring a physical possession. Thus, the benefits of traveling abroad begin well before the trip does.

5. Travel Lowers the Risk of Depression

While people tend to avoid the subject in our society, depression is unfortunately a major problem. Millions of Americans struggle with depression on a regular basis and it’s not uncommon for doctors to overprescribe medication for depression.

Luckily, healthier alternatives are available for escaping the hopelessness of a depressed state. According to research, travel may be one of them.

A study from the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin found that women who vacation at least twice a year are less likely to suffer from depression and chronic stress than women who vacation less than once every two years.

Where Will Your Travels Take You This Year?

So there are clear, scientifically-backed health benefits of traveling the world. Mentally, physically and emotionally, you can gain a lot from packing your bags and visiting places you’ve never been.

But where will you go? Thousands of places across the world are worth visiting. Here are a few that should be on your radar:

• London, England. London is a must-visit city. If you’re new to international travel and want to get your feet wet, there’s probably no better destination. Not only is there a lot to do in London , but it’s cheap and easy to get to from most major U.S. cities. There’s also no language barrier, which is a bonus for people who get nervous about that.
• Cape Town, South Africa. The beauty of Cape Town is astonishing. Not only is the landscape unique, but there’s wildlife galore, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhino). There’s much to see ; whether you prefer a fast pace or slow and easy, there’s an itinerary for you.
• Lucerne, Switzerland. If you’ve never been to Switzerland, Lucerne is a fantastic first city to experience. Conveniently near to the Zurich airport, the town is compact, yet lively. Not only are there lots of attractions in the city , but you can enjoy an array of hiking trails just outside of town.
• Auckland, New Zealand. Whether you want to kayak to a volcano, abseil down a waterfall, swim with sharks, or tackle challenging trails on a mountain bike, Auckland has everything an adventure lover could ask for. Oh, and it’s also a city that teems with good food and entertainment.

For many, the notion of international travel isn’t as mysterious and thrilling as it used to be. In a world accessible via YouTube, Google Earth, and virtual reality, many think they’ve already seen all the world has to offer, when they’ve really only stared at a screen a few inches in front of their face.

If you want to enjoy the scientifically proven health benefits of travel abroad, you should start planning a trip. Whether you go to London, Cape Town, Lucerne, Auckland, or somewhere entirely different, boarding a plane and flying to a foreign destination where you’re equal parts excited and intimidated is great for your growth and development.

Where will you go?

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17 Reasons Why Around the World Travel is Good For You

Why travel around the world.

We’ve compiled a list of the best reasons why everyone should enrich their life with around the world travel. And while we’re at it…all these reasons can also be taken as our motivation for doing what we do at AirTreks.

1. Traveling is easier than you think.

We believe that traveling around the world shouldn’t be hard: it’s actually something everyone should be able to do at least once in their lives. Whether you choose to spend a few years or just a couple months traveling this beautiful planet, it’s important to see what’s out there. It’s up to you to make the dream come true and take the first step. Launch TripPlanner to piece together and price your ideal route. Not sure where to start?  You can always call one of our travel consultants and get some complimentary advice!

2. Travel opens your eyes.

If you’re open and willing, travel will make you an incredibly more well-rounded human being. And that’s really the goal, isn’t it? If you don’t know where to start, check out our Around the World planning guide .

3. Traveling helps you learn who you are.

All the challenges and opportunities travel lays at your feet help you discover who you are in a way that’s only possible on the road.

4. Travel creates meaningful relationships

People you meet while on the road become some of the most valued names on your contact list. They become places on the map to visit later on. These folks give you a glimpse outside your hometown circle of friends, and force you to take in new and refreshing perspectives, and ultimately realize that everyone is the same.

5. Traveling develops skills you didn’t know you had

Sometimes it’s only far from home that you realize you you’ve got skills you’ve never used. It’s travel that brings them to the surface and makes you smile, satisfied to have reached the mountain top, or  crossed a gorge  or helped a villager clean up after a storm, or even to have successfully ordered a meal at a rural Chinese restaurant.

6. Travel helps you learn new languages

There’s something satisfying about being able to throw around a few words of Greek, knowing how to say thanks in Thai, pulling out that long dormant Spanish to book a room in Santiago, or simply hearing a language you didn’t know existed just a few weeks before.

7. Travel means adventure

Zip-lining over the jungle canopy in Peru, successfully navigating the maze-like streets of Venice, bartering for the best price in the traditional markets of Marrakech, taking a speedboat ride in New Zealand, or hopping in a Land Rover and heading out to watch animals grazing  in Tanzania: these are adventures worth having. People are hardwired for the excitement of adventure and travel may just be the best way to tap into it.

8. Traveling gives you perspective

Meeting people from other cultures will teach you that the way you’ve been looking at the world isn’t the way everybody else does. In fact, your point-of-view might have some major blind spots. Seeing the world for yourself will improve your vision and your grip on reality.

9. Travel helps you move forward

If you’re between jobs, schools, kids, or relationships, around the world travel can be a perfect way to move from one of these life stages into your next great adventure. A big trip won’t just ease your transition into the next stage of your life , it’ll give you a chance to reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and where you want to end up.

10. Travel is education

Seeing the world provides an education that’s absolutely impossible get in school. Travel teaches you economy, politics, history, geography, and sociology in an intense, hands-on way no class will.  Fortunately, the school of travel is always taking applications , no entrance exam required.

11. Travel challenges you

Getting your daily latte at the same place and staring at your screen at your nine-to-five every day not nearly interesting enough? Even if you choose to work on the road (and keep staring at the screen), you’ll have to find a new place to drink your latte, and depending on your destination, finding coffee, and foamy milk or a good place to sip them could prove to be a sizeable challenge. Travel is full of moments of joy and challenges. Overcoming the challenges gives you some of the greatest joys of all.

12. Travel shakes things up

It sucks to be stuck in a rut. Everyone knows what that’s like. A big trip can be your perfect solution. Fly around the world, stopping over in all of the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Go ahead and plan your ideal route around the world  (it’s easier than you think!)

13. Traveling proves that dreams do come true

You imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what? It can be done. Around the world travel is possible, you just have to decide you’re willing to take the first step and start planning your itinerary.  What are you waiting for? We’ve put together some specials to inspire you to live your dream .

14. Travel gives you cool stories

Let’s face it. Even for folks who can’t tell a story, just the words “last year in Mongolia” get you instant party points.  Even when events seem trivial, nostalgia and distance create an irresistible spin that makes mundane things like getting your laundry done in Zanzibar, entertaining. Just don’t be that person and overdo it!

15. Travel is literally food for thought.

You’ll be constantly surprised at the flavors the world has to offer.  The way people in other cultures and countries prepare food, and break bread together (not that all cultures even eat bread) will astound you.

16. Travel gives you a sense of accomplishment

If you’re the kind of person that dreams big, you’re probably one to reach for new challenges. Finishing a trip gives you the satisfaction that you were able make a goal to travel and  accomplish what you set out to do–see the world.

17. Traveling for the hell of it

Why travel? Because you can. Because you want to. Because it beats the alternative (staying home). Why not  pick up your tickets and get the ball rolling!

Build Your Trip

33 Meaningful Reasons Why People LOVE to Travel

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here .

“Do you like to travel?”

This is a question I’ve been asked so many times in my life.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with seeing the world. In high school, I joined all of the clubs that had travel opportunities to out-of-state conferences.

In college, I studied abroad four times – and planned solo trips and trips with friends in between!

You could say that I LOVE to travel – it’s also one of the reasons I created this blog! Traveling is in my blood, and I have two major missions in life: 1. see as much of the world as possible, and 2. inspire others to do the same!

There’s even a word for people like me. I’m a hodophil e , which means “one who loves to travel.”

I could talk all day long about why I love traveling and the fulfillment that traveling has brought to my life. And there are tons of other travelers out there that feel the same as me!

To put together this ultimate list of reasons why people love to travel, I worked with some fellow travel addicts to tell stories of what travel means to us.

You’ll find stories of personal growth, checking off bucket list experiences, and learning new things – all thanks to travel.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling the world for yourself, or are just wondering about how traveling can change your life, keep reading for personal stories of why people love to travel!

Table of Contents

1. Travel helps you check things off your bucket list.

Written by Sydney from A World in Reach

Growing up in a small, rural town, I dreamed of one day flying across the ocean, visiting world-class cities, and seeing the landmarks I had only seen on TV in real life.

I had always found Stonehenge and its history to be so fascinating, and I thought that climbing the Great Wall of China would be one of the coolest things anyone could do.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris sparkle at night was something I often dreamed about, as was walking through the hectic streets of Tokyo.

At the time, all of these experiences seemed like a pipe dream. How would I ever be able to afford to visit such faraway places?

But now, thanks to the gift of travel, I’ve been able to check all of these things and more off of my bucket list. And thanks to learning how to travel on a budget, I’ve been doing it cheaply while still maximizing my experiences.

Today, my bucket list is never-ending – each time I check something off, something new gets added. I’m still dreaming of seeing the Pyramids of Giza, going on a South African safari, and eating my way through Mexico City.

I wake up each day thankful for the experiences I’ve been given, and I look forward each day to checking the next thing off my bucket list.

2. Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone.

One of the things I love most about traveling is that it gets me out of my comfort zone.

To me, travel is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in the world. Hopping off a plane and being in a completely new environment is a feeling unlike any other.

When I get stuck in my day-to-day routine, I crave the excitement (and sometimes, chaos) of a travel day.

Traveling forces you to do something difficult – you might have to navigate a city with a language barrier, get accustomed to cultural norms totally different from your own, or figure out how to get a spare key to your accommodation when you got locked out of your Airbnb late at night with a dying phone battery (if you’re wondering why that’s so specific, it’s because it was easily my most stressful travel experience to date!).

Thanks to travel allowing me to get out of my comfort zone, I’ve improved my critical thinking and decision-making skills. I’ve also become a more empathetic person, and striking up conversations with strangers doesn’t seem so intimidating since I do it regularly when traveling.

Travel is an incredible way to broaden your horizons and expand your worldview. It challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, confront your fears and insecurities, and connect with others.

If you’re ever yearning for an escape from the routine, start planning a trip.

3. Travel lets you try new foods.

I travel for a lot of reasons – seeing iconic landmarks in person, learning something new at museums and historical sites, and meeting new people from different walks of life.

One of my favorite things about travel though is all of the different food!

I’ve always been a foodie, and traveling has opened me up to so many unique dishes and cuisines that I can’t get at home.

Some of my fondest travel memories include eating my way through Ueno Market (one of the best things to do in Tokyo ), trying cuy (guinea pig) in Ecuador, and taking a Hawaiian cooking class in Oahu.

When I’m planning a trip, I always keep a list of foods to try and the best restaurants to visit. I also love taking local cooking classes so that I can learn how to make the dishes at home!

One of the #1 pieces of travel advice I always give others is to always try a new food , even if it’s something out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might end up with a new favorite!

4. Travel lets you escape everyday life and discover yourself.

Written by Kristin from Tiny Footsteps Travel

Traveling helps you discover not only new places but yourself.

Having grown up in a small town that I never left where I faced bullying at school, it was hard to imagine life outside of my reality.

At 12 years old, I got on a plane for the first time, to visit family in Sweden. This was my first taste of international travel, and it taught me more than just that there are beautiful, breathtaking landscapes abroad.

In meeting my extended family members, I learned that life could look different from how I grew up. Travel became my passion that fired my spirit, and became the dream at the end of the tunnel whenever I faced hard days.

I pursued traveling in my teens and early 20s. I traveled back to Sweden and also lived abroad in France, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, and Australia.

Overseas in far-off countries, it didn’t matter whether I was popular in school or not. I got to meet people as a whole new person and discover what I liked and who I really was.

I empowered myself by doing adventurous things, like skydiving on the beach in Australia.

Now as an adult, I love to give the gift of travel to my own two children. Our most recent family trip was to Costa Rica , which is the perfect destination with kids, a partner, or on your own.

5. When you travel, you get to learn about other cultures.

Written by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling

One of the main reasons why I love traveling is learning about other cultures. Although you can read books, watch documentaries or hear other travelers’ stories, nothing is better than experiencing the culture yourself.

Each destination I’ve visited has taught me something about a culture, but Mexico stands out for me. Despite Spanish being my first language, Mexican Spanish and culture are very different from Spain’s.

Visiting places like Chichen Itza and eating at local restaurants inspired me to cook more Mexican foods at home, learn more about its gastronomy, and made me curious about their traditions.

I also love that you can take new habits and traditions from other countries. Having traveled and lived in the UK , I adopted new habits like drinking tea and using words and expressions from regions like Yorkshire.

6. Traveling allows you to meet new, interesting people.

Written by Tammi from Wander Healthy

Traveling is a fantastic way to meet new and interesting people, especially for first-time travelers.

It puts you outside of your usual routine, providing opportunities to interact with people who share unique insights and experiences about the places you’re visiting. This is an easy and awesome way to learn about different cultures and customs.

Whether it’s chance encounters or shared experiences, you’re likely to interact with others every time you turn around.

It could be striking up a conversation on a train, meeting someone in a coffee shop, or attending a local event, but the possibilities for meeting new people are endless.

Staying in hostels or going on tours, my personal favorites, have a way of leading to conversations and lifelong connections with friends you wouldn’t have met otherwise.

Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or taking a road trip across the United States, you’re likely to meet people with interests and hobbies similar to yours, and your community builds naturally.

Traveling is the only thing that does this so effortlessly, letting you meet new and interesting people from all walks of life and create memories for a lifetime.

7. Traveling lets you see unique landscapes unlike any you’ve seen before.

Written by Sierra from Your Guide to Wandering

Traveling has allowed me to see landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

There are many places on earth that, without protection, would have disappeared with time. I’m grateful for our protected lands and historic monuments to allow me to experience nature and history from a first-hand perspective.

The ability to see fossils along my hikes in Moab, Utah, bike along 75-foot sand dunes in Cape Cod , or stroll the grounds of 12th-century castles in Portugal is invaluable.

Travel allows every day to be a different story and a different adventure. I don’t have to read about history or natural wonders just in books – I can experience them in real life.

Traveling to unique landscapes sparks our curiosity and childlike wonder. How were humans able to build the Roman Empire in ancient days with the most primitive of tools? How were the caves in Carlsbad, New Mexico formed over millions of years by just wind and water?

Travel constantly inspires me and keeps me exploring the bounds of history, science, and nature. What a privilege we get to travel and see such unique historical and natural places on Earth.

8. Travel helps you see things from a new perspective.

Written by Jo from World Wild Schooling

One of the things that I love most about traveling is the ability to see things from a new perspective.

Whether it’s a different culture, a new environment, or simply a change of scenery, traveling has a way of opening up your eyes to the world around you.

When we’re stuck in our daily routines and familiar surroundings, it’s easy to become complacent and forget about the wider world.

Traveling helps to break us out of this bubble and expose us to new ways of thinking and living. It allows us to see how people in other parts of the world approach life, work, and relationships.

For example, I was surprised to find out that in Phuket, Thailand, buses have no glass in the windows due to the consistently warm climate. This may seem like a small detail, but it highlights the unique ways that different cultures adapt to their surroundings.

Similarly, my jaw dropped when I first visited Brussels, Belgium , and saw that all signs are bilingual, even the subtitles in cinemas (yes, this means 4 lines of text!). This reflects the country’s complex linguistic history and the ongoing efforts to maintain both French and Dutch as official languages.

9. Travel can make you feel alive.

Written by Michele from Adventures Abound

Traveling makes simple experiences feel momentous, it sparks creativity, and it makes me come alive!

My first time going to another country was when I studied abroad in Costa Rica , and I realized that even the smallest experiences like taking a bus to a cool landmark or walking to a neighborhood festival were suddenly interesting in a new country.

I loved meeting new people, learning about the culture and the language, and traveling around to see beautiful nature in Costa Rica. Even just taking a bus to go visit a coffee farm felt like the most fun adventure.

Once I went on that trip, I was bitten by the travel bug as they say.

I started seeking out ways to feel like I was exploring and that often meant getting out around where I lived.

It’s so fun to explore little towns, peruse around farmer’s markets and shop with local vendors with the lens that I am traveling like I would if I were further from home.

10. Traveling allows you to see art in the world’s best museums.

Written by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones

One of the reasons that I love to travel is that it gives me the opportunity to visit world-class art museums and spend time looking at fabulous pieces of art up close.

It’s quite a special way to experience art when you can look at a statue from different angles to note and admire all of the fine details.

If you can, always walk around a sculpture to view it from all sides. You just can’t appreciate it in the same way from a photo.

In some museums, the way that the art is displayed improves the viewing experience. In the Musée de l’Orangerie (one of my favorite Paris attractions ), Monet’s Water Lilies paintings are displayed in a unique oval room for an immersive panoramic viewing experience.

