i love travelling because essay

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Travel Narratives , Solo Female Travel , Travel Inspiration

Personal essay: why i love traveling so much.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Updated: 26 April 2023

Even at first glance, it is so obvious to everyone who meets me that I love traveling. The idea of travel, packing my bags and disappearing to someplace new, lives inside the brain allllll the time. I mean, I spend my spare time on Google flights, haha.

Not to mention, whenever I meet someone for the first time or even encounter an old friend, I instantly want to talk about my upcoming trips, ask about their own adventures, share embarrassing and funny travel stories, and swap bucket list ideas.

And yeah, I’ll admit it. I’m probably a little annoying to my non-traveling friends and acquaintances, but I can’t help myself. My “wanderlusty” passion seeps through my pores, out of my control.

Passion is a good thing, I guess?

A few years ago, on my 29th birthday, I wrote about 29 Ways Travel Changes You forever. I know that ever since I started my solo adventures, I slowly morphed into a far more spontaneous, well-rounded, and grateful person. I used to freak out at plans changing or sudden cancellations, but now, disruption to my routine just rolls off my shoulders. 

Although I still stand by the ideas in that post, I wanted to return to my “graduate school” roots and felt inspired to write an entire essay explaining why I love traveling so much, haha. I know it is stating the obvious in many ways, but sometimes we all need a little dose of inspiration, especially after the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic that put global travel on hold for nearly two years. 

Exploring the world costs time and money (not to mention, boarding planes stresses me to the max!) so the trade-offs need to be worth it, right?

Table of Contents

“I Love to Travel Because” — A Complete Essay

Okay, full disclosure , some of the reasons why I love traveling are totally superficial and shallow.

I mean, think about it. Travel makes you look cool. For instance, an ongoing joke about dating apps (haha) is that every single profile professes a deep love of travel. It’s damn near cliche at this point. And I understand why. 

I also love to travel, because being in a new place means I’m allow to indulge and spoil myself. Pampering myself has become even more important on solo trips in my 30s , honestly.

I mean, isn’t it nice to eat a lot of delicious food, explore museums stuffed with world class art, and capture the perfect Instagram shot on top of a mountain crowned in a pink sunrise’s glow? Of course!

However, all jokes aside, I love to travel for deeper personal reasons, too. The experiences go far beyond pretty pictures and a full stomach.

I deeply believe travel makes you richer, not in your wallet, but in your intelligence and compassion. Not to mention, roaming this planet makes you realize your full potential and helps you learn what makes you truly happy. Let’s break it down.

Travel is My Passion

Life without passion is a prison sentence, in my opinion. Each day blends together until they are identical.

Wake up. Go to work. Eat dinner. Watch television. Sleep.

Time slips away without accomplishing anything. Not good.

We’re all on this earth for a deeper purpose. We need to discover that purpose and let it embrace us. By doing that, we cultivate the abilities to face any challenges that come flying in our direction.

For me, travel is my passion. Travel is my purpose. Not to mention, I channel this passion by using my own experiences to help people feel brave enough to take the trips of their dreams.

Recently, I’m listening to a lot of motivational podcasts on my commutes to work. For example, I love “The School of Greatness” and think these interviews provide great insight on practical ways to improve yourself. Seriously, if you’re struggling, then give this podcast a try.

Anyway, one of the reoccurring themes on “The School of Greatness” is to find a passion and purpose in life. No one can take passion away from you. It’s freeing.

And travel? Is a beautiful passion. Most importantly, I like to learn about humanity, beyond my country’s borders, in order to better connect with others. It’s a blessing.

Travel Helps Me Believe in People.

Travel restores my faith in people. It’s true.

Okay, I hate to out myself on this blog, but I’m a total cynic sometimes. Full disclosure.

In general, I have a very hard time trusting people, mostly because I worry they’ll lie or take advantage of me. And sadly, some people have done just that (another story for another day, my friends). It’s super challenging not to be jaded.

Yet travel reminds me so many kind-hearted, inspiring, brave, and intelligent people exist in the world. For example, I’ll never forget how complete strangers invited me to lunch in Nazare and helped me find the way to Stockholm after my train was canceled.

I’ve also had strangers talk to me on planes to calm my anxiety over flying. I had one woman stay awake the entire flight on my trip to Madrid, for instance, and reassure me whenever we hit a bump in the sky.

Travel reminds you that most people are inherently good. They are. I promise.

Even at home, the travel community’s members never stop encouraging me to transform into a better version of myself. For example, attending Women’s Travel Fest in New York City connected me with so many incredible women who are living their best lives every single day.

Travel Heals My Insecurities.

On a similar note, I’m a person who loves to travel, because exploring the world builds incredible self-confidence and worth. I’m able to accept and embrace my flaws much more readily after traveling somewhere epic and having time to reflect.

In our society, there’s an unspoken pressure to embody perfection, and falling short of that standard isn’t acceptable.

Think about it. When was the last time you felt safe admitting that you were angry or jealous and received zero judgement or advice regarding your turbulent feelings?

We all have flaws and insecurities. We’ll never reach this ridiculous idea of perfection either. 

Travel gives you a chance to push beyond these troublesome traits, which we all have, and even accept them for what they are.

Is traveling alone scary? Absolutely.

However, the fear is invaluable, because you need to get out of your comfort zone for personal growth to happen. For example, I was terrified to go paragliding in Slovenia, not only because I hate flying on general principle, but because I’ve never identified myself as a dare devil. I felt like an imposter. But when my feet touched the ground again, I realized how much courage I actually possess. Cool, huh?

As I’ve said, we all deal with insecurities. All of us. But these supposed flaws don’t have to define us. Another major reason why I love traveling is because I was able to move beyond these flaws.

Travel Makes Me Appreciate Natural Beauty.

I’m a city gal at heart. New York City is my “happy place,” because I love the endless entertainment options, great shopping, and diverse population. Bring me the city lights.

On the other hand, travel forces me to return to nature and foster a deeper appreciation for the earth. My breath was taken away in both the Scottish Highlands and Banff National Park. Crystal clear glacier lakes. Massive green mountains. Fresh air filling my lungs. Our planet is an absolute gem.

I’m even willing to get my hands dirty now!

And, even at home, I’m trying to make getting out into nature a priority. I will say New Jersey has plenty of beautiful beaches, and I fully intend to take advantage of them.

Travel Has Me Falling in Love with Myself.

Self-love is grossly underestimated.   A lot of us are taught to place other peoples’ needs ahead of our own – which is especially true for women. Society pressures and molds us into the perfect daughters, sisters, friends, girlfriends, wives, mothers.

