It’s very difficult to believe that less than one hundred years ago, travel was a bit of a novelty and a majority of people in North America went through their entire lives without traveling more than a handful of miles from their birthplace. It was during the 1920s and 1930s that auto and air travel became significantly more available and prevalent for the common Joe. And now the person who has hardly traveled is considered rather sheltered and behind the times. But why do we humans enjoy travel so much? Most people don’t plan a week at home for their vacation. Why is a vacation usually associated with travel? It’s more than just a western custom. People worldwide crisscross the globe constantly and the trend is expected to explode, not lessen in the generation to come.
1) Most of us like a change. Life becomes so routine that, once in a while, we crave a change of venue, a change of scenery. We escape from the dullness of our daily jobs and have some relaxation and fun. Then we enjoy coming back home and telling about what we saw and experienced.
2) We come to realize this is a large planet with amazing places that we have only heard about or seen in pictures. Seeing and experiencing unusual cultures and places is exciting. Some like a week lounging on a beach with family, listening to the waves lap the shore. Others like a formal tour in which they can enjoy new places with others and learn the inside story about various locations and landmarks. Still others enjoy a hands-on holiday full of adventure and rare experiences.
3) Perhaps Reality TV and boredom have combined to create a thirst in people for adventure. Today individuals can take safaris, go on hunting or fishing trips, backpack into the wilderness, raft the whitewater, live on a wildlife preserve, pack it in on a dude ranch or working farm, or stay with native peoples. Sure, there can be a certain risk involved, but some get a charge out of telling the stiffs at work about the grizzly they saw up close and personal.
4) Some associate travel with luxury. Though cruising has become quite affordable to many, it is still considered a luxury vacation. Passengers are catered to: Their cabins are refreshed a few times a day, they can dine anytime, day or night: meals can be served in their cabin, they can munch at a pizza café, or dress up a little and eat in a formal dining room. Shows of all kinds are staged and passengers can indulge in varied on-shore excursions. There are art auctions and elaborate spas and gyms on board. Others prefer more privacy and would rather fly to exotic islands or hideaways unknown to the general public.
5) Many families travel because they feel that this brings them closer as they share common experiences and create memories. Instead of parents selecting their ideal vacation preference, wise ones choose a vacation the kids will enjoy because if the kids are engaged and engrossed happily, parents can avoid the constant bickering, griping, and the age-old: “We’re not having any fun!” complaint. Hopefully, when the kids grow up, parents will have a chance to travel to places more to their own liking.
6) For some, the illusion of travel is enough to satiate their quest for novelty and excitement. Virtual tours are now available from various companies. One can lie back in a comfy Power Lifts and enjoy 3-D locales as if he or she is really there. You can dance at a beachside disco in Spain, hike through an action-packed Amazon jungle, or walk through the hubbub of a Tokyo city street. You can even interact with people you encounter and experience things just as they are in that world setting. Hopefully, virtual travel is not going to ever take the place of real travel, but it’s a growing industry.
7) Some like to travel primarily because of what things they can enjoy or procure with better quality and for better prices in another city or country. As long as customs allows it, there aren’t many limits on what you can buy in other climes and bring home for your personal enjoyment. I would simply encourage you, if possible, to find products or articles in native stores or settings. The souvenir and touristy shops usually charge much more than necessary for their wares.
It shouldn’t be forgotten than some even travel in order to assist those of others places in some way. Many religious or philanthropic individuals, as well as organizations such as World Vision, the Peace Corps, and Habitat for Humanity traverse the planet providing medical, agricultural, housing, or other assistance to those in need.
So why do you love to travel? Are you excited about traveling this year? For