Visiting museums is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. And it’s also a great option for a rainy day!

11. Traveling strengthens friendship bonds.

Written by Kristin from Global Travel Escapades

One of the biggest reasons why I love to travel is because it allows me to strengthen the bonds I share with friends.

My friends and I traveled together right after graduating from university.

Although we somewhat knew each other before going on the trip, we didn’t really know each other!

But on this trip, we spent over a week laughing our butts off, dealing with stressful situations, and generally going on all kinds of crazy adventures around French Polynesia together.

There was no shortage of mistakes during this intense period, but we all came out on the other side for the better!

Fast forward almost two years later, and we all still speak so fondly of that time together. In addition, we went from mere acquaintances to the best of friends.

So, for me, I love traveling because it helps strengthen the friendships and relationships I have with others!

12. Travel helps you learn about history and its impact on places you visit.

Written by Diana from Travels in Poland

Traveling has always been my passion, but when you visit a place where you really feel something you can’t explain, it can transform your perspective on travel.

This happened to me when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau .

My family is Polish and my grandmother, who was there with me, couldn’t get herself to enter the camp fully for several hours. She lived through the occupation and knew people shipped off to the camp. I realized how deeply this impacted me when I visited.

I’ve long been captivated by the way events shape societies, leaving indelible marks on the fabric of their being.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Auschwitz, I felt the weight of the past heavy on my shoulders.

My grandmother’s eyes, glistening with unshed tears, told a thousand stories. This was where she lost family and friends, their lives snuffed out by the unimaginable cruelty of the Holocaust.

It was in walking onto these grounds that I grasped the true power of travel: the ability to connect with the past, witness history firsthand, and gain insight into the myriad of ways it continues to shape our world.

Through this poignant journey, I found a renewed appreciation for the transformative potential of travel, and a deeper understanding of the impact places have on people. Learning not only about history, but about the way it has shaped our world, and how we can learn from it.

13. Traveling helps you find a home base.

Written by Mal from Where To Stay Bali

Traveling was always my passion, but since I quit my career in finance and my conventional life in my home country, traveling has a whole new meaning for me.

Slow travel has become my way of life and a search for somewhere I can one day settle.

Since the beginning of my digital nomad life, I’ve lived part-time in Greece, Albania, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

I loved each of these places for different reasons – for their weather, culture, food, and people.

But, there has been one place that felt different to me, more special, a place that I want to keep coming back to. I found a place in Bali , which is now my second home.

If you keep an open mind during your travels, you may also find a place like that – a second home that can change your life!

14. Travel gives you the chance to study and learn in a new culture.

Written by Amber from Amber Everywhere

I love to travel because it allows me to experience new cultures and ways of living.

In particular, I had wonderful experiences studying abroad when I was in college because it gave me a chance to learn and live in a new place.

I stayed with a host family during my first two trips abroad, once in Guatemala and again in Jordan.

Living with a local family gave me a chance to experience the culture, try different foods, and see entirely different parts of those cities that I would’ve otherwise found.

Studying abroad also gave me a chance to travel slowly, and I stayed in each place long enough to have a favorite restaurant or route to take to school.

There were smaller cultural nuances that I learned, either because they were explained to me by locals or because I just picked them up as I went.

15. Travel teaches self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Written by Chelsea from A Wandering Redhead

I want to personally thank travel for the self-love and self-acceptance that it has taught me. 

Pre-travel, I was shy, people-pleasing, and disbelieving if someone called me pretty. 

Post-travel, I am confident, I love my body and what it can do for me, and I’m overall more radiant and bubbly. 

Without travel, I may have never started my self-love journey and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. 

I love the progress that I have made and believe that everyone should solo travel at some point in their life.

16. Traveling fulfills childhood dreams.

Written by Colleen from Then We Walked

As a girl, I would watch Whicker’s World on our black-and-white TV.

Every week, Alan Whicker would appear on screen like a traveling James Bond, complete with his very correct English accent, and transport me to a new exotic corner of the globe.

I was enthralled. It lit a flame. I wanted to explore, too. I dreamed of Table Mountain, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Sphinx, the Parthenon, Hal Long Bay, and the Cook Islands.

But ordinary people didn’t travel in the 1960s, and I was a child.  I started work, married, bought a house, and had a family. Inside, I still dreamed.

We traveled a little, ticking off some of my bucket list, but last year, our children had flown the nest and we retired.  Now, we’re traveling and exploring in earnest!

I’ve waited half a lifetime to go exploring and I’m beyond excited about our plans.

My advice to the girl who watched the TV: don’t wait.

17. Traveling allows you to connect with nature.

Written by Taryn from Happiest Outdoors

One of my favorite things about traveling is connecting with nature.

I love the simplicity of hiking and wilderness camping because it removes all the chaos and distractions of everyday life. It’s just me and the mountains.

It’s also a great way to understand the local ecology. I find it fascinating to learn about the way glaciers and volcanoes work or what unique animal species live in the area.

Instead of just looking at a spectacular view, I can understand the way the landscape came to be, and that deepens my relationship with the place.

Spending time traveling in nature has also been pivotal in my life.

Back in 2019, I had some time to think while hiking the 65-kilometer Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia . The trek made me realize that it was the right time to leave my 9-5 job and write full-time.

Since then I’ve expanded my outdoor adventure website, written a hiking guidebook, and moved to a small mountain town so I can hike every day. 

18. Travel increases feelings of gratitude.

Written by Kristin from World on Wheels Blog

One of the reasons I love to travel is that it makes me more grateful.

When you are constantly in the same country or even environment, it’s easy to take things for granted.

As a traveler who uses a wheelchair and lives in the United States, it’s easy to forget that not all countries have ADA laws that guarantee access.

When I travel to places like South America, I am reminded how little things like curb cuts make a huge difference in how hard or easy it is to navigate a town. I can’t help but feel sad for the people with disabilities that actually live there.

Aside from reminders about how lucky I am to live in a country that encourages accessibility for all, I also feel a sense of gratitude that I’m able to explore the world and witness some of the immense beauty it has to offer.

There’s something incredibly special about seeing the power of Iguazu Falls and realizing how small you are in this massive world of ours. It’s a feeling and experience that photography just cannot seem to capture.

Travel is important for so many reasons, but helping to feel more gratitude is one of the things that I love the most.

19. Travel humbles you.

Written by Milijana from World Travel Connector

Gustave Flaubert, a literary genius and a wise man, once noted: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

And indeed, it is one of many lessons that traveling teaches you. Traveling puts you into a broader perspective of time, place, and the universe.

Visiting fascinating archeological sites like Petra in Jordan, Angor Wat in Cambodia, Giza in Egypt, and Pompeii in Italy made me see what a tiny place I occupy in today’s world and question the knowledge of contemporary times. It made me think.

Meeting other cultures while traveling showed me how oblivious I could be to other customs and traditions and how much there is always left to learn.

Traveling made me aware of the prejudices that I thought never existed. Travel shamed me. However, it also taught me the importance of being always open to learning while keeping the ego in check. 

I found it especially rewarding to hike Camino de Santiago in Spain. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walked the trail before me. The Camino reminded me of the importance of modesty, effort, perseverance, and purpose. And, most importantly, what a tiny place I occupy in the world.

So, if you like meaningful travels, prepare your  Camino de Santiago packing list and walk the Camino. Let the Camino teach you valuable life lessons! 

20. Traveling helps you de-stress and recharge.

Written by Paulina from UK Everyday

Traveling is an excellent way to de-stress and recharge.

Discovering new places can allow you to reconnect with yourself. It can also help reduce stress levels by providing a change of scenery and an escape from the mundane routines of everyday life.

Traveling can also provide people with a sense of freedom from their work-related responsibilities, allowing them to relax surrounded by natural landscapes.

Exploring some of the best beaches in Wales can be a great way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Additionally, traveling can help boost creativity, as it encourages new ideas and perspectives. This can help spark creativity by introducing fresh ideas that you might not have otherwise thought of when stressed.

For these reasons, traveling is great to help de-stress and recharge.

Furthermore, travel also provides a break from your daily routine, allowing you to step away from your comfort zone and explore the unknown without worrying about your daily problems.

21. Travel lets you connect with other cultures through the arts.

Written by Dawn from Culture Feasting

If you consider yourself an artistic person, know that traveling can be a total game-changer.

As a creative person myself, I’ve found that exploring new destinations has the power to expand my spirit and give me all sorts of new artistic opportunities.

Over the years I have come to crave the stimulation of experiencing different cultures and their unique art forms.

From visiting local museums to catching a traditional dance performance, there are so many ways to connect with the arts while on vacation.

It’s not just about admiring pretty paintings or sculptures, either. It’s about immersing yourself in a foreign environment and gaining a whole new perspective on the world.

I’ve found that this can really inspire me to incorporate new artistic elements into my own creative projects.

So next time you’re planning a trip, consider how it could enhance your love for the arts and help you connect with other cultures on a deeper level.

22. Travel gives you a change of scenery.

Written by Tina from Veganderlust

I grew up in a small village in Austria, a country with beautiful lakes and mountains, but also a landlocked country.

The best part about traveling is the change of scenery. My favorite places to go to are cities next to the ocean, which is a completely different scenery from landlocked Austria.

There’s nothing better on your holiday than exploring a city and then relaxing at the beach.

That’s why I really loved my last trip to Barcelona . There’s so much culture and history to discover in this city, and afterward, you can go swimming in the sea.

By visiting different places with a change of scenery, you also develop a new appreciation for your own home scenery – one of the many positive side effects of traveling.

As much as I love traveling to coastal destinations, I always love seeing the mountains when I come back home.

23. Travel can strengthen your romantic relationships.

Written by Amy & Liam from Plain2Plane

There are so many wonderful reasons to travel.

If you’re in a relationship then there is nothing better than sharing experiences with your significant other.

Imagine waking up in Egypt with your partner, ready to go out for the day. You are going parasailing together, enjoying cocktails, quad biking – the list really is endless. You get to enjoy all of this with someone that you love and care about.

Traveling can be challenging at times and you have to make many different, sometimes difficult, decisions.

You have the luxury to share these moments together and form a closer relationship unlike any other. This will help you create a deeper bond with your partner.

You will also be able to step out of your comfort zone and try new things together. This will ultimately bring you closer together too!

24. Travel is inspiring.

Written by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

One of the reasons I enjoy traveling is because of the many ways it inspires me.

Traveling inspires me to better myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I’m inspired physically when I’ve committed to a trip that involves physical effort. One example would be hiking the Inca Trail in Peru.

When I learned that the trail involved miles of steady incline at high altitudes I felt motivated to prepare for that physically. This resulted in healthier eating habits and weeks of exercising leading up to my trip.

I’m inspired mentally by the way traveling increases my desire to do even more of it. This usually prompts me to tighten my budget to save for my next trip.

It also helps put into perspective the things I need vs. want and how that plays into not only my budget but also my overall happiness.

Emotionally, traveling inspires me to be a better person. When I see the way people in other parts of the world live, many times with very little, I feel humbled.

I feel inclined to be more grateful for the things I have and the experiences I’m afforded. It contributes to my overall well-being when I’m reminded of how little I need to truly be happy.

There are many reasons why I love traveling; but, the way it inspires me is definitely high on the list.

25. Travel turns kids into global citizens.

Written by Brodi from Our Offbeat Life

As full-time digital nomads, my family has seen so many places and experienced so much that I never thought possible when I was younger.

My son is learning about different cultures, languages, and ways of life that he would have never been exposed to if we had stayed in one place.

Traveling as a family has allowed him to gain a greater appreciation for the world around him.

He’s able to see how people live differently in different parts of the world and understand why those differences exist.

He is also learning valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving as he navigates through unfamiliar places and situations.

Most importantly, traveling has given him the opportunity to explore his own identity as a global citizen.

He is developing an understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than himself – a global community – and how he can contribute positively to it.

26. Traveling helps you find new opportunities in life.

Written by Min from Amsterdam Travel Blog

Traveling is not just visiting new places, experiencing new cultures, and trying local food. It can mean much more than that; it allowed me to find new opportunities and has changed my life forever.

When traveling to Europe for the first time at 18 years old, I noticed how big the world was, and life was so different on the other side of the world.

Because of that, I became more motivated to embrace the world. I decided to travel and meet more people.

While traveling in Amsterdam , luckily, I met some friendly people, including international students from Paraguay and South Africa. They studied in the Netherlands with a full scholarship.

They told me that the Netherlands was their first choice since they could have more connections with people around the world quickly while studying, and easier to find a job here after graduation as a non-European.

I came from Taiwan and grew up there all my life. After working for a few years, I quit my job and studied in the Netherlands. Now, I finally moved to The Netherlands permanently on my own, and if I didn’t travel, I would not know that it was possible to move here.

I encourage you to travel more and be open to meeting new people. The world is so big – people you meet can help you see the world from a different perspective and get valuable information about your life.

27. Travel can help you create change in your own community.

Written by Annie from Your Friend the Nomad

Travel is not just about the place you visit, but the transformation you experience and how you transform your community in response.

I learned this when I spent a few months volunteering with a reconciliation organization in the Middle East.

Despite decades of violence between their communities, I saw ordinary people working together to build bridges across social divides.

As an outsider looking in, I only saw the tip of the iceberg of the challenges locals were facing—yet I could see that peacemaking was not an easy or quick task.

After a few months, I returned to the US completely changed. The framework for reconciliation that I learned abroad guided how I navigated the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, conversations about immigration, and even interpersonal conflicts.

Personal transformation is available to you as you travel whether you’re traversing war zones or relaxing on  tranquil tropical beaches . You just have to lean in and allow your biases to be broken.

28. Travel lets you see the vast landscapes of the world.

Written by Jessica from Uprooted Travel

As an outdoor adventure lover, one of the primary reasons I love to travel is to experience the vast array of landscapes the world has to offer.

This can take shape in so many different ways, from exploring the lush rainforests and rugged beaches of my own backyard in the Pacific Northwest to checking out any of the best hikes in Arches National Park in Utah, with unique sandstone fins and dramatic natural arches.

Of course, this takes me beyond my home country of the United States—there’s endless natural beauty to explore, like the turquoise waterfalls of Costa Rica , the luscious highlands of Iceland, or the sweeping grasslands of the Serengeti.

Along the way, of course, I get to enjoy all of the other aspects of travel, like trying new cuisines, befriending locals, and seeing the world through a new perspective.

But for me, getting to step foot in a uniquely stunning landscape propels me to keep traveling and seeing this big, beautiful world.

29. Travel helps you make the world a better place.

Written by Chloe from Passport Down Under

Traveling has allowed me to positively impact the world by leaving the country in a better position than when I entered it, which is what I love most about traveling.

Traveling has allowed me to give back by supporting local businesses and economies.

By choosing to buy locally-made products and using local services, I have helped to create jobs and support the growth of small businesses. This can contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Furthermore, traveling has allowed me to give back through volunteering and community service.

I have participated in activities such as clean-up projects on the beaches of Byron Bay, wildlife conservation projects in Cambodia, and teaching English to local children in Thailand.

These experiences not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs of the local people, especially in counties such as Cambodia.

Overall, traveling has allowed me to leave the world a better place by positively impacting the communities I visit.

30. Travel is great for learning a new language.

Written by Diana from Avagu Press

Learning a language is a huge reason to travel. While textbooks and classrooms might work for math and literature, learning a foreign language requires a bit of independent study and a lot of practice time.

The best way to get that practice time?

Immersion — spending hours, days, weeks, and even longer completely immersed in a foreign language, using it to live.

Unless you happen to live somewhere where multiple languages are spoken, travel is key to immersing yourself in a foreign language.

For the most effective language-learning, language-learning resources that specifically target your travel plans (like a Swahili-learning guide specifically for safari ) will help you make the most out of your experience.

Focus on communication, and don’t worry too much about mistakes.

The beautiful thing about being a novice in a foreign language is that nobody expects too much, so the pressure is off! Enjoy your trip, and enjoy your language learning.

31. Travel brings adventure.

Written by Melissa from My Beautiful Passport

One of the reasons I love to travel is for adventure and trying adventurous activities.

When traveling to new destinations, not only do you get to immerse yourself in different cultures and try new foods, but you have the chance to participate in exhilarating adventure sports that will leave you breathless.

From snorkeling with turtles to parasailing over beautiful coastlines, and volcano boarding down an active volcano, the rush of excitement is unmatched.

For adventure-seekers like myself, traveling to participate in activities like these create memories that last a lifetime.

I have chosen many of my vacation locations specifically for the fun adventure sports I can try there, and often, it is the first time I’m trying each activity.

The thrill of adventure travel is hard to beat, and the rush of excitement that comes with it is truly unforgettable.