When do we have time to pour the same kindness back onto ourselves to ensure we’re mentally healthy and happy?

There aren’t enough hours in a day. It’s sad.

Travel reclaims your time, and lets you spoil yourself. It’s amazing.

For instance, I took myself out on dates in Seattle. I bought super expensive chocolate and sat in the park and took pictures of Mount Rainier, and it was the best thing ever. I also spent over $70 on myself at the Walrus and the Carpenter in Ballard, and didn’t care that my indulgence had reached ridiculous levels. I was worth it, damn it!

By traveling alone, you can give the love that you freely hand out to everyone to yourself. Be selfish. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Ultimately, I Love to Travel and Experience New Cultures.

My passion for new places and cultures isn’t something that appeared out of nowhere in my adult life. Far from it.

I’ve always wanted to travel ever since I was young. When I was in middle school (wow, I was twelve at one point?), I was convinced that I would move to England and design houses.

While I think the latter had to do with playing too much Sims , my desire to explore beyond the borders of the United States never weakened. Not once.

Travel has made me a stronger person, and I couldn’t imagine my life without endless plane tickets and backpacks. Breaking outside my comfort zone strengthens my self-esteem. It’s a precious gift, the best one I can give myself.

Finally I feel like I have a deeper appreciation for the world now. I’m not as closed off or shallow, and consider myself very receptive to different opinions and ways of life. Travel makes me a better person.

If You are a Person Who Loves to Travel …

We’re soul sisters (or brothers if you’re a dude! Haha).

Here’s some final parting wisdom for my fellow travelers. Know that I think you’re amazing for pursuing your passions!

Don’t Feel Guilty.

You’re probably on the receiving end of some judgment. Do any of these lovely nuggets sound familiar?

“Enjoy it now. When you’re married and have kids, you won’t be able to travel anymore.”

“Don’t you want to settle down?”

“Are you running from something?”

These statements are intended to make you feel guilty. End of story. Don’t ever apologize for traveling too much!

You’re allowed to travel as much (or as little) as you want without other people impacting your choices. So, whenever you hear varieties of the above comments, simply smile and nod and move on. Guilt has no place in your adventurous life. BYE.

Share Your Travel Passions with Others.

Even as a solo traveler, we want to talk to people who have the same passions as us. It’s only natural. So, being part of a community makes travel even more special.

Facebook has several groups and communities that will connect you with fellow travelers. I love giving travel advice to random strangers in these groups! It makes me feel important.

Not to mention, it’s an easy way to hook up with likeminded people when you’re in a new country or city.

Furthermore, if you run a travel blog, then you can join classes and workshops (such as BlogHouse) , and also attend blogging conferences to make new friends. My blogger friends are some of the greatest people I know, and they support my dreams and goals whenever I feel low. Their encouragement is irreplaceable. You can’t put a price tag on it.

Finally, if you live in or are close to a big city, then check out your local Travel Massive chapter. These events will connect you with travel industry members and influencers, which is great if you’re planning on starting a travel blog.

Not planning on running a travel business? Still go to Travel Massive and make friends! The atmosphere has always been very welcoming.

Share your passion and build a supportive circle.

Implement “Travel Lessons” at Home.

Most of us aren’t digital nomads. We have a permanent address with established careers. We don’t travel 24/7. But another reason why I love traveling is because I can take those memories home with me. 

Regardless, it’s easy to fall into depression at home when you love to travel so, so, so much. Sometimes you even feel like an “outsider” in your own neighborhood, but don’t let isolation creep into your brain. It’s a mistake.

Instead treat your home as another travel destination. Local getaways are fantastic.   Research a cool attraction, park, or restaurant in your own backyard and then go explore.

Curiosity and wonder doesn’t die simply because you’re at home now. You never know what special gems might lurk around the corner.

Get out there!

Are you a person who loves to travel (I think I know the answer to this one)? Why do you love traveling? What trips have created the fondest memories for you? Share all your thoughts in the comments. Thanks (as always) for your continued support.

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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Why I Love Travelling – a personal story about how travel changed my life

Aug 6, 2022 | Feature | 0 comments

If you’re still wondering why I love travelling so much, then read on for my personal story about how travel changed my life! It’s hard to imagine where it all began because I wasn’t raised to see the world. But once the floodlights switched on and I had a taste of travel, there was no coming back. Travelling has opened my eyes to new cultures and different ways of life and shown me an endless amount of natural beauty. It has changed me as a person for the better and given me experiences that I will never forget.

There are special memories in life, like when I met my wife for the first time, my kids were born, and we bought our first house and truly felt like adults. But for me, some of my most cherished memories are from my travels. I love the adventure and excitement that comes with planning a trip, not knowing what lies ahead but being confident that it will be amazing.

Hey, not that my wedding day over 16 years ago and the day my kids were born don’t top the list; of course, they do. However, there is something about getting away from every day and exploring our big beautiful world.

From the first time I stepped foot on a plane as a young adult, I was hooked. I loved everything about flying; the anticipation of takeoff, the views from above, and finally touching down at a new destination. The sense of freedom and adventure that comes with travel is unlike anything else. And I knew that I wanted more.

So, why do I love travelling? For me, it’s all about the experiences. Each new place I visit presents an opportunity to learn something new, see things from a different perspective and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Whether watching the sunset over the Himalayas in Nepal, I was hiking the jungle in Borneo or enjoying a coffee in a Bali cafe. While travelling, I will always create memories that I will treasure forever.

The sunrise from Chisapani in Nepal.

Why do I love travelling, and how did it change my life? Let’s go back a bit before I even saw another country outside of Australia. By the end, you’ll understand why I love travelling and how I can’t stop.

Unless a virus takes control of the world, naturally.

I never travelled internationally growing up.

I don’t think I am alone in this because international travel is undoubtedly more convenient in modern times than in my youthful years in the 80s and 90.s. But my family never went on holidays overseas, except for domestic trips to Sydney from Melbourne. That was fine, Sydney was superb, and the memories were strong, especially the beachside area of Manly. Yet, international travel remained a mystery. 

However, going overseas was a pipedream growing up. It all changed when I got my first real job and joined the Australian Army.

My first overseas trip came about a deployment in the Army.

On my first overseas trip, I didn’t even have a passport. I didn’t need one getting deployed to another country with the Army, so that’s always a remarkable fact I like to mention from time to time. How is this for a little fun fact?

Anyway, my deployment was peacekeeping in East Timor, and I was there for just three months. It was a fantastic experience and one that changed my life in so many ways that I am forever grateful for.