32. Travel inspires me to write about and share my experiences.

Written by Wayne from Always On The Shore

The biggest reason that I love to travel is because it inspires me to write about places I’ve visited and my experiences, so I can motivate others to travel and do the same.

I have always liked traveling but I never had the money to travel until my mid-30s.  Once I started traveling more consistently, I fell in love with the idea of warm-weather locations, such as Florida.

Since I’m from Minnesota and half the year is snowy, cold weather, beach vacations became something that I became obsessed with. Later, that became writing about all things Florida and even the Caribbean.

I know that other people can relate and have similar reasons for wanting to get away, but maybe there’s something stopping them. Like maybe they’re too nervous to fly, which I also experienced, until I did research on flying, and learned ways to cope with flight anxiety.

The main takeaway is that if you’re passionate about seeing amazing places and the world like I am, don’t let anything stop you. If I can inspire others to do the same by sharing my experiences, then I’m happy.

33. Traveling gives me a creative outlet.

As I was growing up, I always assumed that I wasn’t creative. I couldn’t draw, didn’t play an instrument, and I certainly couldn’t sing or dance.

I always did great in English class, but I never enjoyed the creative writing assignments. Coming up with fictional stories just wasn’t my strong suit.

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I had studied abroad four times in four different countries. I had also gone on several independently-planned trips, both international and domestic. At that same time, I also discovered a new creative outlet: travel blogging.

In school, I was always great at writing research papers and writing travel guides was a fun way to use my strengths. Plus, I had always enjoyed giving travel advice to friends and family, so why not share my stories and tips with the world?

Since starting A World in Reach in 2018, I’ve learned and grown so much. I’m so glad that I have a creative outlet where I can share about one of the most important aspects of my life – travel – and help others explore the world on a budget.

Reasons Why People Love to Travel: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are SO MANY reasons why people love to travel.

For some, traveling sparks creativity, brings personal growth, and helps them escape the routine. For others, traveling brings bucket-list-worthy experiences, delicious food, and adventure.

The question “Why do you love to travel?” has no right or wrong answer. Traveling is a deeply personal experience that can bring happiness to different people in many different ways.

So, if you’re thinking about traveling in the future, I hope this post and the stories told within have shown you all of the positivity that travel can bring to your life.

If you were asked, “Why do you love to travel?”, what would your answer be?

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

17 Reasons Why Travel Is Important (Just Go, Already!)

What are the reasons why travel is important to so many people? 

Why do people travel?

What’s your “why” when it comes to exploring the world? 

Let’s dig into all of that and more in this post on the importance of travel.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Why is traveling beneficial?

Traveling is beneficial because it fosters a shared sense of exploration in people. For others, it’s about a sense of wonder in the way others live outside of their bubble.

Traveling allows for personal growth and cultural exposure. It can spark creativity if you’re feeling uninspired. There are so many reasons why exploring the world around you is so meaningful.

How does travel change you?

Travel doesn’t change you unless you let it. It won’t make you cooler or kinder. It won’t make you more well-liked in society and your circle of friends.

If you let it change you, it could broaden your perspectives. It could foster new levels of empathy for different cultures or give you an extra dose of self-confidence. It could certainly help you prioritize what’s important to you.

Reasons Why Travel Is Important 

Despite the sacrifice of your time and your resources , travel remains an intense desire for so many. As far as my own reasons for a constant desire to travel, I seem to be just wired that way. I’m not sure I have just one reason for why I travel .

While I try to work that out, let’s explore popular reasons why travel is important for others.

1. Travel brings you closer to your travel partner.

I don’t think you really know someone until you’ve traveled with them , and that goes for both romantic and platonic relationships.

There are all kinds of things that can go wrong when you’re traveling, so it could be a test of whether this friend or romantic interest are  good travel buddies .

There are also all kinds of things that can go wrong on a trip, e.g. flight cancelations, delayed luggage, a pandemic.

Hiccups in travel bring people together in a way that few other experiences can. You may even realize that you’re better off spending time with this individual more locally, and that’s OK, too.

2. Travel exposes you to new cultures, new foods, and new outlooks.

Travel brings you out of your comfort zone, and exposes you to new places, new faces, and new outlooks on life.

You can lead quite a sheltered existence if you never explore outside the places you’re comfortable with.

Some places are more conservative than yours. Others are more open-minded. Some may seem strange to you, but remember that your own customs may seem strange to others. 

Those others that you consider different people may become new friends, so you better watch yourself.

You may interact with foods you’ve never seen before.

That doesn’t make these places weird. Different is good, and experiencing different cultures is good. Ideally, travel expands world views rather than reinforces short-sightedness when it comes to where your own country fits in the world.

You can love where you’re from and still appreciate where others come from, too.

It’s one of the biggest benefits of world travel.

We could all use a little bit of that once in a while.

3. Traveling helps you relax and escape the daily grind.

The way vacation is treated in the United States is baffling.

It’s something so many workers feel guilty about taking, and even when they’re on that holiday, they feel the need to check in to make sure their employers haven’t forgotten about them back home.

I’m not a lay-around-on-the-beach kind of traveler, but if that’s your deal, get after it.

Here’s one for the travel tips log: Check the email once in the morning if you have to, ideally with an umbrella drink in hand, but then shut that laptop down and get some of that vitamin D you paid for. 

4. You’re on a mission to find yourself, ala  Eat, Pray, Love .

You’ve overcome a big hurdle in life or survived something harrowing.

Maybe it’s a mid-life crisis.

Travel is often on the list for people who all of a sudden subscribe to the YOLO of it all. I can get on board with that.

Note: Travel is healthier than housing tubes of Pringles on the daily, or buying a new sports car, or getting an obvious set of hair plugs.

I’m not entirely religious, but despite how cheesy that whole movement was, a little eating, praying, and loving doesn’t seem harmful to the fabric of the universe.

Have at it.

5. You’re an adrenaline junkie.

I’ve had my fair share of adventure-type moments as part of my travels.

Chasing an adrenaline high is not what drives me on most vacations, though, unless we’re talking about the feelings that come over me when I know a cheese plate is coming my way.

Some people, though, plan their vacations around these heart-pumping activities , and that’s cool.

Risk-takers, just please pay attention to posted signage, liability waivers, etc.

We need your kind in the world, so navigate all of those adventures as safely — and as legally — as possible.

6. You just got dumped or just dumped someone.

A relationship ending can be traumatic and send people on a personal journey. Travel then becomes a way for people to heal, whether you were the one who left or the one left behind.

Finding new love in a new place isn’t weird.

It’s exciting.

I don’t mean shagging the first hot foreigner you encounter. I’m talking about putting yourself back together by experiencing a new place wholeheartedly and coming out of it loving yourself in the process.

I’m not crying. You’re crying.

7. Travel can be challenging, and that’s a good thing.

Traveling can teach you so much about yourself.

There are many people out there who are uncomfortable with change or leaving the comfort of their bubble.

There are many others who do so anyway, despite that discomfort.

Travel doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and can even be challenging for some. Testing yourself and your own limitations can also be so rewarding.

If you’re on the fence, I dare you to try it.

Just maybe ease into it first by going somewhere where the locals speak your language, for example, rather than assuming you can tackle transformative travel and new languages in one go.

Easing into travel may make you feel like you can handle something a bit more adventurous the  next  round, too.

8. You’re celebrating a big milestone.

I love it when people who love traveling celebrate someone or something big happening in their lives with a trip somewhere.

Whether it’s a landmark birthday, a company-wide celebration, or even a babymoon, travel is a great way to remind you and everyone along for the ride how lucky you are to be able to do these things in the first place.

Despite some people’s negative opinions, I’m all about a destination wedding, too.

Extend that thing so it’s not only about the special day of your nearest and dearest, and make a trip out of it. It’s an excuse to break out of your rut and go somewhere.

9. You have a bucket list, and travel is a big part of it.

I take offense when people say that bucket lists are lame and that you should live in the moment, yada yada.

I’m already planning the next thing while I’m still on the first. 

Still, I’ve moved away from ticking off countries like they’re on some grand to-do list, as long as I keep traveling the world.

Thinking about how big the world is is overwhelming and my bucket list grows by the day as a result.

If you want to keep a list of dream spots that feel important to you, do so. Maybe it’ll keep you accountable to go out and do those things!

10. You’re making memories.

I’m not talking about the importance of  doing things for Instagram  here.

I’m talking about the kinds of memories that are just for you or for you to share with a loved one.

It’s about that photo album you look through well after a bucket list trip , reminiscing about the time you snowmobiled across that glacier or went cliff diving for the first time.

Fun fact: I’ve never done the second thing as my legs turn to jelly whenever I’m faced with jumping off a cliff, but you likely get what I mean.

It’s also about making some memories that won’t even translate to a photograph.

They’re THAT good.

They’re the stories you tell, over and over and  over . 

Travel ups the ante on your life experiences tremendously. It impacts how you move through the world, and how you take advantage of the time you have.

11. There’s a mind-body connection.

Apart from the obvious benefits your body will feel from the effects of a multi-day hiking trip or the 20,000 steps you’re tackling daily on that European cobblestone , travel feels good.

Even when you come back home exhausted or dreading another day at the office, travel has restorative powers.

It reminds you that there’s more to life than that office and that it’s worth a few days of jet lag for the pleasure of experiencing a new place . 

It feels good to travel, but it also feels good to have something to look forward to when you’re not actively traveling. 

It’s one of the myriad reasons why travel is good for you.

12. Traveling keeps your priorities in order.

Travel is certainly a privilege, but it isn’t impossible when you keep things in perspective . It can be as simple as driving across town to hike up to that viewpoint you’ve been meaning to check out.

Prioritizing travel can mean making time for those kinds of experiences, rather than just making room in the budget for it.

Note: Now, if you want to do something big, you certainly need to make some sacrifices. Not everyone can do that, no matter what your fave budget traveler tells you. Start small, and do what you can to experience the world . It’s a big one.

Exploring your immediate surroundings is free. Learn new ways to experience where you are.

When you travel, it also helps you prioritize what’s important in your own life.

You’re able to look beyond yourself and see the great beyond. 

I’m not talking about the afterlife here, but what’s just beyond your comfort zone. You can learn quite a bit about yourself when you prioritize travel, and when you prioritize experiencing new things.

13. Traveling is fun.

This one is simple.

I love to travel the world because it’s a good time.

When done right, travel is SO much fun. By right I don’t mean anything other than what’s right for you, by the way, as I don’t believe there’s a right or wrong way to travel, generally.

You get to experience things you likely wouldn’t back at home, potentially meeting new people in a local culture that will fulfill you in ways you didn’t expect. It’s good for my mental health.

Those who fly by the seat of their pants may even enjoy the uncertainty of it all, setting the planning aside and going about their days abroad like some pirate explorer.

That’s not me, but you do you. 

Learn about what puts that smile on your face and go do it abroad in a new place .

Now we’re rhyming.

The point is, learn how to travel for you.

14. You need something to look forward to.

No matter how far away that trip is, you know you have a countdown going for when you’re hitting the road or  boarding that airplane .

Planning travel alone gives me a thrill, even if it’ll be years before I can make a particular bucket list trip  happen.

Fun fact: If you need some inspiration on that bucket list, France may have sparkling water fountains, but Ortona, Italy, has a free wine fountain. You’re welcome.

Certainly, the act of travel itself is better and vastly different than the planning bit, but just knowing that you’ll be going somewhere sometime soon is quite the thrill.

Some people look forward to Super Bowl Sunday. That’s fine, but what if you had something more transformative planned?

Travel can be that thing.

15. You’ll have exciting stories.

It’s always more fun to talk about your own travel than listen to stories about someone else’s, right? It might make us uncomfortable to think about but sit with that for a second.

That said, travel can make you an interesting human, as long as you’re not being self-important about it.

Don’t be annoying when you come back and have to interact with your family and friends and you should be good. Be extra mindful around loved ones who can’t travel for whatever reason.

Be extra annoying around those who say travel is overrated, though.

16. At a certain point, it’ll be too late.

I hate to get morbid on you, but you can’t bring your stuff with you when you go. You can’t bring that new TV or that new (or used) car or the crap you got when shopping for antiques.

There will come a point in your life when you feel like that life has just zipped right past you. It’s the time hospice nurses tell us about. They warn us that the regrets they hear about most often are about bucket lists and missed experiences, not the stuff you didn’t buy when you were young and healthy.

You should probably also repair any relationships that need repairing while you’re at it. That’s another big one.

17. The world is a big place, and you just want to see it all.

This one speaks to me.

Every time I come back from somewhere, my mom says, “You’ve pretty much been everywhere now, huh?”

Not even close.

Why is it important to travel to other countries? It’s important to travel to other countries because it gives you perspective. Travel changes you, no matter how often you get yourself out there. It’s almost impossible to get jaded by travel, even if you return to places more than once for a deeper dive.

I could  go to France  a dozen times, for example, and never get bored. Some of it may be the cheese and carbs involved with every trip there. 

Why Travel Is Important

Is it about the journey or the destination? When it comes to travel, it could be a little of both. 

The why starts to matter less when you’re taking action toward your bliss.

In the era of social media, it’s hard not to feel like you’re not doing enough, you’re not living enough, you’re not hip enough, or thin enough, or just enough. 

You ARE enough, though. So get out there, already, and experience life!

Why Is Trip Planning Important?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use  Skyscanner .

It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Adventurous folks may love subscribing to  Going , formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get all kinds of deals in your inbox throughout the year.

Your Accommodations: I usually recommend sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com for accommodations. Vrbo is my preferred Airbnb alternative.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Did you like this post on why people travel? Pin it for later!

Looking for more inspirational content? Check out these posts:

• Explore the Beauty of Lazy Travel
• Road Trip Stories to Inspire You to Hit the Road
• Best Travel Quotes for Friends Who Love Travel
• Benefits of Travel Across Life’s Milestones
• An Honest Guide to Couples Road Trips

Want to see more?

Subscribe to my biweekly newsletter for hot travel tips I come across, weird stories you won’t see elsewhere and perhaps lifelong friendship.

Too much, or just enough?

Agnes Groonwald

26 thoughts on “17 Reasons Why Travel Is Important (Just Go, Already!)”

Here are a couple more: You want to give your dad in law quality time with your (and his) favorite puppy and see the joy in both of their eyes. Sharing your travel with others who go out and try the same experience and see how they put their own stamp on the journey. Coming home and enjoying the love of your family who enjoy hearing how the latest trip beat all expectations.

I like ’em all! :)

As a travel addict for me the main reason is the 2nd one of your list: I love to discover new places/ food and people and be amazed! But there is never only one reason of course :)

Of course! My reasons tend to change as I get older, too. ?

I love this post! These are all great “why” reasons for traveling. I’m definitely drawn to seeing the world and experiencing new cultures and food!

Food is definitely top of my list! :)

I love and relate to so many of these! My partner and I have always travelled together, three years ago we moved from Australia to Canada together which made us SO much closer. Jumping into the unknown together really is a make or break for sure!

I also love to travel to explore new places and as you said, escape the daily grind!

I try to do something every trip that scares me (adrenaline junkie right here!)

Great list! I loved reading it xx

Thanks, Chelsea! The first trip my now husband and I took together was a huge fail (through no fault of our own), but it was telling to see that we were able to survive it successfully! :)

This is a great post and a great way to look at traveling. It can offer so much to people in so many different ways.

Thanks for the kind words, Jenny!

Bucket lists are so not lame! There are so many beautiful, interesting places in the world, that no one can expect me to remember them all. I totally agree with you, bucket lists are great.

Right?? Whatever gets you out there exploring more is fine with me!

I love the philosophical personal narrative of this post. The main reason I travelled solo was to find sunshine. Unfortunately my own country (Ireland) has everything a person could desire apart from decent weather. So that’s it. Sunshine is my bliss and I ensure to find it at least once a year!

Love Ireland! Can’t wait to get back there when we’re able. We’ve only done Dublin!

I’ve always travelled to far-away places to explore new cultures and traditions to open my mind and broaden my horizons and now I’m currently on a mission to discover all the beauties in my home country, Italy :)

Oh, Italy. I can’t wait to get back there!

Great post! I travel alone so I can’t test anyone but I definitely relate to 10. I want to see and photograph the world and share it with everyone!

I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t solo traveled. Maybe once we’re able to get out there again, I should try??

You nailed it on all of these reasons. I especially love the fact that travel does bring you closer to the one you are traveling with. My hubby is my travel partner and I love that we have special experiences that only the two of us have experienced together. :)

Agreed. I’m not sure if we’d work if we weren’t good travel buddies!

Great article! and yes, traveling just brings us good memories, learning experiences and meeting people all over the world is my favorite thing to do.

Thanks, Paula! It’s always great to broaden your horizons.

I agree with all the reasons! I think that my whys are number one, two and ten :) I can’t wait to be able to travel again and explore as many beautiful places around the world as I can.

It’ll happen soon, I hope!

I love this post, Agnes! I relate to a bit of everything, but particularly 10, 13 & 15! It’s about feeding an insatiable curiosity about other places and cultures, and a dream to see beautiful places. But it’s also about challenging myself and most of all, having fun in the process!

Completely agree with all of that. Looking forward to getting back into it soon!

Comments are closed.

10 Reasons Why People Travel

People travel for many different reasons ranging from a desire to discover the world, experience cultures and food, get some nice weather, or just to chill out. Experience every type of break for every reason we say. Travel is more than that though, it’s a mindset. Also, travel doesn’t just include international trips abroad but also discovering what is right there on your doorstep.

There are some main reasons why people choose to travel in general but also personal ones too. Here are some reasons why people choose to travel:

• Visit family & friends
• Educate yourself & experience different cultures
• Change in perspective
• Escape the routine
• Challenge yourself
• Self-discovery
• Learn an activity
• Have an adventure
• Relax, recharge & rejuvenate
• Experience a different climate

Travel means something different to everyone. But it can also be a very personal journey. People have different preferences for how they travel. Whether that’s quitting your job and backpacking across the world or taking shorter breaks throughout the year, travel can be tailored to your circumstances and life. That is the great thing about travel, you can make it what you want it to be!

1. Visit Family & Friends

In the world we live in today, the number of airlines, travel agents and so on have made it so easy to research and book a trip. The movement of people around the world has meant that people have settled in different countries that they were born in or grew up in for a variety of reasons, such as work opportunities.

People want to maintain their relationships that they have fostered and this is a great reason to travel to catch up and reconnect with family and friends in a different setting. Also, since they would now be classed as ‘locals’, you can take advantage and get a local perspective!

We both have close family and friends all over the world, such as, Canada, America, Tanzania, India, Singapore so we have been lucky to combine visiting friends and family during our vacation and we’re lucky to have even been invited to destination weddings, which is just a great, unique experience in itself!

2. Educate Yourself & Experience Different Cultures

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your normal routine, 9-5 job, and catching up on chores and life admin. People want to have a bit of excitement in their lives and break away from this routine once in a while and learn about different countries and cultures. And what’s the best way to do this? Well, visit of course!

The first things you should notice when you visit a different country are the differences from how the country operates and people’s way of life. This is one of our favorite things because it’s a chance to see what the people in the country do well, and sometimes you can adopt some of the behaviors in your own life.

We would love to travel more but for the countries, we have visited so far, we’ve enjoyed talking to the locals, learning about their history, way of life and fun facts! For example, did you know Durians (a type of (smelly!) fruit is banned on Singapore public transport because the smell is so bad?! You can actually get fined for this!

Cultural differences across the world are what makes the world an interesting place. Whether it’s the major festivals celebrated in a particular country or authentic food to try, this is a must-do when visiting any country. It gives the greatest insight into a country and creates the most memorable moments!

Whenever we book a trip, we will also try to find out if there are any major events occurring at the time we’re planning on being there. Taking in local life is the best way to experience a country.

We LOVE food. We’d say the food is probably number 1 on our list when it comes to visiting another country. We always want to try the local food and make it a huge part of every day when we’re on holiday. We always say the best way to experience a country is to EAT IT!

In fact, our recent trip to Thailand, we booked a Thai Cooking Class and made 4 authentic dishes from scratch. A great instructor combined with delicious recipes, what’s not to love?!

Needless to say, the dishes turned out brilliantly, and the cooking school also kindly gave us a certificate for participating as well as a beautifully designed recipe book of the dishes we had made so we could recreate them at home. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Check out what else we got up to in Thailand here .

3. Change in Perspective

Traveling can change your perspective in life. Opening your eyes to essentially a different world can mean you truly appreciate your own life more but it also can be a reminder to be on a path to fulfill your own goals and dreams.

We think a change in perspective can definitely make you rethink some things that maybe you had a strong opinion previously on and can increase your understanding generally. But that’s the great thing, right? Travelling can give you that worldly knowledge and you can have interesting conversations with everyone, whether that’s family, friends or a local!

4. Escape the Routine

Everyone can relate to this. Most people have a routine like a 9-5 job, dropping/picking up kids from school, going to the gym, visiting family and friends. At some point, most people will get bored with the monotony of this, and they will want a break in this routine. Of course having a routine is important too to have some stability in your life, but once in a while people just want to get away from it. Who can blame them?!

Going to work or running your own business – these are of course important and allow you to build a life and ultimately gives you the ability to afford your trips , whether that’s locally or internationally.

Although some people absolutely love their job and are super passionate about it, we think it’s safe to say there are a lot of people out there that work because they have to, so they can fund whatever their own, personal passions are in life, such as traveling.

Escaping the routine once in a while is a definite must! It allows you to take a step back and reassess your life goals or at a minimum give you a different scenery!

5. Challenge Yourself

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or a group, it’s great to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Challenging yourself and succeeding gives you great accomplishment and sense of achievement. This shouldn’t be underestimated. Giving you this boost can give you a huge confidence boost and allow you to take on your goals and dreams with a positive attitude!

Whether this is challenging yourself by traveling solo or going to a country that doesn’t speak your language, it’s surprising what you can achieve when you have to.

We have to admit, this is something we definitely want to do more off (once the pandemic is over of course!).

Challenging yourself can also open your eyes to more opportunities. We are a great example here! We both work full-time but have a passion to travel as much as we can. We know a lot of couples in the same boat and that is why we emphasize travel not only internationally but discover what’s on your doorstep and ultimately travel within your means. This led to us starting this blog to not only preserve our memories from our trips but share with you all useful tips and interesting travel topics we discover along the way that could really benefit all of you.

6. Self-Discovery

This is a BIG point and ties in well with the point above. The biggest impact self-discovery can have is on those who backpack travel around the world. You must have heard so many stories of people who have completely changed their lives through travel.

They have saved loads of money, quit their jobs, and began an adventure of a lifetime. But what drives them to make this huge decision? Often it’s something major that has happened in their life, such as losing a loved one, a failed relationship, or just the drive, determination and passion to travel.

Travel should not be underestimated here. We think it’s great for your mental health. But it doesn’t just apply to backpackers, it can apply to all. It also means taking the time out to go on short breaks and even staycations or day trips. It all counts!

Going on a journey of self-discovery can really help heal those wounds but also discover who you are as a person, what you like, don’t like, what are your goals, what person you want to become.

7. Learn an Activity

Part of traveling also means discovering activities that maybe you can’t pursue in your own country or maybe there’s just a limitation on how much you can learn and experience, for example, diving. If you have a passion for certain activities, this can mean you move to that country to fullyimmerse yourself in learning and training in that activity.

We know of people who have pursued something like this, trained in it professionally, and ultimately made the permanent move to that country and become instructors themselves. Your passion for learning activities can take you anywhere in the world!

8. Have an Adventure

Lots of people travel purely to have an adventure. We would definitely say there are three types of people – those that love adventure and want to pack out their diary with sight-seeing and doing activities, those that just want to relax, recharge and rejuvenate (see below point) and those that like doing a mix of both.

Routine can be mundane, so getting out in the world, locally or internationally, doing something that shakes things up a bit and creates a bit of excitement is just what some people need. It creates the best memories and makes the most of the country you’re in.

We know we definitely feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after returning from a trip when looking at all of our photos knowing we really made the most of your trip.

9. Relax, Recharge & Rejuvenate

As described in the above point, there are some people who have busy enough lives in their day to day life that when going away for a vacation, this means completely changing the pace of life i.e. total relaxation.

We think it’s important to have this aspect on holiday. Packing in everything as much as you can with the time you have is not always the best decision. Will you enjoy everything or is it just to tick things off your list? ENJOYMENT – This is what you need to keep at the front of your mind at all times! What will make you happy on this trip?

Travel for everyone means something different and as long as YOU get out from it what YOU want, then it’s a successful trip right?

Personally, our perfect trip means a mix of both adventure and relaxation, although the relaxation part is something we both have to fight for as we both have a tendency to want to do more and more!

10. Experience a Different Climate

Depending on where you live, you’ll be used to a particular climate. We’re from the UK, which is known for having unpredictable weather – one minute the suns out, the next it’s pouring down with rain. And don’t even get us started on the temperature – you’ll be fine in shorts and t-shirt one day and the next day you’ll be needing a winter coat just to go outside!

Needless to say, a big part of choosing where we go on holiday normally revolves around the weather – mainly how hot is it going to be? People from the UK are definitely known for jetting off to warmer climates around the world when choosing where to vacation.

That being said, we have friends in warmer climates of the world and they welcome the cooler UK weather. We guess it’s a case of wanting the opposite of what we have.

Post-Lockdown Travel – The ‘New Normal’

At the time of writing this article, we are in the midst of an international lockdown. Something that no country can avoid. Travel after the pandemic is going to bring some major changes. The main one being travel safety. We’ve written an article on tips on travel after the pandemic which you can check out here .

As the spread of infection slows, the economy slowly starts to rebuild and the travel industry begins to pick up pace, there will understandably be some uncertainty to begin traveling again locally as well as internationally.

Travel is such a huge passion for some but also a necessity for mental well-being. And although travel anxiety at the start will certainly be an issue, we need to remain optimistic as the world gets back to a ‘new normal’. We think it’s a great time to start booking your trips. If you want to know why, check out our article here .

We’ve also made some predictions on how we think travel is going to look like in the future. To see what we think, check out our article here .

What is Our Top Reason to Travel?

DISCOVERY! We love to learn about different countries. The world has so much to offer! We want to enrich our lives by seeing and doing things that create the best memories.

The most amazing thing about traveling to a different country is to see how it operates, the different cultures, and food. There’s so much you can take back with you, physically and mentally!

Of course, we relate to every one of the reasons we’ve listed above and also forms part of why we travel too.

Travel is a Personal Journey

So, there you have it, the reasons why people travel. Travel is such a unique thing and means different things to different people. For some people, it’s something they priortize in their life to do more of and for some people, it’s not on the top of their list but still tries to make the most of their free time.

Whatever the reasons why people travel, we think it’s definitely beneficial to do it for your well-being. Like we said before, it doesn’t just mean traveling to an exotic destination across the world, but discovering what’s around locally – you may be surprised!

We’ve been living in our house for almost 3 years and we make time to visit our local attractions through day trips and weekend trips and there’s still plenty of places to need to discover!

Let us know below in the comments why you love to travel. We’d love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this article and want to know more – check out some more of our content that we have linked to below:

• The Future Of Travel – How Much Is It Going To Change?
• 8 Tips On How To Prepare For Travel Post-Pandemic – Prep Is Key
• How To Organize Travel Documents With These 5 Easy Tips
• How To Plan For Your Once In A Lifetime Trip
• Why Thailand is Worth Visiting. Everything You Need to Know
• Cultural Diversity in the UK – Why The UK is so Multicultural

The Binge Traveller

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Questions to Explore, “Why I Travel”

When you consider your own travels, both past and future, ask yourself why you travel . What are your intentions and hopes about your next trip and the travel lifestyle you are aspiring towards? Stay curious about yourself as you dig deeper into these questions and let your answers guide you in planning your trips.

Here are some questions to ask yourself.

• What have I most appreciated about my past travels?
• How is my life better because of my travels?
• How have I grown and changed from my past travels?
• What have I overcome through my past travels?
• What have I learned about myself through my past travels?
• How have I better connected with others through travel?
• What am I most looking forward to about an upcoming trip?
• What intentions do I want to set for my upcoming trip?
• What is my ideal travel lifestyle?

These questions are only the beginning. I encourage you to continue exploring them through contemplation, journaling, conversation, or working with a travel coach like myself. By engaging in this self reflection we can make travel plans, as well as life choices, deeply in alignment with our values and intentions. And that can make all the difference!

Why I Travel: To Learn More About the World

To experience art.

One of my favorite things to do when I travel to new places is to visit a museum.  It’s so awe-inspiring to view famous works of art up close.

When I was in Rome, I was amazed by the painting by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.  But I also loved my visit to the Borghese Gallery, where I was able to take my time viewing stunning sculptures by Bernini.  Be sure to look from all angles to appreciate the lifelike details!

Don’t like classical art?  No problem!  There are museums that cover every interest.   One of the most  popular museums in Lyon  is the Cinema and Miniatures Museum.  It’s a unique combination of props and special effects from blockbuster films, along with an impressive collection of miniature models in 1/12 th  scale.

Sometimes the museum experience is diminished by people who aren’t there to appreciate the art, but to just get a selfie in front of it.  Don’t be the person at the Louvre taking a selfie with the Mona Lisa!

So, on your next trip, plan a museum visit.  It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon — especially if rain is in the forecast!

Contributed by Lisa Garrett at Travel to Lyon

To Learn About History

One reason I travel is to learn, and also teach my kids, about history. Being able to learn about history through real-life visuals and experiences promotes more understanding and appreciation for their significance.

Many of us have heard of famous buildings in Italy such as the Colosseum in Rome, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa , but seeing them in-person allows you a deeper knowledge of why they were built and appreciation for who built them, and those who once used these buildings in their daily lives.

Learning about history first-hand when travelling leaves us with more empathy for people that came before us, and a greater appreciation for the technologies and societies that we live in today. 

No matter where you go, there will be history there; possibly history that you didn’t realize existed. Here are some ways to learn more about history from traveling.

• Take a walking tour. Walking tours are a great way to get an introduction to an area’s local history. 
• Take a guided tour of a museum or old landmark. Tour guides often have a more in depth level of knowledge than what you can read about from a pamphlet and can give you lots of great information
• Read a historical fiction book that takes place in the place you’re travelling to before you go. This can give you inspiration of old landmarks you might want to see

Contributed by Kristen at Tiny Footsteps Travel

To Provide Our Child With a Unique Education

Traveling is more than just an escape or break from daily life; it’s our lifestyle, passion, and most importantly, our classroom. As digital nomads, our family has chosen this path for the freedom it brings and the  unique global education it provides our son .

The world is our teacher. Through full-time travel, our son learns geography by exploring different lands, history through ancient monuments, and culture by immersing himself in local customs and cuisine. Language is acquired through genuine conversations, not textbooks.

We don’t just show our son pictures of landmarks; we take him there. These experiences bring lessons to life in ways traditional classrooms cannot. And the best part? We learn and experience these amazing things right alongside him.

But it’s not just about the destinations; the journey matters too. Travel teaches patience, resilience, and adaptability – invaluable lessons hard to teach in a classroom.

Contributed by Brodi Cole of Our Offbeat Life

To Try New Food and Drink

One of the reasons why I travel is to expand my palate and try new foods. Discovering what other countries eat on a normal basis and how they flavor their foods is just as interesting to me as visiting their famous historical sites.

I’m all about having a “when in Rome” mentality when it comes to trying foods while traveling. When in Scotland, I tried a haggis sandwich. When in Hawaii, I tried sea urchin with my poke. When in Costa Rica, I tried swordfish ceviche. 

Visiting a grocery store in another country is an attraction in and of itself. It’s fun to see what locals buy for their meals and then find new foods for myself to try that might become a new favorite. Like Ribena, a blackcurrant juice, is something I always crave now.

Besides trying the country’s own foods, eating at ethnic restaurants is also a way of broadening my tastebud’s horizons. Indian food in the UK tastes different than in the US. Or even a McDonald’s hamburger tastes different in France than the US. 

Traveling with a  food or drink theme  can also help plan my travel itinerary. On my beer themed trip through Germany, I visited off the beaten path destinations just to try a specific beer.

Contributed by Tabitha at Travel Compositions

To Research

As an author of historical fiction novels set during the Civil War, I started traveling to battlefields, museums and historical sites for research. My readers loved discovering these off-the-beaten-path sites so much that I started to focus on the travel as much as the research. Now, no matter where I go when I travel, I search out the little-known history of the area.

During a recent family beach vacation, I discovered an old fort that was built to defend the coast against pirates. Since the fort was the site of a Civil War battle, it was like finding a treasure from the past, hidden in plain sight.

Everyone can look for hidden gems while traveling and enhance their trips with, history, mystery and new discoveries. For me, these outings into the past have proven to be, not just enjoyable and educational, but also instrumental in crafting authentic, award-winning fiction.

Contributed by Jessica James at Past Lane Travels 

To See Natural Landscapes

We are fortunate to live in a part of the U.K where we have hills and valleys on our doorstep. However, one of the main reasons we travel is to show our children the diverse natural landscapes that the world has to offer. 