However, it wasn’t a holiday. Besides being based in the hills of Bobonaro with fantastic views near the Indonesian Border, there wasn’t a lot of time to be a tourist.

Visiting South Korea is when travelling truly opened my eyes.

Okay, my first real trip overseas with an official passport happened in 2005 when I visited Seoul, South Korea, with my Korean girlfriend. Spoiler alert She became my wife, and we’ve been married 16-plus years now, so happy ending and all that.

But this is where I had what I like to call my ‘travel epiphany’. I hadn’t given travel much thought, but being in Korea and seeing the sights of Seoul, exploring the city region and seeing impressive palaces and temples and so forth was genuinely fantastic. I loved it; I was beginning to get the travel bug.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace must be on your list during your vacation in Seoul.

A travelling Halt as Marriage and Kids took over.

Unfortunately, a trip to South Korea would be the last trip abroad for eight years, that’s right, eight years! Because we got married, had kids and bought a house, the critical stuff required in adulthood. Which is excellent, I love being a husband and father, but the travel itch was still there. I often researched for trips, but timing and financings were not there.

But why do I love travelling? Especially when I barely touched the surface in the travel stratosphere.

It’s hard to explain why I love travelling so much because it is an indescribable feeling whether you travel a lot or not.

But as circumstances changed, kids grew older, and we had a bit more money, we finally started to travel again.

And I haven’t stopped since!

Travel restarted with a trip to Fiji.

Suppose I ever think about why I love travelling. In that case, the paradise islands of Fiji in the Pacific stand out because it was here on the beaches of Fiji that I realized that I wanted to travel more. That I needed to see more places and explore this big wide world we live in.

However, it was not only the stunning beachside resorts and cocktails that helped too; the locals were the kindest people I had ever met. They had this unique way of life and culture that I wanted to learn more about.

If a tiny island country could get me enthusiastic about the rest of the world, I was keen to see what other countries had in store.

I was visiting a boutique island in Fiji.

Then Asia came calling again, and I never looked back.

Fiji got the blood pumping for travel. Therefore it was time to travel more frequently. With Asia being the most affordable place to travel from Australia, it became my haven for a trip.

Over the years following Fiji and before the virus hit the world, which took travel to a halt, I visited terrific destinations.

I return trips to South Korea, expanding further than Seoul and seeing beautiful destinations in Muju, Busan and Jeju. I had several trips to Bali, Malaysia and Thailand. I’ll never forget my tenth wedding Anniversary in Koh Samui, Thailand, where it became the Island of Love.

I became well-travelled in Asia, but what stands out the most was two adventures of different kinds. Firstly, in 2017, was the volunteering experience I had in Vientiane, Laos, where I tried my hand at teaching English to school kids and monks.

The second unbelievable experience was hiking in Nepal, just outside Kathmandu, and seeing the unbelievable Himalayas with my two eyes. It was better than any picture I could see on social media or television.

The continent of Asia is spectacular for many reasons, and I’m excited to see what else is out there in this big wide world. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll conquer Europe or even Africa! And that’s why I love travelling, it changes you as a person, witnessing experiences of different cultures in different destinations.

Happy and smiling from a high vantage point in Koh Samui in Thailand.

My most memorable trips to this date

Hiking in Nepal, volunteering in Laos or having a wedding anniversary in Koh Samui all stands out, but what indeed is the most memorable trip. Well, I can tell you, it’s none of the above.

• Kyoto in Japan – Japan is incredible, and Kyoto is a beautiful city to get lost in for a few days. I saw the best tourist attractions, the Fushimi Inari-Taisha and the Kinkaku-Ji, to only name a few best places to visit in Kyoto. The temples, the food and the culture make this place very special to me.
• South Korea – Whether it’s Seoul, Busan, Jeju, or Gyeongju, there’s an excellent reason I’ve returned to Korea on numerous occasions . It’s a beautiful country with something new, whether the food, the nightlife, or just exploring a new neighbourhood.
• Nusa Lembongan in Indonesia – The beautiful island of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its turquoise waters, white sand beaches and coral reefs, it’s easy to spend a few days on the island and cherish life and what is around you.

Paradise awaits any traveller on arrival in Nusa Lembongan.

How my love for travel opened my world to travel writing

The love of travel inspired my blog, Fair Dinkum Traveller, which started in 2016. It’s a place where I share my personal travel stories, itineraries and tips to help others explore this big wide world we live in.

I have visited some unique places as a travel writer and influencer through writing. I’ve written about travel destinations, especially my immense love of Asia and my home country in Australia.

I’ve been very fortunate to have articles published in well-known travel publications, giving me more opportunities to quench my thirst for travel.

But why do I write about travel? I want to inspire others to get out there and explore this big wide world we live in. I want others to know that seeing the world is possible, whether you’re from a small town or city.

And that’s why I love travelling, because it changes you as a person, witnessing experiences of different cultures in different destinations.

How did you catch the travel bug? Please let me know in the comments below.

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10 Reasons I Love Traveling (and Why You Will, Too)

• August 2, 2023
• 6 minute read

It’s no secret that most people desire to travel much more often than the normal 9-to-5 gives them time for. Traveling is a transformative experience that enriches our lives in countless ways. From discovering new cultures to pushing the limits of our comfort zones, the thrill and adventure of traveling offers an escape from the ordinary.

In this blog post, I’ll share ten compelling reasons why I love traveling, and I’m certain that these reasons will inspire you to embark on your own adventures.

Here are the top 10 reasons I love traveling!

Affiliate links are used in this post. for more about affiliate links, check out my disclaimer policy ..

1 || We get to experience new cultures

This is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of travel. Sadly, it’s lost on many people, especially nowadays, as social media is flooding with people just looking for a good photo or to be able to say they’ve been there. Don’t be that way! Actually immerse yourself in these new cultures and you will absolutely fall in love.

It also teaches you empathy and increases your overall social intelligence. Embracing different cultures broadens your perspectives in unimaginable ways and fosters a deeper sense of appreciation for the diversity our world has to offer. These encounters not only introduce you to new customs and traditions practiced around the world, but also creates lasting memories that will shape your understanding of the world and the people living in it.

• This one is a large reason why I loved my time at Oxford, England . Immersing myself in their way of life for 5 weeks really grew my appreciation for slow travel, whereas before, I was a 100% advocate for fast-paced travel.

2 || It takes us out of our comfort zones

We all have our familiar boundaries that we feel safe in, and once we reach adulthood, and get into a routine, we don’t often stray outside of them. However, living this way leads to remaining stagnant, to getting comfortable and not continuously trying to grow. Stepping outside the bounds of our familiarity is where our personal growth happens. Even if you don’t realize it, we all have more growing to do. It never, never stops!

Travel only enhances, and often speeds up, this growth! It challenges you to face the unknown and forces you to face uncertainty. Perhaps you travel to a country with a language barrier, or head to an adventure capital like New Zealand to bungee jump . Whatever you end up doing, it’s the act of embracing these challenges that ultimately fosters personal growth. This can result in increased resilience, adaptability, and confidence.

3 || Traveling hones planning and organization skills

This is definitely one of my favorite reasons I love traveling! Planning a trip requires meticulous organization and attention to detail. Sure, you could wing it by not creating an itinerary, doing little to no research, and leaving bookings for the day off, but that’s asking for chaos. While you might enjoy the trip, things will inevitably go wrong, and you’ll hit constant bumps along the way.

For me, I plan as much as I possibly can. My guides here on the ErickaRheanne blog (such as my guide to visiting Massachusetts ) are so in-depth to avoid any problems or complications. And so many trips have gone perfectly because of this intensive planning and attention to detail.

From crafting itineraries to booking accommodations, transportation, and activities, traveling sharpens these planning and organizational skills. The ability to research, budget, and prepare for a journey not only ensures the overall travel experience goes as seamlessly as possible but also proves invaluable in terms of our personal and professional lives.

• My continuously growing planning skills are evidenced through my extensive, comprehensive travel guides, such as this one on Alaska .

4 || It teaches us skills applicable in life and career

Building upon what I said earlier, traveling teaches us valuable life knowledge and skills that can help us greatly in other areas of our lives. Traveling teaches you how to improvise, communicate effectively, and adapt to a variety of different situations.

All of these skills are transferable and will continue to benefit you for the rest of your life. This also boosts your confidence and assurance in further ventures you might pursue.

5 || It boosts our happiness and gives us something to look forward to

Anticipation is an extremely powerful emotion. It can literally impact your mental health even in the worst of times. Travel fills our hearts with excitement and joy.

The mere thought of exploring new destinations, indulging in local food, and immersing ourselves in breathtaking landscapes can instantly lift our spirits and add happiness and worth to our lives.

Planning a trip also gives you something to look forward to and keeps your mind off of areas of your life that cause you stress, anger, or sadness. Travel can also be a selfish activity (in a good way!) that forces you to think about yourself and put your desires first even if you’re the type to put everyone else ahead of yourself.

6 || It frees us from the constraints of regular life and allows us to escape reality

Sometimes, the routine of daily life can get monotonous. Or, for some, daily life might not be anything like what they imagined for themselves. Traveling can liberate you from the demands of work and responsibilities by offering a reprieve via escapism.

As you immerse yourself in new surroundings, you’ll experience rejuvenating freedom and return to your daily life with more energy, or perhaps a new outlook.

7 || Traveling opens us up to new friendships and romantic connections

Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, or going solo, visiting new places can open you up to reconnections or new connections. Whether it’s a romantic encounter in a charming city or a meaningful friendship forged during a group tour, these connections can enrich your life in ways you never imagined.

8 || It helps us reflect and get in touch with our feelings and emotions

There’s something about travel that really gets us in touch with our innermost thoughts and emotions. Sometimes, we end up confronting and reflecting on things we didn’t even know were festering deep inside.

Traveling offers us a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life and reconnect with ourselves in meaningful ways. This times allows us to reflect on ourselves and our life, then reassess how to approach our lives and direct our potential futures when we return.

9 || It lets us experience rare, inspiring moments of awe and adrenaline

One of my absolute favorite feelings from travel is the awe I feel at the truly amazing beauty of some destinations. The feeling is best when it’s completely unexpected.

This occurred when I hiked Arthur’s Seat while I was in Edinburgh, Scotland . I actually was not too thrilled about the idea leading up to it, because I figured it was “just another hill” and what could be so great about the view from up there that I couldn’t get in the United States? Boy, was I wrong! It ended up being my FAVORITE part of my 5 weeks of travel throughout in the United Kingdom .

Any kind of adventure that spikes my adrenaline is also a big reason to love travel. Whether you are standing on the glass of the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, or bungee jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand, or whitewater rafting in Colorado, adventure awaits you everywhere.

All these experiences can leave you breathless with excitement and wonder, and what better feeling is there than that?

10 || Traveling aids us in personal transformations and allows us to live out our dreams

Ultimately, traveling has a transformative power unlike anything else. It can truly make you more open-minded, adventurous, and fulfilled. The memories you make while traveling will continue to shape who you become, and will give you the additional courage you need to chase after your dreams, and the life you desire.

It can also simply just give you a sense of purpose and renew your vigor for life.

And those are 10 reasons I love traveling and why I think you will, too!

Through travel, you can experience self-discovery while also creating unforgettable memories. These experiences can teach you invaluable skills that encourage growth in your personal and professional life while also increasing your mental health.

There’s so many other reasons I love traveling that I didn’t list here. And if you’re ready to bite the bullet and find your own reasons to love travel, I’ve got tons of information on planning your upcoming travels.

• Ericka Rheanne

Hi! I'm Rheanne, a travel addicted booklover from the midwestern US. So far, I've explored 49 U.S. states (only Hawaii left!), and a few other countries. One of my favorite parts about travel is the planning, but I know it's not for everyone! It can often be overwhelming and stressful. I aim to provide you with as much ready-to-use travel information and trip planning as possible to alleviate some of your worries!

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Slow Travel. Eat Local.

Why I Love Traveling

//  by  Lisa 22 Comments

[updated August 2022]   Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore. Dream. Discover.    – Mark Twain

Hi. I’m Lisa and I love to travel. Plain and simple. And it’s a passionate affair, not hyperbole. I had to write this ‘why I love travelling’ essay to try to express how much I love travel. I started this blog in 2006 to document my trip around the world. Now I’ve been to more than 60 countries and counting . My travels have changed and shaped my life.

Ever since I was a kid, I had a sense of adventure. Just going around the ‘next bend’ on my bicycle, to see what was there, was exciting. And then as adult, it got the best of me and I quit my job as an Emmy award-winning TV producer, sold most of my stuff, and took off to travel around the world for two years. I never thought I’d do something like that. It was a pipe dream. It seemed impossible. Until..it wasn’t.

In most cases, traveling is cheaper , easier , and safer than you think.