We have taken our children to the snow capped Andes in Patagonia, to glaciers in Switzerland, to waterfalls in Iceland and to Australia’s arid inland. We have snorkelled on coral reefs in Samoa, crossed Lake Ohrid in  North Macedonia  by boat, ridden bikes on the Mongolian Steppe, hiked in the rainforests of Costa Rica and dipped our toes in Lake Baikal, the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world. Our highlights include visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina and seeing lava in Hawaii. 

As hoped for, our experiences have molded our children into eco-minded, outdoor orientated individuals. I recommend varying the natural landscapes you see on your travels: it will keep travel fresh but can also impact on your lifestyle and activities at home. Why not try something new next time? Next stop for us is the desert! 

Contributed by Sinead from Map Made Memories

To See Wildlife

One reason why I travel is because when I think back to my most treasured travel memories, many of them revolve around wildlife. 

Our world is full of so many fascinating creatures of all shapes and sizes, and travelling across the globe to chance an encounter is one of the main reasons I travel. 

Wildlife watching is slow and thrilling at the same time. It requires a lot of patience. 

There is no guarantee you will ever see an animal out in the wild, but the excitement you get when you finally spot something is electrifying! I have been lucky enough to have many exciting animal encounters around the world, both on land and sea. 

From friendly grey whales in Mexico, swimming with manatees in Belize, seeing orangutans in Borneo and hiking deep into  Corcovado National Park  in Costa Rica, the most biodiverse place on earth, to spy anteaters and tapirs. 

Each encounter has left me humbled and grateful for the beautiful planet we call home. 

You can add a wildlife-watching element to any destination! Next time you’re planning a trip, take some time to research any native animals found in that country. Any trip that includes wildlife tourism also requires research about our impact on the animals and the ethical practices of any tour groups or guides we work with.

You’ll need to work out the best time to see the animals (some are migratory or seasonal) and where to view them. Some animals can be seen independently, like hiking through national parks, while others require guided experiences like whale watching tours, snorkel or dive excursion or guided walks. 

Contributed by Sally at  Sally Se es

To Experience Cultural Events and Holidays

Part of the reason we travel is to experience other cultures, especially when it comes to holidays and cultural events. Each country showcases it’s unique traditions in fascinating ways that we should all experience at least once in our lives. It helps to enrich us in ways we didn’t even know was possible.

I learned this while on my own travels. While in Norway, I was able to celebrate their Independence Day. I not only learned the history of the holiday but also how it’s celebrated with the particular Russefeiring tradition. It’s amazing to see how similar yet so different the normal customs can be in other countries.

It also helps to increase your knowledge and spirituality. In Thailand, Iparticipated in the  Tak Bak ceremony with Buddhist Monks . I felt myself spiritually elevated even though it is not my religion of choice. The excitement of just being there and having the opportunity makes me want to travel more.

Incorporate this into your traveling by researching your destination. Find out if there are any national holidays or even just local unknown holidays or events for that region you are visiting. You may be surprised by the gems of other cultures you can find.

Contributed by Nick at The World Overload

To Experience the Wonder of Other Cultures

I travel to experience the incredible wonders of other cultures across the world. From wandering through ancient temple complexes in Chiang Mai to exploring the bustling Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, there are so many sights, sounds and tastes to be savoured. And there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture of another country or region than to visit and delight your senses.

Most of my favourite travel memories revolve around cultural experiences, like being taught how to say thank you in Turkish by the sweetest lady while pouring tea into a tiny, tulip shaped glass. Or seeing the amused reactions of my newfound friends as I tried the salty yoghurt concoction of ayran for the first time.

My best travel tip for experiencing new cultures is to go in with an open mind and respect for the local inhabitants of your destination. Try to go with tours and experiences that are run by locals as opposed to external companies where possible. Learning a few simple phrases of the language and doing a bit of research before you embark will pay off dividends during your travels.  

Contributed by Jenelle Ryan at Happy Little Rover

To Better Understand the Culture of My Own Country

I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to travel to more than thirty countries. As a child and before getting to know my own country well I had already visited several places abroad and thought they were much nicer than where I live. Because we are so used to where we are from, it’s easy to take all that our country has to offer for granted. However, the more one gets to know a certain place, the more it has the potential to become the most interesting and prettiest of all.

The more I have traveled throughout the years around my country, Peru, and gotten to know the unique traditions of certain regions, some of the hundreds of the  Peruvian festivals  there are, the beliefs in the natural deities,and the connections people form with them, the stories that the patterns of every textile in every traditional clothing item have to tell, I appreciate it more and more.

That’s why I travel: to keep discovering my own culture and traditions and to keep falling in love with my own country. I invite you to do this as well.

Contributed by Sharon at I Travel Peru

To Tell Stories Through Photography

Travel photographs are more than just memories of past vacations and trips. By capturing small glimpses into other cultures, history, communities, and social situations, travel photographs tell a story about a place I’ve visited. Often, travel photos will spark a memory of where I was in my life, which allows me to reflect on my own personal journey. 

In this digital world, it’s also beneficial to be able to instantly view pictures while I’m telling a story about a destination.  

I take photographs with my phone camera, an action camera, and a drone. The drone shots are my favorite and come with some challenges, like, the availability to fly in a location and avoiding obstacles.

One of my favorite tools is my tripod selfie stick. I love the flexibility of being able to get the lens down low or sticking up over a crowd. Thankfully, our phone cameras have such great technology and quality, that I can leave my cumbersome DSLR camera at home. This was a tough transition for me, but I’m glad to have the extra room in my carry-on!

Contributed by Stephanie at FleurtyGirlTravels

Why I Travel: To Learn More About Myself

To challenge myself and gain confidence.

I have been traveling since I was a kid. Whether I realized it at the time or not, the exposure to the unfamiliar that one can only get while traveling was challenging me to push my boundaries and gain confidence in myself.

Now, I continue to travel as an adult and find that travel still has that incredible effect on me.

For example, it can be quite intimidating to overcome language barriers, navigate the intricacies of the European train system, or even figure out what to order at a restaurant. But, once you do it, even if you stumble through greatly, you did it. It’s done, which means you are capable of doing that and more! This always makes me more confident in myself and my capabilities.

Not to mention, this type of confidence translates directly to my experience at home. Navigating to a new place in town, being unaware of a parking situation, or simply calling to make a doctor appointment – while these may have induced some anxieties in the past, my confidence boost because of traveling makes things like this a breeze!

Contributed by Alanna from  Periodic Adventures

To Cultivate a Healthy Perspective

In daily life, it is easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do lists related to work, family obligations, or home management. Then, double down that with interpersonal dramas or conflicts, which can often feel larger than life. 

Travel, especially to beautiful places, offers a way to step away and get respite from both. And it is one of the many reasons I love to travel, even when I feel like I cannot go because my responsibilities are too pressing. Or people are too dependent on me. 

By leaving home and all its detailed demands behind, I can carve out a separate space to get out of my head, forming a buffer between me, my obligations, and the stories I tell myself. 

This physical distance creates a place for perspective. And when I get to combine this with the beauty that I see while traveling, whether from an awe-inspiring structure, like the Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik, Iceland, or the Seljalandsfoss waterfall later on the same trip, I get a feeling of lift. Essentially—an elevated reminder of how insubstantial my problems are. And of how big, beautiful, and impressive the world can be and how grateful I am to be able to bear witness to it. 

Contributed by Janice Moskoff of Gather And Go Travel

To Have Adventures in Nature

I travel to have adventures in nature because it’s where I feel most alive. The feeling of being surrounded by the beauty of the natural world is beyond words. 

Many adventures in nature have left me in awe and made me realize there are endless natural wonders to explore and discover in this world.

Exploring rainforest trails is always the highlight of my trips. However, I also enjoy indulging in water sports, such as kayaking, snorkelling, swimming in waterfalls or cruising through majestic waterways, as they allow me to connect with nature. 

Nature adventures like hiking and other outdoor activities allow me to disconnect from everyday life stresses, enhance my mood and health and relax.

To incorporate more nature into your life, you can start by exploring a local reserve or botanical garden.

Adventures in nature offer so many diverse experiences, from animal encounters such as horseback riding or wildlife watching to extreme activities for adrenaline junkies such as bungee jumping, caving, skiing, cycling, ziplining, hang gliding, and skydiving. 

Additionally, there are leisurely experiences such as nature photography, stargazing, hot air ballooning, nature meditation, yoga, and camping.

Have an adventure in nature, embrace the unknown, and enjoy the journey. Experiences in nature can often become the most memorable highlight of a trip.

Contributed by Oli at  New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide

Travel, for me, is an escape into tranquillity, a journey to unwind the knots of everyday stress. Amidst the hustle of life, I seek solace in the art of relaxation that different destinations offer. One vivid memory takes me to the beaches of Bali , where the gentle lull of the waves became a soothing melody, and the rustling palms painted a serene backdrop. It was there that I discovered the rejuvenating power of disconnecting, embracing the simplicity of a quiet moment. For those yearning to incorporate relaxation into their travels, consider destinations like the Maldives or the Amalfi Coast, where the rhythm of nature sets the pace. Embrace local spa traditions or simply find a quiet spot to be present and still.

Travel, for me, is a ritual of self-care. It’s about finding balance amid chaos and returning home not just with memories but with a renewed spirit. So, let your next adventure be a gentle embrace, a journey to relax and reconnect with yourself.

Contributed by Victoria from GuideYourTravel

To Better Understand Myself

Traveling has been my ultimate teacher, pushing me to learn more about myself than any classroom ever could. Whether it is exploring for adventure, curiosity, or relaxation, each journey is a lesson in resilience, independence, and self-discovery.

I live with chronic pain and fatigue, so travel comes with additional challenges. I have had to learn how to survive air travel , modify my activities, and adjust my travel style to fit each destination. But I have experiences and memories that I could never have without travel.

Like so many others, it was my dream to go on a safari in Africa, and I did that in Namibia. I wanted to see wild animals, stand in one of the few places in the world where sand dunes meet the sea, and learn about a different culture. 

An adventure this size was more challenging because of my health, but I was stubborn and determined to achieve my lifelong dream. Travel has become the key to unlocking the strength within myself.

Travel is not just about visiting new places. It’s about the journey of self-discovery, an ongoing exploration of your strength, confidence, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone to find out what makes you shine! 

Contributed by Robyn Dirk at Two Empty Passports 

To Escape My Daily Routine

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences anyone can embark on. For me, it allows me to escape my daily routine and immerse myself in a whole different world, even if it’s just for a short period of time.

I am sure for many people too, this is a usual way to break up mundane activities. People get caught up in their routines, waking up at the same time every day, going to work or school, dealing with responsibilities and obligations. It can all become overwhelming and monotonous. 

When I travel I also plan a digital detox away from my laptops and other screen time. I spend time outdoors, take it slow to relax and get away. Apart from relaxation and rejuvenation, traveling also offers a great opportunity to learn something new. I love using my camera and learning about photography as a way to break the routine. 

You can also book engaging activities like guided tours, walks, and adrenaline excursions when you travel. Trying new things on your trip can also help you break the daily routine and do something fun!

Contributed by Stephanie from  BeyofTravel

To Experience Things While I Can

I want to experience everything I can before it’s no longer available to me. 

One of my primary reasons for exploring the world is that I’ve known a host of people who had grand plans for traveling and, unfortunately, life—usually, sickness or even death—got in the way. For example, my sweet older neighbor almost boarded a cruise to Antarctica in 2021 that was ultimately canceled due to COVID. When trying to reschedule the trip, he decided that such extensive travel was too hard on his body and he ultimately wouldn’t be able to go. 

As a lover of hiking and the outdoors, I’m taking every chance I can to experience everything I can when I’m relatively young and able. From doing that bucket list road trip I’ve always wanted to take through as many charming  Oregon Coast towns  as I could find to squeezing in every backpacking trip during hiking season, I want to see and experience as much as I can while my brain, knees, lungs, and mind allow me to.

After seeing one too many loved ones missing their “someday” that they had once planned, I’ve engineered my life so that I can experience and see as much as possible. These experiences don’t have to be huge Antarctica-level excursions. Check out that state park that’s in your backyard, go try that restaurant that just opened. You’ll rarely regret getting to see and experience something. And, at the end of the day, you won’t have to ask yourself any what ifs.

Contributed by Jess of Uprooted Traveler

To Create Work-Life Balance

Working in corporate American comes with many benefits, like a steady paycheck, insurance, and paid time off. But, corporate culture can also lead to things like increased stress levels, burnout, strained relationships, and missed opportunities. Because of these things, one of the main reasons why I travel is for work-life balance.

The best way to clear your mind, rest and rejuvenate from a high pressure and busy work environment, in my opinion, is to travel. Travelling will get you in a completely different headspace then the one you are in when you are sitting at your desk for 8 hours a day. 

Getting away from your office for travel can allow you to spend focused and quality time with your loved ones and can reduce your burnout at work. Improving your burnout and stress levels can even improve your productivity when you return to the office and increase your job satisfaction.

My husband and I attempt to travel every other month, or once a quarter at the least.  Spreading out your paid time off for travel  will allow you to have something to look forward to and will help you obtain a fantastic work-life balance.

Contributed by Monica at maxedoutPTO.com

To Experience the Mental Health Benefits of Being in Nature

As someone with a challenging job in corporate America, I constantly need a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. 

When I travel, I often leave behind the chaos of my daily life and dive into the beauty of nature. Being in nature is amazing for my mental health, and it’s one of the main reasons I travel.

I spend most of my time vacationing in Hawaii, where I can escape the stress of city life and recharge my batteries. Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian Island because of its breathtaking landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls, and perfect blue waters. Every time I visit, I feel a sense of peace wash over me as soon as I step off the plane.

There are many  things to do in Kauai , but my favorite activity is hiking. There’s something special about being in the midst of nature, surrounded by greenery and fresh air. As I hike through lush forests, I feel calm and at peace. 

But why is nature so beneficial for our mental health?  Studies  have shown that being in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It allows us to disconnect from our daily worries and reconnect with ourselves. Spending time in nature improves my overall mood, happiness, and well-being. 

Being in nature is also a time to connect with my boyfriend. We spend our days exploring the island together, trying unique activities like kayaking and snorkeling. The fresh air, beautiful scenery, and adventure produce a positive mindset.

I recommend everyone take a break from their daily routines and spend some time in nature on their next vacation. Whether hiking through the mountains, spending a day at the beach, or simply sitting in a park, being in nature can do wonders for you.

Contributed by Trysta at This Travel Dream 

To Re-learn Life’s Beauty After Mental Health Struggles

I started traveling the world solo at 18 years old, and for most people, that’s where my story begins. But fewer know that between the ages of 13 to 17, I struggled with severe mental health issues- and that is one of the biggest reasons why I travel today.

I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in primary school and suffered with self-harm throughout high school. This came to a pinnacle in 2020 when I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa. 

From 15 to 17, I was a revolving door patient, either hospitalized or about to be. I was fed through a feeding tube as I couldn’t eat myself. But in the back of my mind, I had a dream of traveling the world, and in many ways that kept me afloat.

Just 10 months after my last hospital admission I dropped out of high school to travel the world and never looked back. My travel is in part about re-discovering the beauty of life and the world after illness and suffering. 

Because of travel, I can say I am almost completely recovered from my eating disorder, dealing with my anxiety, and no longer suffer from self-harm. I am proof that travel can heal!

Contributed by Lou at Hello World, Here I Come 

Why I Travel: To Connect More With Others

To connect with my partner.

It’s easy to get into the same routine – come home from work, make dinner, watch Netflix – and it’s easy to take each other for granted! However, when we go on trips and snuggle up on a motorbike as we drive through rice paddies in Vietnam, it’s like the start of being married all over again! 

One of the reasons why I travel is that it gives us time away from the same old pattern and we can spend more focused energy on continuing to learn about each other because you always are – even after being married 10 years!  When we’re at home, it’s easy to not put as much effort in. When we’re snuggling up in a cozy cocktail bar in Denmark or have hours on the road to ask each other  couples-focused road trip questions , in Iceland we have memories of unique experiences and have time to develop a deeper bond! 

I think that our best years of marriage have been since we started traveling and I encourage couples to slow down on their trips to be able to focus on not just the scenery, but each other!

Contributed by Taylor at Culture Craving Couple

To Strengthen Our Relationship 

Travelling as a couple can be stressful, but when you do it right, it is guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime and strengthen your bond together.  

Travelling full-time together has many advantages, each of which helps solidify your relationship and creates relationship resilience that you can take forward with you into your life outside of travel. 

If you can survive being hospitalized in Bolivia (when neither of you has a single word of Spanish between you), as happened to us back in 2019– then there’s a good chance that the next time a small challenge arises back in the real world, that you’ll be able to figure out a solution quickly and without any stress. 

Whether you’re experienced travellers that have navigated the globe together, or at the beginning of your travelling journey and looking for some  gap year inspiration for couples , travelling together allows you to learn to manage your finances in tandem, learn to live in close proximity for an extended period of time and learn to overcome hurdles together. Best of all though, travelling is able to strengthen your relationship and make you a stronger couple, which is why we continue to travel together to this day. 

Contributed by Ben at Ticket 4 Two Please

To Give My Child Experiences

It all started with a trip to Walt Disney World.  When I was a kid I was  a huge Disney fan.  I am talking playing hooky from school so I could  binge-watch the Disney channel. The one thing that I always wanted was a  trip to Walt Disney World.  But being a kid from Minnesota in the 80’s  and 90’s, a trip to Florida just wasn’t in the cards.

Fast forward 20 years later.  I was a new mom to a little girl of my own  and watching her fall in love with all things Disney just as I had done.  I desperately wanted to give her the Disney World experience that I  never got to have as a child.  So we booked the trip and did a big  countdown and we spent 3 glorious days in the Most Magical Place on  Earth.

Little did I know how much giving that experience to my daughter would  spark something in me.  How many other experiences could I give her that  I had never gotten myself? Since that time we have been coast to coast  and so many places in between.  From national parks to beaches; small  towns and big cities.  Nothing has been off-limits. And each time we  travel I am broadening her worldview and giving her the confidence to go  after the things she wants most.

So my advice to you… book the trip, make the plan, and just do it!   Start with destinations driving distance from where you live. Do just  one overnight or a long weekend.  You don’t need to jump right into a  big trip, but I promise that any travel experience you can give your  kids is the best investment!

Contributed by Tina Tolbert at Hey Mickey Travel 

To Connect With Friends

I love to travel with my friends . Often, spending time with friends at home looks like sharing a meal at a restaurant and then going our separate ways. It’s nice, of course, but I rarely feel like we created new memories together. 

Travel, on the other hand, is all about making new memories and having experiences. I’ll never forget hanging out in a pub in Ireland or hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland, both memorable experiences with two wonderful friends. 

I also relish the chance to spend largely uninterrupted days with my friends, another rarity in my daily life. From sunup to bedtime, we have hours to talk, share stories, cultivate inside jokes, and deal with the fact that we’re mildly annoying each other. 

When planning a trip with friends, always discuss a budget and itinerary beforehand. There’s nothing worse than being on the road and realizing that the plans are a financial stretch for someone in the group. 

I also recommend keeping your trips to a maximum of four people because the more people on a trip, the more dynamics to manage. 

Contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

To Meet New People

The reason why I travel is to meet new people. I’m a strong believer that the world is full of good people, you just have to find them, and travelling has proved this to be true.

Whenever I’m travelling, I always try to speak to people, hear their stories and get to know them a bit. For example, I recently took a trip to Washington D.C. and since it’s the US capital, there are police everywhere. I had five or six amazing chats with cops. 

It can be hard knowing how to start a conversation out of nowhere, so I always approach people with a question in mind. Once they’ve answered, the conversation just carries on. People always ask tourists “Where are you from?” and the conversation goes from there.

One way I’ve found it really easy to meet new people is by staying in hostels . Everyone is in the same position and has similar mindsets. I’ve met people in hostels who have become genuine friends that I speak to regularly. You never know who you’re going to meet- so always have a smile on your face and be friendly to people. 

Contributed by Josh at A Backpacker’s World

Why Do You Love Traveling?

I hope you have found some interesting and inspiring ideas about the whys behind travel in these stories and questions. Our reasons are often much deeper than we initially recognize and it can be especially helpful to keep asking ourselves for the why behind each answer. Why do I want adventure, relaxation, or connection? What is it I am really looking for?

If you are looking to explore these questions more fully, I offer travel workshops and coaching where we dive into these questions further. You can learn more here or book a free discovery call with me here.

What is one reason why you travel? If you reflect on the why behind your travels, how has that already impacted your trips and your life? I would love to hear in the comments!

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How to plan your dream vacation

Sometimes you crave a vacation — but actually taking one feels out of reach. Maybe you're struggling to find the time or save up the money. Or maybe you just can't seem to launch those plans out of the group chat. Overcome that planning inertia and take the big trip of your dreams. Here's where to start your search, organize your logistics and enjoy yourself.

MARIELLE SEGARRA, HOST:

You're listening to LIFE KIT...

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SEGARRA: ...From NPR.

Hey, everybody. It's Marielle. You remember the early part of the pandemic when the days of isolation stretched into months? At night, I would lay on the floor of my apartment with my eyes closed and listen to guided meditations, to try to take myself to a happier place. One time the prompt was something like, picture yourself doing something that brings you great joy. The first thing that popped into my head was an image of me wandering the cobblestone streets of some small European village, probably in France. The sun was shining, and every step I took was a feast for the eyes. Medieval houses, colorful flowers resting in vases on outdoor tables, patisseries with gorgeous pastries in the window, just waiting to be eaten.

I didn't realize until that moment just how much I missed traveling and how badly I wanted to look at something outside of my four walls or the blocks of my neighborhood. The next year, I took a three-week trip to the U.K. and France, and I ate those pastries and wandered until my feet hurt and filled a hole that had been growing inside of me.

Big trips can do that. Lale Arikoglu knows what I'm talking about. She's the articles director at Conde Nast Traveler.

LALE ARIKOGLU: On a really basic level, I think it's just being able to have a break from the crush of regular life, whether that's work or childcare or school, wherever it may be, you know, the opportunity to just take yourself out of your routine and be somewhere else and get to immerse yourself in that place to me is, like, the main draw of it.

SEGARRA: Now, when we talk about a big trip, that could mean different things depending on your travel style and your budget. You know, it might be a long road trip or an extended stay at a cottage in the woods or a multi-city tour on another continent. But it's typically something you save up for and plan months in advance. Lale has a big trip coming up. She's going to Peru.

ARIKOGLU: I've been waiting to do it for a long time. The reason to go there is for a friend's wedding. And now I'm building a trip around it, and it's going to be about ten days long with multi-stops, you know, having to choose multiple places to stay. And logistically, you know, it's actually taking some thought and some planning. One of the things that we're going to do when we're there is hike Machu Picchu. There's a group of us going. And Machu Picchu - it's a dream to see and experience.

SEGARRA: Now, it's easy to get bogged down in trip planning. And it might stop you from booking the thing entirely, but Lale says, do it. It's worth it.

On this episode of LIFE KIT, Lale shares her best tips on planning the big trip of your dreams. We'll talk about where to start your search, what logistical questions you should ask yourself and how to actually relax and enjoy yourself once you're there.

SEGARRA: Let's say I do want to take a big trip, right? I'm feeling that itch to travel, but...

ARIKOGLU: Right.

SEGARRA: ...I don't have a destination in mind yet or a duration. I'm really starting from scratch. Where does the planning start?

ARIKOGLU: When you start the planning, you've really got to think what you want to get out of the trip. You know, If you really just want to decompress and relax and rest, then you probably don't want to do some like multi-stop European city trip, right? You probably don't want to hike Machu Picchu. Perhaps it is that you're incredibly bored of your surroundings, and you need adventure and you need excitement. And therefore, you're going to be thinking of some really different destinations. It might be that you're traveling alone for the first time. You've decided to do a solo trip. You know, where is a place that might feel comfortable for you as a solo traveler, but still feels like it's taking you out of your comfort zone? So I think it's sitting with yourself and thinking, OK, what is, like, the goal here? That's takeaway one. Ask yourself what do you want to get from this? Set the mission of your trip.

It feels like another really important detail at the beginning is budget, right? Like, how much money do you realistically want to spend on this trip or can you afford to spend?

ARIKOGLU: And, you know, that's going to look different for everyone. If we're talking big trips, rarely are they spontaneous, right? You're planning for a long time. So that also allows you to save and finance for it. No, there's lots of great savings apps that can just, you know, that take a little bit of money out of your paycheck every few weeks, and you can kind of start, like, a travel fund that way. I think that's quite a nice way to do it. But I think, you know, you can do a big trip on a budget. It doesn't have to be, I think, a lavish, international trip. I mean, you know, we're going into spring and summer, there are so many incredible national parks to see, there are so many amazing, very diverse, different cities. There's, like, so much on your doorstep, so I think you can really argue, you don't have to cross continents to have a big trip. And so if that feels a more affordable way to get away for a couple of weeks, then, you know, look in your backyard.

SEGARRA: Right. I wonder, too, like, part of budget, besides money, is also time. Like, how much vacation time do you have? Do you have any tips for people who don't have that much vacation time?

ARIKOGLU: So I think if you look at the calendar and you look at where the holiday weekends fall, There are some tricks to being able to kind of, like, turn your limited number of vacation days into - kind of you can stretch it out if you bookend it with a holiday weekend or something like that. But on the flip side, it's also most expensive time to travel, right? There is an argument for choosing shoulder season, so that's not traveling to a destination when it's at its peak. And this is great for your own personal experience, but it's also in terms of helping that destination deal with overtourism, overcrowding. If we're talking about Europe, for example, the summers are getting hotter. So avoiding those really intense, hot, summer seasons can actually be really advantageous for your own travel plans.

SEGARRA: Yeah. That seems like maybe the next thing to consider as you're planning a big trip before you start looking at destinations is what time of year are you looking to travel?

ARIKOGLU: Definitely. And that's more of a luxury for some people because If you're having to navigate school holidays, then you're a little bit more limited. But again, it's sort of when you're thinking about carving out those goals and what you want to get out of the trip. Maybe it's the seasonality that's really important. Maybe it's all you want is hot weather and a beach. You know, if you're planning some summer travel, you could totally flip things on its head and go experience winter somewhere. I went to Patagonia when it was entering into their fall in Chile, and it was a really magnificent time to be there, and it was when New York City was going into spring. It felt like upside-down land to be choosing to do that, and it was so wonderful. It was great.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think there's a lot of room for creativity there. And also, as you said, like, it opens up more possibilities if you consider going places during the shoulder season.

ARIKOGLU: And you get to be in a place and actually be in the place with the people who live there. One thing in August, if you go to Europe, everyone who lives there has, you know, gone off somewhere else on vacation to escape the heat and the tourists, and so, you know, you're in Rome with just all the other tourists and none of the Romans.

SEGARRA: All right, so takeaway two. Before you land on a destination, think about your constraints. What time of year do you plan to travel? For how long? What budget are you working with? If you're short on time, you can make use of holidays or pick a destination closer to home. If you're short on money, think creatively. You know, maybe you do a road trip through some parks or cities nearby.

SEGARRA: It seems like another thing to consider here is, how much do you like crowds? Because for me, it kind of ruins a trip or an experience if everywhere I go is super crowded. I get very overwhelmed by that and overstimulated.

ARIKOGLU: And it's also, you know, who are the crowds? Because there's been times when I've gone somewhere and I've gone and done the same bucket list site that everyone else is, and you're sort of standing there and you're thinking, What am I actually here for? Well, what is the purpose of this? What am I getting out of it? What am I giving to this destination other than just being another member of the crowd?

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think that's an important question, right? 'Cause, like, we have been talking about what are you looking to get out of it, for the most part. But there's another side to this - right? - and it's what am I giving? And also, what am I taking? Like, am I taking too much from this place?

ARIKOGLU: I think about that a lot. When you're planning, be really thoughtful about where you're spending your money. When you're choosing a hotel, is it a hotel that is locally owned? What restaurants are you booking? Where are you shopping? Where are you buying your souvenirs? You know, I think there's lots of ways to be really thoughtful about, you know, how you spend your money, and that can go into your budgeting, as well.

SEGARRA: I know there are certain places that at a certain time, at least, they said, please, tourists, like, please stop coming or stop coming during this time.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. When a destination says that, I mean, it's something to be taken so seriously because they're usually destinations that have an infrastructure or an economy that really relies on tourism. So things have to have gotten pretty bad for a destination to say, take a beat, not right now, and listen to that, and, you know, the place will be better for it when you do go see it.

SEGARRA: I picture it as if you were, like, going to - going over, like, a friend's house uninvited, or, like, if they were like, please, today's not good. Like, our whole family's sick, like, we're all throwing up, and then you were still banging on the door, like, hey, what are you doing? Can I come stay over?

ARIKOGLU: I think that is a perfect analogy. Perfect. And no one wants to be that person.

SEGARRA: No.

ARIKOGLU: I'd hate to be that person.

SEGARRA: That'd be weird behavior.

ARIKOGLU: Yeah.

SEGARRA: Takeaway three, travel responsibly. Research the places you're interested in, and make sure they want tourists at the time you're looking to visit. When you're booking, consider putting your money toward the local economy rather than international chains. Also, learn about whatever destination you choose. Be open to the cultural practices and languages there. And be a respectful visitor.

Anything else that people would want to figure out before they start narrowing down or looking at destinations?

ARIKOGLU: I think it's also thinking about who you want to travel with. Someone can be your best friend, but they can be your worst roommate. I think travel's kind of the same, so kind of finding someone to travel with or a group of people to travel with who you're aligned with in the planning stage, rather than when you get there and then you suddenly discover you all want to do different things. So I think communicating right off the back what you all want out of the trip and what you're excited about and also being really honest with each other about finances.

If you're on a group trip, I mean, it's like splitting the bill, but a thousand times worse. And so I think if you can kind of, like, set some parameters at the start and be really honest about what you feel comfortable spending money on because inevitably, there is going to be some people on the trip who want to spend more money on some things than others.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And it seems like that conversation, there should be some form of that before you book anything.

ARIKOGLU: Yes, 100%. And, you know, I think even if you don't feel comfortable doing it, speaking up if something just feels too expensive.

SEGARRA: All right. So takeaway four, figure out who you're traveling with. You might prefer to travel alone, or if you're going with friends, partners, or family, just make sure you're on the same page about what you want from the trip - the pace, the activities and how much money you can spend.

SEGARRA: OK. So it sounds like we've given people a lot of things to consider before they choose a destination. Once they've done this soul searching, how can they start to find destinations that fit those desires and limitations?

ARIKOGLU: For me, part of the fun of travel planning is doing the research, whether it is a trusted travel publication or reading some books you love or going on to - you know, there's, like, a ton of just, like, online communities of people who love swapping travel tips and actually, I think, can be really helpful.

SEGARRA: Yeah. I think it can be helpful maybe to in the brainstorming stage to just, like, not go in too deep but just make a list of places that seem exciting to you and that might fit your parameters. Like, I have a Google Doc, and it's just, like, places that I would be really excited to go.

SEGARRA: When you are considering a destination, how helpful is social media - is - like, seeing where your friends are going or where influencers are going? Is it a good idea to follow those trends?

ARIKOGLU: I think it can be useful in picking things you want to do once you're there, particularly if it's, like, based around, like, big events or openings. You know, we have our best places to go list that runs every year. It could be, like, new train routes, new hiking routes, new museums that have opened, things that are happening in destinations centered around an anniversary. So, you know, kind of consulting those sorts of lists and rounds up as well can be very helpful. But I think, you know, going back to what we were talking about in terms of over tourism or overcrowding - you know, on social media, you will see people at the same spots time and time again. And they're usually spots where just around the corner, there's also something equally beautiful to see.

SEGARRA: Yeah. Like, I remember when Santorini was really popular. And it's like, whew - like, if you could actually see what was going on behind that photo, like, you would hate being there because it's so - it's just way too many people...

ARIKOGLU: Right. Right.

SEGARRA: ...All lining up to take a picture in - against that beautiful backdrop.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And, you know, it's Santorini. It's all beautiful. It's all amazing.

SEGARRA: OK. So takeaway five is to choose a destination. And cast a wide net when you're brainstorming 'cause you never know what's going to catch your eye. Also, Lale says, do your best to think outside of the current travel trends. Though you can use them for inspiration.

So once you've got a destination in mind, how can you start to sketch out the details of the trip? And I guess I should say, how much detail do you really need to figure out?

ARIKOGLU: So I was going to say, don't overschedule yourself, and don't overbook yourself. I think I've been guilty of doing that before, and then you realize that you have no downtime. It might seem like you're being really efficient, but you need a little bit of spontaneity on your trip. Don't overschedule. If there are a few key things you really want to do that you feel you will be crushed if you don't get to do it, then book it. Make sure that's arranged all in advance. So maybe it's finding one thing on each day of your trip. That's what you center your day around and you can frame your itinerary around that, but I wouldn't overschedule.

SEGARRA: Yeah. And then I think when you look at these things potentially sketched out on different days, then you say like, you know, that seems too busy. What's the most important to me here? Like, which of these activities do I want to book ahead?

ARIKOGLU: Right. You know, if you're suddenly realizing - you're like, I am cramming a lot in if I try to go to these three places, then choosing which one to let go.