I have always loved the adventure of travel — the unknown, something different, something new. And I feel the same way today… even though now the ‘next bend’ may be on another continent. I have been extremely lucky to continuously feed my passion and love of travel. Many out there share my passion while others do not. Looking back I can recount how I developed this travel bug . But, why do I love traveling so much? Here’s my ‘I love travel essay’ to try to explain this magic of travel!

Table of Contents

1.  I love the excitement of traveling

I love the excitement of it all — feeling like an explorer — discovering a new land, a new language, new money and all the little challenges that go along with it. When I travel, I am more spontaneous and don’t live for the future or the past… just in the moment. Being impulsive and saying ‘yes’ to nearly everything is part of the fun.

2.  I love the adrenaline rush of traveling

I love the rush . Habitual runners get off on the kick-in of endorphins that give them that extra boost they need to keep going. I get the same jolt from a day of travel or an unexpected side trip to a new and undiscovered land (for me… not for all mankind) that I hadn’t planned to visit.  Traveling seems to give me a near constant adrenaline rush.  After a few years of uninterrupted travel, I became quite addicted to this feeling. Traveling can be a challenge, but to me, a fun challenge that I enjoy conquering time and time again.  Plus it sure beats having to vacuum, pay bills, or shop for toilet paper.

“…so many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day, to have a new and different sun.” -Chris McCandless – “Into the Wild”

3.  I love learning new things

I learn so much from travel . World travel broadens your mind in so many ways. You meet new people, share new experiences, and let down your guard much more than when back at home caught up in the mundane day to day routine of life that we think is normal.  I get to see how the world lives. I see the sun and smiles in Israel that go way beyond the CNN clips. I learn about the differences and embrace the similarities. I am not there to complain about how it is ‘so different than back home,’ but rather to appreciate these dissimilarities. Just because something is different does NOT mean it is wrong and in many cases it can even be better. And, the people I meet get to know a bit about me, my world, and my background which can help dispel some other stereotypes as well. And now, some headlines I may have not noticed in the past, grab my attention. I’ve been to these places and have experienced their generosity. Now I’m much more interested and aware of what is going on there.

4.  I love the l ogistics of traveling

I like landing in a new place and trying to figure it all out myself. Where to get money. How to speak the language. How to go from point A to point B. How to pack my bag right so I don’t go insane after packing it for the 135 th time. Well, okay, maybe I don’t love that mundane task, but I still figure it’s better than all the tedious chores I left back home when I decided to travel. It all actually becomes easier and easier as it goes and gives you the sense of confidence that you can do anything. If I can plop down in an airport amidst the chaos of Cairo or hubbub in Hanoi and manage to get myself into the heart of town and find a place to stay, all the while, not getting ripped off and keep my sense of humor, then I am certainly not really worried about being able to go anywhere, anytime.

5.  I love the simplicity of it all.

My only job is to go somewhere and figure out how to do it. My to-do list is rather short: figure out the exchange rate and get cash out of an ATM, figure out a few key words in the native language , figure out transport to my lodging and around town, exchange books (find English used bookstore), do laundry every 2 weeks or so. Because I travel for longer periods, occasionally I also have to: get a haircut and buy new clothes to replace ratty, holey old ones.

Everything you own is with you in one bag . You only have a few pairs of pants or t-shirts, so getting dressed each day is an easy task. The more we have, the more it seems to weigh us down. Your life isn’t complicated by all the nonsense that is back home. But, guess what? If you really need a new shirt or shoes… you can buy it anywhere in the world. There is not much we actually really need and I think in this mega-consumerist society, we too often forget that. You need food and you need shelter… that’s about it. I enjoy some love, laughter, and happiness too… but that’s free and takes up no space in my luggage.

6.  I love meeting new people all the time.

In no other time in my life have I met so many people and made so many new friends in such a short time. The world is full of friendly, generous people. Sure, every place has its share of nitwits too, but as a traveler, you seem much less likely to meet them.  Maybe because people want to help you or maybe because you just don’t know some people long enough to uncover their schmuck-like tendencies. Since the nature of travel is to keep moving, these folks never become boring… because you simply don’t know them long enough to discover their flaws or get sick of them.

7.  I love the freedom .

I experience a great feeling of independence from traveling solo . I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. I can sleep in. I can stay out late. It’s all up to me.

All this also shows me how easy it would be just to live somewhere else… anywhere else really.  Staying in each place for an extended bit of time taught me how I could make friends, find work, and find a flat all rather easily.  Things that I would have to do if I was living there anyway-so, in many ways, for all intents and purposes it’s as if I was living there already.

“Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open roads Healthy and free, the world before me. The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose. Henceforth I ask not good fortune, I myself am good fortune. Henceforth I whimper no more, Postpone no more, need clothing, Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms. Strong and content I travel the open road.” -Walt Whitman, from: Leaves of Grass

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Lisa Lubin is an established travel/food writer and photographer, three-time Emmy® award-winning TV producer, video consultant, and travel industry expert. After more than a decade in broadcast television she took a sabbatical, which turned into three years traveling around the world. She created this blog in 2006. Lisa also owns LLmedia, a media & video consulting business. Her writing and photography has been published by American Way, Hemispheres, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, West Jet Magazine, Scandinavian Traveler, Orbitz, and Luxury Las Vegas. Her book, The Ultimate Travel Tips: Essential Advice for Your Adventures, is available on Amazon.

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Reader Interactions

June 16, 2009 at 4:59 am

Great perspective on the why's of travel (love the quotes) – especially in regards to simplicity and freedom from possessions. I am in the midst of re-configuring my life for long-term travel and just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement you offer by just doing what you want to do.

June 19, 2009 at 12:14 am

We need to travel to see faces different from the one that we always have around and to avoid the depression of being stuck in the same place.

June 19, 2009 at 12:17 am

I think traveling is incredibly important. It increases tolerance because you actually meet people from different cultures and learn that they are not so different from you.I wish that I could travel far more but I can't afford it! Great review !

June 21, 2009 at 4:35 am

I love the empowerment, the feeling of self-confidence. After some time on the road, I feel I can conquer the world – there isn't anything I can't take on. Travel makes me strong as well as worldly.

June 22, 2009 at 10:58 pm

I’m addicted to travelling,we can meet new people especially love talking with them and we can understand their way of life. When I plan a trip away, I always create a list of places that I want to visit, and make sure I visit those places.

July 5, 2009 at 4:33 am

Nice B/W pictures!

January 7, 2010 at 3:51 pm

I quoted that same Mark Twain line to a friend some time ago and he replied, "There was never a safe harbor." At the time I thought he was just being antagonistic, but I see that it was very true. we could get run over by a bus any day of the year. our heart can get broken in any city in the world, and every day people go to sleep and never wake up. I think his pessimistic response is just more of a reason for everyone to go see what the world has to offer them.