SEGARRA: Yeah. 'Cause that's always a consideration, too. Like, if you're flying somewhere far, you might think, well, I'm already going to Poland, should I also do Germany?

SEGARRA: There's that impulse, you know? Or I'm going to Poland, so I want to see all of Poland. But that can make for a very frenetic kind of trip.

ARIKOGLU: And you wouldn't tell someone who was visiting America to be like, well, you've come all the way to America, so if you're going to New York, then you also need to go to New Orleans.

SEGARRA: Right, right. Exactly. That's Takeaway 6 - keep your schedule light and malleable. Lally recommends picking only one activity to do for each day of your trip and then building a flexible itinerary around those.

You know, it occurs to me that another element of a big trip when I'm going into them - I know that something's going to go awry during it.

ARIKOGLU: Always (laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah.

SEGARRA: I remember being in Barcelona when I was in college. I went by myself for, like, a week. And I speak Spanish, but it wasn't fluent at the time. And I just got - I just missed being able to easily say what I wanted to say, and I went into, like, a Wendy's or something because I just wanted something kind of American. And I got some chicken nuggets. I couldn't think how to say nuggets in Spanish. Like, I was like, is that even a word, like, in Spanish, or did they just say nuggets? And I just broke and started speaking in English because I was trying to only speak Spanish. And I was like, I give up. Like, can I get some chicken nuggets, please?

ARIKOGLU: The true American in you comes out screaming at chicken nuggets in a foreign McDonald's.

SEGARRA: Yeah, yeah, give me my nuggies.

ARIKOGLU: (Laughter).

SEGARRA: Yeah, I just - like, sometimes you just need to go roll up into a ball and eat your chicken nuggies and be by yourself for a minute and then come back out, you know?

ARIKOGLU: Yeah. I mean, like, travel so much of the time is sort of, like, infantilizing because you're so powerless. But it's, like, the same in an airport. You're just sort of powerless at a certain extent when things go wrong. And I think my approach to it - to sort of very taxing and challenging air travel schedules, with connections and potential miss flights and lost luggage and all the things that come with that - is to sort of just give myself up to the airport gods, and just as soon as I'm, like, through TSA, just be like, what will be will be. I'll get there eventually and just, like, I'm powerless. And that's been, like, for me, quite liberating. And it also means that I'm not the person screaming at some poor gate agent when things go wrong.

SEGARRA: Yeah, it's a moment of - it's actually an opportunity for mindfulness. Like, I think that could even be helpful going into a big trip, to tell yourself, like, something is going to go wrong. Yeah, just keep that in mind.

ARIKOGLU: Oh, my God, so much of travel is about being tired and hungry.

SEGARRA: We're really selling this.

ARIKOGLU: I know.

SEGARRA: (Laughter).

ARIKOGLU: I'm like, my whole job is to travel. It's great.

SEGARRA: Isn't it terrible? Yeah.

SEGARRA: I try to remind myself, like - what is the point? - like, go back to those goals. What is the point of this? It's to have a good experience, to meet those needs, to give myself what I've been craving.

ARIKOGLU: Exactly. And I don't know. This sounds a little cheesy and a little trite, but anyone who gets to travel is really lucky. Ultimately, it's a real privilege that you get to do it. And it's such a freedom and it's such a special thing.Don't make it stressful.

SEGARRA: That's our final takeaway. Something on your trip is bound to go wrong. So once you're there, sit back and try to surrender. After all, traveling in the first place is a treat.

SEGARRA: OK, jet-setters, time for a recap. First, figure out what you want from this vacation. Decide your budget and time constraints. Commit to traveling ethically. Make sure you're aligned with the people you're traveling with. When you choose a destination, cast a wide net and have fun with the research. Don't overschedule yourself, and once you're there, relax and roll with the punches. For more LIFE KIT, check out our other episodes. We've got one on how to find cheap flights and another on how to pack your suitcase like a pro. You can find those at np.org/lifekit. And if you love LIFE KIT and you just cannot get enough, subscribe to our newsletter at np.org/lifekitnewsletter. Also, we love hearing from you, so if you have episode ideas or feedback you want to share, e-mail us at [email protected].

This episode of LIFE KIT was produced by Margaret Cirino. Our visuals editor is Beck Harlan and our digital editor is Malaka Gharib. Meghan Keane is our supervising editor and Beth Donovan is our executive producer. Our production team also includes Andee Tagle, Clare Marie Schneider and Sylvie Douglis. Engineering support comes from Robert Rodriguez. I'm Marielle Segarra. Thanks for listening.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Why Do People Travel?

Most people at some point in their life will have an urge to travel. This may be a two week holiday to somewhere warm to top up your suntan or it could be a life changing year, or longer, trip. Everyone has their own reasons that they decide to travel but most people are triggered by something. This is often a life-changing event or it could be a sudden change of feeling giving you the desire to fly the nest and set off on an adventure. After speaking to people I have met travelling, I have discovered, what I believe, are the main reasons why people travel.

Why do people travel?

1. to visit family.

Some family members move to another country. It can be on the other side of the world or just in another country next to yours. No matter where they are you will want to visit them at some point or another. The great thing about family visits is not only that you get to catch up with loved ones but you also get to see how they live and get up close and personal with their new culture. These new cultures could also encourage you to explore different parts of the world yourself.

2. To Spend Time With friends

A Gap Year or world trip can be described as the best time of your life. The memories you will make are enough to last you a life time, what better way to enjoy these memories than with friends. Planning a holiday with friends can be a great way to say goodbye before heading off to college / uni or just a great thing to do together as something you will always remember. I mean who wouldn’t want to travel from country to country relaxing on different beaches every day with your best friend? I know I would.

3. To Find Better Weather!

No matter where you live chances are you will, at some point, moan about the climate that you are in. “I’m too hot” or ‘It’s too cold”. Lots of people travel simply to escape the climate they experience on a daily basis. People who live in colder climates race to the sunshine to top up their tans and people from countries which are constantly hot may travel to places to try activities such as skiing which they could not do so easily in their home country.

4. To Discover New Cultures

Some people like adventures and to escape their normal monotonous life. They like not knowing what they can expect and want to deepen their knowledge in other lifestyles. How do other people live? What do they eat? What are their hobbies and values? And what better way to find these things out than by exploring the world.

5. To Find Themselves

This is a very common one, and this one in particular seems to be triggered by a life-changing event at home. It could be that you lost your job, a long term relationship broke up, you finished university and still have no idea what you want to do as a career or it could be the loss of a loved one. People who go travelling to find themselves tend to travel alone but don’t worry, it’s incredibly easy to make friends.

6. To Find Love

Are you unlucky in love ? Live in a small town and just can’t meet anyone? Then go travelling! The very least you’ll find is someone with the same desire to travel and experience different countries and cultures as you. Going travelling certainly doesn’t guarantee you’ll meet the love of your life, but travelling around certainly gives you loads of opportunities to meet new people.

7. Wanderlust

Wanderlust is a strange word but what does it mean? Descended from the German word ‘Wandern’ meaning to walk and ‘Lust’ which is described as ‘A very strong or irresistible impulse’. In short it means that you travel because you have the urge to. You may not have one particular factor that made you book a flight. All you know is that you want to travel and you want to travel NOW!

8. You Won the Lottery

Ok, so this is a very rare reason, but I reckon at least half of lottery winners go an at least an extended holiday! One day hopefully I will be so lucky that I win big on the lottery. Some people, who have won millions have no idea what to do with the money. They already bought a big house but that’s not enough. What better way to spend your money travelling from country to country taking in all the amazing sights and cultures.

So why do you travel? Whatever the reason you decide to travel I have no doubt you will have the most amazing time and will catch the ‘Travel Bug’ and never want to stop.

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27 thoughts on “ Why Do People Travel? ”

Thanks so much for your answer. This was so helpful to me and my entire family.

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that photo of the men makes me really happy I love it

it helped me with my assignment’

This is an interesting subject. I am a nomad for 3 years and I have lived incredible experiences for the places I have already spent. The cool thing about traveling around the world is that we experience many different cultures, as well as being able to try different cuisines and visit beautiful places such as beaches and tourist sites.

Interesting point … for example I started my travels around the world at my 18 years of age and even though it was not something my parents wanted very much, I followed my adventurous heart and I have been through more than 20 countries so far.

Traveling is something that to me is addictive and incredible. But I only find it interesting when you have a cash income that does not depend on physical means to win. And I also really prefer to travel by car on the roads than by plane.

You miss a lot of incredible things like amazing landscapes and places. But unforeseen events can happen and something unexpected happens. It is always great to be able to read and learn new tips and experiences on nomadism.

I love traveling the world too 🙂

awesome ideas

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thank you so much nodmads this is a great sight which can help student klike me have really learnt alot from this page.

It sure is interesting that you said how exploring the world can help you experience other cultures and allow people to break away from their monotonous life. My son has been talking to me a lot lately. He has temporarily closed his photography business after giving in to all the stress of high-pressure jobs and creative rut. I think traveling around the world and plugging out of the normalcy of life will help him put the fire back in his eyes again.

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Thanks this is so helpful

• Pingback: Discourse Community – Nai's UWP Portfolio

Thank you for sharing this information. it was useful and interesting.

Thanks, I was able to complete my Annotated Bibliography.

thank you for sharing this amazing information it really helped me with my project

I really like it when you made mention of how traveling help’s one finds love… I have a friend who actually left the country cause he was having bad luck in choosing is life partner,according to him all the ladies he ever came across with always have “a skeleton in their cupboard”,…. thereafter he decided to go for an holiday in a small town…….. to cut the whole storyshort,….. he’s now happily married with two kids abroad,

I’m glad you explained that some people travel simply because they have the urge to. Lately I’ve been wanting to travel but have been having trouble justifying it. Thanks for sharing this article and helping me see that it’s okay to treat myself to some luxury traveling soon!

Really good for a project.

I wish I’d won the lottery lol!! But I have traveled for my reasons combined above… 🙂 Also found my love abroad.

very informative blog you are doing great work

Omg tysm it rly helped me with my geography assignment for school! 🙂 it also made me feel rly happy, ty 🙂

I am travel lover. It’s true and most of the reason perfectly matches with my travelling plans. Very good analysis.

Thanks for sharing this great article Very well-written! Please see my blog, 3 Main Reasons Why You Should Go on Adventure Trips Hope this will help, Thank you!

Great blog! If you want to learn more about yourself, then traveling is definitely something that you must do.

Regards Mike

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• Relationships

Why Travel Is Good for Your Relationship Health

The relationship benefits of traveling and four tips to do it well..

Posted April 10, 2024 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

• Why Relationships Matter
• Find a therapist to strengthen relationships
• Relationship partners often establish routines that define their day-to-day, week-by-week interactions.
• Self-expansion theory suggests that a break from the routine might benefit romantic couples.
• New research found that self-expanding vacations predicted higher post-vacation relationship quality.
• Tips for vacation planning include traveling together and focusing on quality, not number, of vacations.

Does a getaway sound appealing? A week away could be just the escape we all need from the day-to-day drudgery. Think of the possibilities: You could sleep in, take a break from your commute, or forgo cooking for a few days; you might try snowboarding, see a stunning vista, indulge in fine cuisine, or soak some sun. No matter the destination, the goal is generally the same: Restoration and revitalization.

Not surprisingly, vacations can improve your personal health and well-being (De Bloom and colleagues, 2009). We might readily think of the many personal benefits of a vacation, but there are other reasons to take a break. Scientists have identified the critical ways in which travel can benefit your romantic relationship (Coffey and colleagues, 2024).

Vacations Break Relationship Routines

Routines help us move easily and smoothly from day to day. For romantic partners, routines include how partners divvy up responsibilities (for example, who does the planning or who does the chores), how they manage children or pets , and how they organize their week. For partners who live together, routines define the rhythm of a household. No doubt routines are beneficial, creating helpful expectations for what gets done and when. This is important when juggling the pressures of work, family, kids, and everything else that life might throw at you.

Yet, routines can also quietly become problematic. If we don't keep them in check, routines can become so entrenched that they strip away novelty from daily life. Partners who once sparkled in each others' presence can find it difficult to maintain passion when routines define their every interaction. Habituation makes for dullness and dullness tends to make unhappy relationships.

One way to disrupt these routines is to take a vacation. Whether it's soaking in the sun, exploring a new city, or cruising on the open sea, time vacationing is time spent outside of typical routine. Might this serve as a booster shot for relationship health?

Vacations May Trigger Self-Expansion

It can be new! It can be exciting! A vacation is a shift away from the typical. The power of such newness may work to revitalize our relationships.

The idea is anchored to self-expansion theory . Self-expansion theory suggests that people are innately motivated to grow and that we can grow through our relationships, gaining new skills, ideas, and perspectives (Aron and colleagues, 2022). And it's not just individuals who can change, it's relationships as well. A strong body of evidence suggests that when couples jointly engage in self-expanding activities, doing so leads to many positive outcomes, including greater relationship satisfaction, passion, and sexual desire (Aron and colleagues, 2001; Muise and colleagues, 2019). Prior research focused on non-vacation activities. The question then, is how vacations might fit into this picture.

Vacations As a Pathway to Better Relationships

Can vacationing benefit relationships? Researchers investigated this question across two studies, the first with 234 individuals and the second with 204 couples (Coffey and colleagues, 2024). Study 1 compared vacationing alone versus with a partner, and in both studies, the extent to which people engaged in self-expanding activities while vacationing was assessed. Vacationing was linked to:

• Higher Relationship Satisfaction . When partners vacation together (not alone), their relationship may experience a boost in relationship satisfaction. In Study 1, engaging in self-expanding activities while vacationing with a partner predicted higher post-vacation relationship satisfaction (Coffey and colleagues, 2024).
• Higher Romantic Passion . Looking to keep the spark alive? Evidence showed that a vacation with a partner, including self-expanding activities, predicted higher post-vacation romantic passion (Coffey and colleagues, 2024).
• More Physical Intimacy. Affection might change day to day and this new research suggests stepping away from routines might encourage physical connection. Evidence from Study 2 showed that romantic partners who shared more self-expanding activities while vacationing together reported more post-vacation physical intimacy (Coffey and colleagues, 2024).

The Keys to a Relationship-Benefiting Vacation

Forget about personal benefits, vacationing may offer ways to improve your relationship. Consider these important tips for planning a relationship-benefiting vacation, drawn from recent research (Coffey and colleagues, 2024).

• Anyone can benefit. The links between vacationing and relationship quality were present regardless of participants' relationship length (Coffey and colleagues, 2024). This suggests that whether partners have been together for three months or 30 years, their relationship might benefit from vacationing together.
• More vacations aren't the answer . It's not the number, but the quality of the vacation that appears critical to encouraging relationship health. The researchers (Coffey and colleagues, 2024) showed that what people did during vacations (that is, the extent of self-expansion) mattered more than how often they took them.
• Take vacations together, not alone . While solo vacations might help you grow personally, solo vacations are unlikely to help your relationship. The link between self-expanding vacations and relationship quality was limited to vacationing with a romantic partner (Coffey and colleagues, 2024).
• Focus on novelty and excitement . There are so many different types of vacations, how do you decide what to do? The current research suggests prioritizing vacations that offer self-expanding activities. Try something new together. Happily, this suggests that budget-friendly vacations can be just as relationship-rewarding as budget-breaking vacations; what matters is doing something interesting and new with your partner.

Relationship well-being doesn't happen by itself, it takes work to maintain a healthy and satisfying relationship. The current research suggests that the work of relationship maintenance can include taking a vacation.

Aron, A., Lewandowski, G., Branand, B., Mashek, D., & Aron, E. (2022). Self-expansion motivation and inclusion of others in self: An updated review. J ournal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(12 ), 3821–3852.

Aron, A., Norman, C. C., & Aron, E. N. (2001). Shared self-expanding activities as a means of maintaining and enhancing close romantic relationships. In Close romantic relationships (pp. 55-74). Psychology Press.

Coffey, J. K., Shahvali, M., Kerstetter, D., & Aron, A. (2024). Couples vacations and romantic passion and intimacy. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights , 5 (1), 100121.

De Bloom, J., Kompier, M., Geurts, S., De Weerth, C., Taris, T., & Sonnentag, S. (2009). Do we recover from vacation? Meta‐analysis of vacation effects on health and well‐being. Journal of Occupational Health , 51 (1), 13-25.

Muise, A., Harasymchuk, C., Day, L. C., Bacev-Giles, C., Gere, J., & Impett, E. A. (2019). Broadening your horizons: Self-expanding activities promote desire and satisfaction in established romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 116 (2), 237–258

Theresa DiDonato, Ph.D., is a social psychologist and a professor of psychology at Loyola University Maryland.

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Costs of booking vacation packages

Costs when booking separately, costs when redeeming travel rewards points, if you want to get good deals on vacation packages.