February 13, 2012 at 10:46 am

I just love travelling just the very thought of getting to an unknown desination is enough to get me excited. Unfortunately iam not able to travel all due to certain circumstances and culture… i envy those people who truly understand the importance and need to able to let yourself go and even if busy in the day to day life are able to take some time away for their soul:) its an enrichment process in my opinion… i hope it changes and i am able to do some travelling if not too much… thx for the lovely insight i enjoyed reading it:)

April 17, 2012 at 3:34 pm

Every person has a dream, my dream was broken and shattered. I used to love travelling, every day i always used to ask my parents, Can we go somewhere new? The truth was, I was so badly addicted that i started leaving in a dream world of my own. I used to draw photos of south america, used to look up all the facts.. but deep inside I forgot that reality is so bitter. The place I was living was alright, but soon it became depressing. I felt like life without travelling for just a few moments would ruin my life. The people I started meeting in different countries made me feel like i belonged there, not here. My happy memories travelling? I cry whenever i think of it again. I feels like being locked in a cage, full of darkness. Every month i'd wait for my holidays, cry and plead my parents to at least take me to a nearby country. No one understands how much i love travelling, and you know? One day Im going to get there. Im going fufill all my dreams because You only live once. That's all to say.

May 30, 2012 at 1:08 pm

This resonates with me on many levels, particularly the excitement of it all and figuring out logistics. I'm so glad that I've had a passion for travel since I was a kid, too. It makes me happy to be going places.

May 30, 2012 at 1:25 pm

I guess the passion for travel is hardwired in us. The passion may wane but somehow, the desire to travel (even just from one city to the next) will be there.

December 26, 2012 at 1:29 pm

Such a well-written post! I really like the freedom travel provides…and the sense of wonder 🙂

January 2, 2013 at 6:27 pm

Thanks Adam!

September 10, 2014 at 7:25 am

I agree with you so much about travel. Think it is something that everyone must experience at one point in their lives. It opens you up to so much more with experiences, people, culture, and much more. Thanks for sharing your views and congrats on leaving the hustle lifestyle.

September 14, 2014 at 12:19 pm

Thank YOU De’Jav for commenting and also being out there in the world being another good ambassador for the human race!

March 3, 2018 at 9:58 am

Great Work.. Keep it up!!

May 26, 2018 at 9:08 am

Lovetralling and bring along with 1 bag… Lets discover your life and dont regret for anything. I am in viet nam and i love to introduce vietnam beauty to my friends in the world.

August 2, 2018 at 7:16 am

Really, it’s an inspiring blog and its true travel gives us a freedom to explore the place, gives the wisdom to understand the things better and adapt the changes in a more flexible manner. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful blog with us!!

August 26, 2018 at 9:54 am

good one keep it up

March 17, 2019 at 11:11 am

adrenaline* you forgot the e in the end.

July 11, 2019 at 5:44 pm

Thank you! That’s been wrong for years. Fixed it! 🙂

[…] Lisa's Tongue & CheeksI was going after my biggest dream to travel the world – with no schedule, no return date, and no pressure.  I did not want the stress of ‘having to’ update my blog a certain number of times or anything like that.  And for the most part that worked.  I updated only when I had an interesting story to share that I knew would inform or simply entertain and hopefully make you smile or laugh.   I did not post about every place or every cup of coffee…it was really about things that moved me and stories that I knew could leave an impact. […]

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WHY DO YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL?

Worldwide thoughts and quotes on the benefits and beauty of travel.

Carolyn Canetti

I polled my friends and family from all over the world on why they love to travel. Here are their responses:

"I think the exposure to new places and new people can be really reviving personally and also eye opening to see how other people live. To see how life functions, whether human or natural life, in other places is really humbling. It's easy to have your status quo at home, but as soon as you're in a new place - all bets are off. You can do anything, and are so willing to try new stuff to push your own boundaries purely because you're in a new place."

"I love to travel because not only is it the ultimate adventure but it also exposes you to new types of people, different ways of living, and opens up your mind. I just like to walk around in beautiful places that resemble the shire from Lord of the Rings while exploring new culinary terrains."

-Matty G "Traveling reminds me that my life isn't the only one I could live and that in the grand scheme of things, I'm pretty unimportant to this world we live in. People get so caught up in their daily lives and forget that they can be somewhere or someone else tomorrow if they'd like. There are no limits in the grand scheme of things except the ones we create for ourselves. Traveling helps make sure I don't forget that ."

"Travel puts me out of my comfort zone and inherently breeds challenge . I'm a firm believer that challenge leads to curiosity, maturity and growth."

"I use travel as an escape from daily life. Having future trips already planned brings me joy and gives me something to look forward to. I've never regretted a single trip I've taken ."

"I love to travel for a few reasons. First, you automatically become a naturally curious being . You are a traveler, tourist, backpacker, etc and even the most basic thing on a trip becomes an adventure - like catching a bus between cities. Second, you are hyper aware of your surroundings and appreciate the beauty or intrigue of a new land and culture! Third, when I travel and then return home, I see home in a whole new light . For example when I studied abroad in Buenos Aires and came back to NOLA, I realized there was so much more exploring of my own city that I needed to do and I was excited and motivated to do that, whereas before I was stuck in my daily routine."

"I travel to eat all the foods ."

" I love figuring things out . I love seeing new people."

"When I think about travel, I mostly think about traveling solo. I love it because it displaces you. In a state displacement you experience wonder, discovery, awe, discomfort. If you go with an open mind, you discover things about yourself, about others and about the world you would have not learned otherwise. It opens you up, turns on new lights so you can see and experience the world in a new way- even when you go 'home'. We get so involved in our current environments and lives - the chance to step out and explore and experience elsewhere gives us perspective and often provides new lenses with which we can see and think about who we are , what are doing with our lives and what we care about. The whole experience is filled with all these beautiful and crazy colors and feelings."

"I like the discovery part of it... I like to explore new things, new places, new views, new people, new everything...T here are many ways to explore new things, but traveling is the most satisfactory as it is the most comprehensive way as it encompasses many elements from views to people to foods etc. I also like getting away from the routine, and the daily chores and daily work and daily life and have a kind of a break from reality if you want... On the other hand with all the new crazy security issues, travel is not so "free spirited" anymore, as now one has to keep in mind and be aware and even worry a bit when traveling, when in the past the idea of travel was to get away from worries."

"I like to travel so that I don't have to text anyone for a week."

" It's fun ."