Wanting to travel but not sure where to start? Vacation packages may seem like an appealing option, especially since they can bundle together multiple bookings at once. But are travel packages a good deal?

Let’s take a look at the costs of booking travel packages, how they compare with separate bookings and how much you could save by redeeming rewards points.

There are a lot of moving parts when booking a vacation, especially when it comes to your travel itinerary. Plenty of websites offer the ability to book travel packages, but one of the more popular options is Costco Travel. Costco Travel vacation packages are available exclusively to members, though members can book them for others without the need to travel.

Costco’s travel packages can include flights, cars, hotels, theme park tickets and additional activities.

Here’s an example of a weeklong vacation for two adults to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, including flights, a hotel and theme park tickets:

Your total out-of-pocket cost is $2,113.11, which isn’t bad for a vacation that includes Disney World admission. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll also be on the hook for Costco’s annual membership fee, which starts at $60 per year.

Other options for travel packages include airline websites such as Delta Vacations, American Airlines Vacations and United Vacations. However, not all travel packages are created equal.

Booking vacation packages on airline websites allows you to redeem your miles toward travel.

Here’s the same vacation through the Delta Vacations website, though this package doesn’t include theme park tickets. (Note that the cost listed is per person.)

Since theme park tickets aren’t included, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

In this case, booking through Delta Vacations will cost you a total of $2,463.94 — a full $350 more than the identical package Costco Travel is offering. Those wondering "Is Costco Travel a good deal?" can answer a resounding yes in this scenario.

» Learn more: Costco Travel vacations pack luxury and value

So we’ve seen the difference in price for varying vacation packages, but what about when you book each item separately?

Here’s the same flight featured in those travel packages, which will run you $374.40 for two people.

Note that these tickets are main cabin fares, not basic economy, which means you’ll get seat assignments and standard boarding. Basic economy tickets are cheaper but lack these features, among other restrictions.

A seven-night stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites across from Universal Orlando will cost $993.41.

Finally, you’ll want to add in those Disney World tickets for $1,225.10.

All told, your Orlando vacation would run you $2,592.91, which is more than either travel package offered by Costco Travel or Delta.

As you can see, booking a travel package can save you money — and in some cases the difference is significant — so when does it make sense to book separately? Short answer: when you care about elite status at a travel loyalty program.

Check the rates of all major hotel chains, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG, to find the best lodging rates before booking.

Frequent travelers will be aware of hotel loyalty programs , which reward repeating guests with amenities such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout. However, these loyalty program member benefits don’t apply to stays booked through third parties, which generally include those within travel packages.

If you have top-tier elite status, you could be missing out on hundreds of dollars' worth of perks by booking through a third party.

» Learn more: A beginner’s guide to hotel elite status

There’s another option for value-seekers looking to save money, and it comes in the form of travel rewards . Points and miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels and even theme park tickets, drastically dropping the cost of your vacation.

In keeping with the above example, here’s the cost of that flight in miles when booked with Delta SkyMiles .

You’ll be paying 24,000 miles round-trip for two passengers, plus $22.40 in taxes and fees.

IHG has dropped its award chart in favor of dynamic pricing, which means you pay variable figures depending on the night. For our example trip, your total would be 121,000 IHG points — though if you're an IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card holder, you could expect to save some points because of the card's Fourth Reward Night Free discount.

And although you can’t use your rewards points to directly purchase Disney tickets, you can take advantage of a card such as the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card to apply your points as a statement credit toward the purchase.

In this case, you’d be redeeming 122,510 points at a rate of 1 cent each to pay for your tickets.

Disney ticket purchases don’t typically code as travel — but there's a way to do so if you book a vacation package from Disney or buy tickets through a site like Undercover Tourist. Cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer a way to use your miles to reimburse yourself for travel purchases, so this is one method to covering the cost of Disney tickets through points.

All in, you can build this Disney vacation for around 267,510 points and $22.40 in taxes and fees. Even better, elite members would be eligible for all the benefits and credits they’d normally receive.

There’s a cost associated with earning rewards points, but travelers can take advantage of credit card welcome offers to earn large lump-sum amounts of points. For this example, acquiring three different credit cards would almost entirely cover the cost of your vacation:

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

» Learn more: A beginner’s guide to traveling on points and miles

Planning a vacation can get overwhelming very quickly, which can make travel packages a particularly compelling option. These packages can provide a great deal — and convenience — compared with separate bookings. Even so, those pursuing elite status with their preferred travel loyalty programs should stick with booking directly to get credit for their purchases and access to the perks.

Those looking to save as much money as possible can plan well in advance to get the right credit cards — at least six months ahead of your trip is recommended . Then, you can redeem points and miles for deeply discounted vacations, no matter where you're traveling.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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The longevity vacation: why bar-hopping holidays are out and extreme wellness breaks are in

Would a £35,000 holiday help you live longer or just leave you bankrupt? A surprising number of people are paying to find out

Name: Longevity vacations.

Age: New, but I’ll be older, hopefully.

When? When I die.

Eh? It’ll become clear. Anyway, I’m going on holiday.

Lovely. Club 18-30 , is it? Actually, Club 18-30 no longer exists . In any case, I’m thinking more like 90-120, if you see what I mean.

Not really. Are you going bar-hopping in Magaluf ? Certainly not.

Is it a trip to Vegas? World capital of debauchery. What happens there stays there, you know. No!

Hedonism on Ibiza? No, it’s 2024, not the 1990s! Debauchery is over, darling.

Oh. So where are you going? On a longevity vacation.

A long holiday? No, a longevity vacation.

Right. What’s that? Part of a growing trend for wellness tourism.

Ah, the W-word, that’s what this is about. What does one do on a longevity vacation? Well, I’m going to the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Hawaii where I’ll be having the longevity protocol.

Which is? “A multi-faceted approach that optimises your body’s natural healing mechanisms and balance.” It comprises “cutting-edge therapies such as ozone, stem cells, exosomes and NAD+”.

I don’t know what all of that is, but it sounds cool . Put me down for one – you’ve got yourself a travel companion ! Great! Just one thing: it costs £35,351.

Oh. You could just have a bit of ozone therapy , where they take out some of your blood, dissolve ozone in it, then put it back.

How much? It’s £964. Or there is the cranial release technique , whereby a chiropractor “works to restore proper function to the nervous system and proper balance to body structure”, for only £225. But this is just one very high-end resort; wellness tourism is spreading all over the world. The Global Wellness Institute expects the market to top $1tn (£800bn) this year.

Anything for the less rich? You can get a biological age test for a couple of hundred quid.

Or I could just look in my passport. Biological age, not chronological. It’s about the rate you are ageing physically.

I’m feeling quite old. But I think that’s because, everywhere I look, people are obsess ed with longevity. What do doctors say? “There isn’t a single proven treatment that would prolong the life of someone who’s already healthy,” Dr Mark Loafman, a family doctor in Chicago, told the Wall Street Journal . “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Do say: “On second thoughts, I’m just going to eat healthily, run on the beach and swim in the sea.”

Don’t say: “Party like it’s 1999!”

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'Access to hidden-gem ports': Why this luxury yacht is the best option for beach lovers

“This is your yacht, to do with as you please,” Captain Rob O’Leary told guests of the Emerald Sakara , the second luxury superyacht from Emerald Cruises. “We have an international crew from 21 different nations, and we are all here for you.”

I was on the maiden voyage of the 360-foot Sakara, a December 2023 sailing with the added glamor of a Champagne christening in San Juan, Puerto Rico, led by the ship’s godmother, Kelly Craighead. She is president of Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade organization.

“Sakara” is a Sanskrit word meaning “thoughts become things” – a fitting name, given the thought that went into the ship’s chic design. And our itinerary for the week couldn’t be more yacht-like – an island-hopping experience in the West Indies, stopping in out-of-the-way ports that larger cruise ships can’t manage. And while some smaller boats can feel rocky, the Sakara’s stabilizers keep the ship on an even keel.

Are luxury cruise ships worth the money? We did the math for Silversea's Silver Nova.

With just 100 guests and 76 crew, the Sakara is part of the larger trend in cruising: smaller ships that cater to vacationers who want the style and feel of a yacht, and the intimate service that accompanies that, with the amenities of a larger ship. Craighead said small-ship cruises offer “luxury at a great value, access to hidden-gem ports and unique features like marinas for water activities directly off the ship. These small ships can even be chartered for your own amazing, private yacht experience.”

After departing from San Juan, the Sakara reached the Puerto Rican island of Culebra in a few hours, just 20 miles off the coast. We hopped in a taxi van at the port to reach the pristine waters of Flamenco Beach, which consistently makes the world’s top 10 lists. It was a fall-asleep-on-the-sand kind of day, under brightly colored umbrellas, with multiple trips to the canteen for french fries.

“I hope you enjoyed Culebra today because it’s quite hard to get in, through a very narrow channel,” O’Leary said at a supper-hour briefing. 

The next day, we stopped at the nearby island of Vieques, which is filled with wild horses – about 2,000 of them – most of which are fully accustomed to the photo op. We docked at Esperanza Bay and wandered the waterfront. Jeeps or ATVs were available to rent for those who wanted to beach-hop, but we settled into the sand at Sun Bay. And when we sailed into Cruz Bay on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John the next day, there were yachts and catamarans everywhere – and the Sakara fit right in.

The crew outdid itself the next day at White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands. A barbecue feast awaited us, along with beach loungers, steel drum entertainment, and all the paddles and water toys from the ship. Later, we wandered down the beach to find a young yacht crowd, groups of friends who have rented their boats, all knee-deep in their mojitos.

“I get a real kick out of driving the Emerald Sakara into St. Barths, muscling in and anchoring next to all the other superyachts,” O’Leary said. “It looks good in the pictures.” A stop there brought a snorkeling excursion, a bit of high-end shopping and a few rosé-soaked hours on Plage de Saline.

Back on board, the creature comforts of the Sakara included plenty of outdoor space to connect with the ocean, a small infinity pool, a full-service spa and a large, elegant dining room and terrace. It’s all part of the cushy yacht lifestyle. 

The ship will spend the summer and fall cruising the Mediterranean Sea – heading for the French and Italian rivieras, Croatia and Greece – with eight-day itineraries from $5,100. The Emerald Sakara will be back in the Caribbean next December, with eight-day cruises starting at $4,100. 

Editor’s note: The contributor of this story received access to this cruise from Emerald Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

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Americans who have traveled internationally stand out in their views and knowledge of foreign affairs

Do people who travel think differently about the world? A new Pew Research Center survey suggests they do.

Americans who have traveled internationally are more interested in and knowledgeable about foreign affairs, feel closer to others around the world, and favor a more active foreign policy, according to the survey of 3,576 U.S. adults conducted in spring 2023. We also surveyed people in 23 other countries about their international travel habits.

This analysis examines international travel with a focus on Americans’ travel, including which Americans travel abroad and how their interest in the world and views of international affairs differ from others.

For this analysis, we surveyed 3,576 U.S. adults from March 20 to March 26, 2023; 3,581 U.S. adults from March 21 to March 27, 2022; and 10,606 U.S. adults from June 14 to June 27, 2021. Everyone who took part in these surveys is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

For non-U.S. data, this report draws on nationally representative surveys of 27,285 adults conducted from Feb. 20 to May 22, 2023. All surveys were conducted over the phone with adults in Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Surveys were conducted face-to-face in Hungary, Poland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. In Australia, we used a mixed-mode probability-based online panel.

Here are the June 2021 survey questions and responses used in this analysis. Those for the March 2022 survey may be found here , as well as those for the March 2023 survey .

How many Americans have traveled internationally?

Roughly three-quarters of Americans (76%) have visited at least one other country, including 26% who have been to five or more. About a quarter (23%) have not traveled internationally, though most in this group say they would if they had the opportunity.

Related:  How experience with international travel varies across 24 countries

To analyze how Americans’ travel experiences relate to their attitudes on other questions, we placed people into three categories:

• Globe-trotters have traveled to at least five other countries. About a quarter of the U.S. public (26%) falls into this category.
• Casual travelers have traveled to between one and four other countries. Half of Americans fall into this category.
• Nontravelers have never left the United States. This category includes 23% of Americans.

Compared with Americans, people in many European nations are more likely to have traveled to five or more other countries. For instance, 88% of Swedes have done so.

However, international travel is much less common in many middle-income nations. It is strongly correlated with a nation’s gross domestic product per capita. (For more on international travel and views about global engagement, read “Attitudes on an Interconnected World.” )

Who travels internationally?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, older people are more likely than younger people to have traveled internationally. Americans ages 65 and older are more than twice as likely as adults under 30 to fall into our globe-trotter category (37% vs. 17%).

Income is even more strongly related to travel than age. Two-thirds of upper-income Americans have traveled to at least five countries, compared with 9% of Americans with lower incomes.

Similarly, Americans with a postgraduate degree are far more likely to be globe-trotters than those with a high school education or less (59% vs. 10%).

Residents of suburban and urban areas generally have more international travel experience than people who live in rural areas.

There are no significant partisan differences when it comes to international travel: 26% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents qualify as globe-trotters, as do 28% of Republicans and GOP leaners.

Do travelers know more about the world?

Globe-trotters are especially likely to say they are interested in foreign affairs and follow international news. Casual travelers, in turn, are more likely than nontravelers to do so.

Globe-trotters are also the most knowledgeable about international affairs. In 2022, we conducted an international affairs quiz , asking Americans 12 questions related to international news. On average, globe-trotters got 8.2 of the 12 questions correct, compared with 6.4 for casual travelers and 4.2 for nontravelers.

Is international travel related to views of global engagement?

International travel experience is also linked to Americans’ views about international affairs and their feelings of connection to other people around the world.

When asked which comes closest to their view, 57% of globe-trotters say the U.S. should be active in world affairs, while 43% say the U.S. should pay less attention to problems in other countries and concentrate on problems at home. In contrast, most casual travelers and nontravelers say the U.S. should focus on problems at home.

In all three groups, at least half of respondents say that when the U.S. is making foreign policy, it should take other countries’ interests into account – even if that means making compromises. But globe-trotters are especially likely to hold that view.

Globe-trotters are also particularly likely to say they feel close to people around the world, with 42% saying so. By comparison, 34% of casual travelers and 30% of nontravelers say this.

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Richard Wike is director of global attitudes research at Pew Research Center

Janell Fetterolf is a senior researcher focusing on global attitudes at Pew Research Center

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This Ski Resort Town Was Just Named the Most Expensive Vacation Destination in the U.S.

You may want to start saving up for that vacation right now.

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The average cost of a one-week vacation in the U.S. for just one person hit nearly $2,000 in 2023, up by more than $400 over the previous year, according to a study by Bankrate . And this is just for a basic trip. But if you're hoping to go to places like New York City , you're going to spend a pretty penny, as it was just named the eighth most expensive destination in America. 

The travel experts at OptimosTravel recently analyzed more than 100 vacation spots in the United States, assessing each on the price of a daily meal, public transit, accommodation rates, and attraction fees, all in an effort to uncover the 10 most expensive vacation destinations in the nation. After crunching the numbers, it found that Aspen, Colorado, is the most expensive of all. 

"Aspen, Colorado, tops the list as the most expensive vacation spot, with a total daily cost of $761.39 per person, leading to a whopping $5,329.72 for a 7-day trip per person," the team noted in its findings, which it shared with Travel + Leisure.

The research crew noted that gourmet meals can cost upward of $100.5 per day, while "opulent accommodations" cost $494.56 per night. "Aspen's breathtaking scenery comes with a premium price tag," it added, "and for a family of four, the skies are the limit at $13,691. Even with modest transportation costs at $7, the city's unmatched offerings ensure its status as the epitome of luxury travel." 

Joining Aspen at the top of the most expensive list is Park City, Utah, in second, where travelers can expect to pay $93.75 for daily meals and $471 per night for lodging. "A week's stay costs $4,971 for one and $12,632 for a family of four," the team shared.

Maui, Hawaii, wasn't far behind in third, with a daily cost of $682. "It boasts the highest meals ($112.50) and lodging ($534.11) among top destinations, but affordable attractions ($26.63) balance the cost. A week costs $4,762 solo or $10,782 for families." 

These spots were followed by Montauk, New York, in fourth, with a daily cost of $613.77; Santa Monica, California, in fifth with a daily cost of $592.05; Key West, Florida in sixth, with a daily cost of $537; Charleston in seventh with a daily cost of $535.68; and New York City in eighth with a daily cost of $511.34.

Rounding out the top 10 is Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts in ninth with a daily cost of $496.65, and one more ski town, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 10th, with a daily cost of $490 per day. And while, yes, this all sounds expensive, you can't really put a price tag on making new memories. Right? See the full findings at optimostravel.com .