"People. Whether it's hiking a scenic overlook with old friends, or eating flatbread on the side of the road with new friends, you forge a special bond when you're both out of your elements. Every moment is an adventure."

"I love to travel to experience things and places that are completely unknown or different to me."

"Traveling somewhere new is an opportunity to really engage in being lost. You have to pay close attention to figure out what's your place, and how to act, and how to be respectful. You start to question and reflect on your own assumptions and behavior. You have a chance to represent your home , which both makes you consider other people's perspectives and better articulate who it is you want to be putting forth into the world." ​-Ella

"I love to travel for so many reasons. There is nothing like getting off a plane/train/bus and seeing the beauty of a new place for the first time . Sometimes, the outer beauty is overwhelming and I have to stand still and let time stop to try to take it all in at once. Sometimes, the beauty is less about aesthetics and more about that first conversation with a local when I am pleasantly overwhelmed by their openness and rich culture. I love walking several miles each day in a new place and thinking about who has walked there before me. It can be startling to realize that I do not know a single person for miles and miles, but I think that's part of what keeps it exciting. I feel the most 'alive' when I am exploring ."

"I love to travel to get away from the chaos of life, when I come home I've gained more perspective ."

"The world is full of interesting people, beautiful landscapes, incredible food, amazing music, and different cultures, and life is more interesting when you make time to enjoy as much of it as you can! We are lucky enough to have the ability to access all of this relatively easily, it's our responsibility to travel as much as possible and learn from other cultures."

“Because everything unimportant falls away - all the little stresses of New York. And I can just be. And learn. And see. And really truly lose myself in all the new things in a new different place.”

"I like getting out of the every day routine of things - it helps me get perspective on ma lyfe. And I like seeing how other people live and meeting the Matt Goodmans of other countries ."

“I love to travel because there's so much I haven't seen and every time I go somewhere new I learn about people and places I never thought about before and that's pretty neat. You can only see so much in a photo you gotta go live it to experience .”

“I love that a totally new perspective makes me reconsider my priorities and allows me to kind of recenter myself. Also food is delicious and I'm a sucker for taking pictures of things I've never seen.”

“I love moving away from the tourist trail and exploring where the locals eat, drink, dance and live. I find it so much more meaningful to see and immerse myself in that side of a city. It's nice to get away from the Aussie accents, English speakers and cameras, and just wander around and explore, and imagine yourself living there . I love everything about traveling, particularly trying new cuisines. I despise even the thought of eating at a Western fast food restaurant, when you have so many incredible and new foods to try. Even the experiences that are frustrating or difficult at the time, end up being some of the most memorable, and some of the most hilarious stories to share and reminisce about.”

“I love to travel because it excites me and energizes me ! It takes me out of my comfort zone and exposes me to cultures, landscapes and people that I find so inspiring.”

“Mainly to meet, experience, and learn from different people, for those wild unimaginable moments that just fall into place and make you question if your dreaming , for that crazy sensation of not knowing what's next, and overall for self reflection and personal growth.”

“I'd say I love to travel because I don't want to wake up one day when I'm 80 years old and say to myself I wish I had done that .”

"I like the feeling of adventure, like anything could happen ."

“ My first trip to Kenya made me examine and question how I live and what is important . It made (and continues to make) me wonder who is ‘happier’. I see such discrepancies between my life and others, although I live in a nice apartment with all of the ‘things’ I can desire - my life might be lonelier without a small community support system. So which life is ‘better’? This existential question is made sharper to me by traveling to countries whose cultures, customs and socioeconomic levels are different from what I grew up with and still. I also enjoy learning about the history of other cultures, why heritage and values result in suspicion to refugees and foreigners. This is a wake-up to me that not everyone (not most people) embraces diversity in every way . Much as I like to travel, I love to come home though.”

"I love the smells, tastes, sounds, sights and feelings of a place - new or familiar. I think my memories are closely interwoven with the scent of an event or a period of time so being able to catalogue a place by smell helps me remember the feeling of being there. Also food. Hooray for all the food and recipes that have been passed through generations, families and communities . I also love the feeling that I am somewhere removed from my everyday experience. It is exciting and relieving all at the same time. I love that traveling is not just one thing. Traveling can be fun. It can be invigorating, enlightening, powerful, relaxing, overwhelming, emotional or even a struggle.."

"The anticipate of travel is always the first exciting thing for me. The sheer idea of going somewhere far away. It's part coping mechanism, part restlessness, and part soul seeking. I love witnessing the way different people and cultures move through the world - how they interact with each other, love each other, how they make art, how they define community, what they value, what they fight for, and what they believe in spiritually . With every new encounter, you experience a new part of yourself."

“I love to travel because it takes me out of my comfort zone and I am always learning something new about myself and about that place each day I'm there.”

"For me it's meeting new people and learning about their different way of life - culture, traditions, food. And seeing what makes each place so unique ! Love finding a spot with a view that I'll always remember about that specific trip."

"I love the anticipation of a trip. Looking ahead, saving, planning, researching, all make the trip a greater adventure. I love the sense involved in experiences a new place, especially the taste. Every trip is magical and I feel fortunate; free to have wings at this stage in life."

"I can't remember a time when I wasn't dreaming about exploring a far away place. Trying to answer why I love travel is like trying to ask myself why I eat ice cream. I just love it. There's something so magical about getting the chance to live in each new place, surrounded by a new culture of sights, food and people."

"I love to see how other cultures eat and dance! Food and music is the best way to interact with people if you can't speak each other's language, and getting involved is the best way to show your appreciation . I also love challenging my own ideas about other cultures. It's so refreshing (and educating) to experience another side to what we see on TV, in movies and online.”

"I like to travel to understand history and learn how others live across the world. And for the food obviously ."

“I love to travel because I love to learn and meet inspiring people. It's important to educate yourself about different cultures and its pretty sweet to learn new skills (even if you pay for something 'tourists' do). Submitting yourself to the unpredictability of travel gives you experiences, some good others bad, that ultimately contribute to your world knowledge - even if it's only becoming a bit more aware of what is around you . Oh, and its fun learning dirty words in different languages.”

“I love to travel because it takes me outside of my culture and privilege and reminds me of great inequities in our world. Travel inspires me to learn more, think more and to better serve our world community. ”

“I rewatched Midnight In Paris last night. So I ask, 'is the age we are living in a golden age?' Certainly if Trump is president then No. But how would we ever know? The path towards the answer is to travel. Traveling allows you to drink with Hemingway, walk the path of Jesus, and gush over Joni Mitchell. I travel so I can debate and discuss this necessary question."

"My favorite part of traveling is being exposed to food, people, places, and things I've never experienced. To get that feeling of the first time is exciting ."

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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.

Why Are We So Obsessed With Traveling? 10 Reasons.

Hodophile is the term used to reference people who love to travel. It means “one who loves to travel.” People love to travel for many reasons. It offers them a chance to escape the monotony of daily life, explore new cultures and ways of life, and gain new perspectives.

Traveling can also be an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and adventure. For many, the memories created and relationships built while traveling are priceless. It also allows people to break out of their comfort zones and step outside their familiar surroundings, leading to a greater appreciation for the world and their place in it.

Additionally, traveling can offer a sense of relaxation, stress relief, and numerous physical and mental health benefits. Ultimately, travel is a unique and fulfilling experience that appeals to people’s curiosity and desire for new experiences.

#1 – We Travel to Experience

By Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler

We travel to experience – new cultures, new food, new adventures, and new people. These experiences are more than just a check on a list of things to do in a place, but rather a way to change the core of who we are.

Cooking a traditional dish in a local’s home is an experience of kindness and loving our neighbors despite how different they are. Bungee jumping in a canyon shows us that we are stronger than the fears that try to stop us. Standing in pristine nature reminds us that we are connected to this earth. Even the difficult experiences of getting lost somewhere teach us to be adaptable and open to where the road is taking us.

Traveling opens us to experiences that we may never have thought we could have – and many of which we can’t have if we’re glued to our screens. We travel to experience all that life has to offer us – the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the powerful.

#2 – We Travel to Eat

By Sydney from A World in Reach

Eating delicious food is a major part of my everyday life, and that doesn’t stop when traveling. One of my favorite parts about visiting a new place is experiencing all the delicious food that it has to offer. I’m always so excited to try new foods, especially local dishes I can’t find back home.

When it comes to trying new foods, I don’t discriminate. I love trying everything from cheap street food to fine dining and even dishes that some might consider strange.

Some of the highlights of my travels have been experiencing fine dining in Japan, trying guinea pigs for the first time in Ecuador, and sampling amazing street food all around the world. Taking a cooking class is another fun way to experience local cuisine – you’ll be able to try new dishes and learn how to prepare them at home!

Even if you’re a picky eater, I recommend stepping out of your comfort zone (even if it’s just a baby step) on your next trip and trying a new dish. Who knows – you might even come home with a new favorite food!

#3 – We Travel to Meet Others

By Nick of The World Overload

One of the best parts of traveling is being able to interact with people from all over the world you never would have otherwise. Not only does traveling help get you out of your comfort zone, but it’s a great opportunity to find others of a similar mindset. You can meet people with similar interests, personalities, or professional careers. It allows you to branch out and opens up endless possibilities.

Meeting and starting up a conversation with strangers are never easy, even more, when you are completely out of your element in another country. But it does help to get you out of your comfort zone and to be a more adventurous type of person.

Introducing yourself to some locals gives you a chance to experience a new city and country authentically firsthand. They might even have suggestions on locations and events you may not have even heard about or considered going to.

Not only do you make new friends while you’re making your way through the world, but what about after you are done traveling? You get a whole network of local and international friends.

Keeping in touch with people from your traveling days not only lets you reminisce about the good old days, but they may want to come out and visit you. This not only gives you a chance to reconnect with some old friends but may get you out of your stay-at-home rut. Or even give you an opportunity to play tour guide to your own hometown.

#4 – We Travel to Bond

By Corritta of  It’s a Family Thing

We had the idea to become a full-time travel family after I had to return to work only 7-weeks after giving birth to our son. I was angry that I barely had the time to heal, let alone spend quality time with my son. We decided to sell everything and travel to spend more time together as a family.

Travel has allowed us to bond. I haven’t missed a moment of our son’s major life milestones because we decided to leave the daily grind and travel. We are growing together and learning from one another in different ways that wouldn’t be possible if we lived the typical lifestyle.

Traveling together has given us some life-altering memories. We’re learning from each other’s interests, up close and personal. As we take on different experiences throughout our journey, we can always rely on one another.

#5 – We Travel to Explore

By Debbie of WorldAdventurists.com

The world is huge, and there are endless adventures out there! There is a great allure in experiencing different cultures and meeting people from all over the world. Humans are driven to explore the unknown, discover new ways of life, and challenge what we think we already know about the world. The more you explore, the more you also realize how little you know, fueling the fire for more exploration.

Travel has an amazing ability to take us outside of our comfort zones. We are constantly inspired to experience and try new things, take chances, and become the best version of ourselves as we learn from the world around us. Travel broadens the mind and feeds the soul.

We travel to explore because it gives us a true perspective. We develop a greater appreciation for things we would otherwise take for granted and gain a greater respect for different ways of life.

#6 – We Travel to Relax

By Tawnya of Money Saved is Money Earned

An oft-forgotten reason we love to travel is simply to relax. While it’s great to travel to see and explore new places, it’s also important to plan trips just for relaxing . These trips help you escape the hustle of everyday life and recharge your body and mind. Relaxing trips are essential for reducing stress and boosting your mental health.

It’s important to think about your purpose for traveling before planning or booking. If you want to relax, make sure you pick a destination and accommodations that will help serve this purpose. Think about the beach, nature, pools or water, and other things to help you kick back and enjoy it all.

Be sure to limit your use of technology, go with like-minded people (or solo), and not overbook yourself with activities. If you simply must do some exploring, alternate exploration and relaxation days so you don’t need a vacation to recover from your vacation!

Knowing who we are is an integral part of life. It helps us to love ourselves better. Along life’s journey, we often feel as if we’ve lost ourselves. Traveling is a good way for us to rediscover the things we used to love and discover new passions.  We get lost to find ourselves again.

#7 – We Travel to Escape

By Cassie of Cassie the Hag

We travel to escape – to run away not just from our troubles but towards something better. Some are escaping mediocrity, monotony, or the expectations set by traditions and society. Others want to escape a life they already cherish, just for a little while, to experience something new and go back home with appreciation.

Some of us are escaping traumas, the darkest depths of our pasts. I have learned that travel is merely a distraction from our struggles; the things that haunt us can follow us all around the world. But, in allowing ourselves space and time to deal with these things, travel can help us find a path toward acceptance.

We travel to escape our former perceptions of ourselves. We are braver, stronger, and more deserving than we ever knew. We travel to escape our preconceived limits – we push ourselves, we grapple with our mind over matter and our feet over the earth.

We escape a sense of never quite belonging in favor of feeling connected to the world around us. And thus, we learn compassion toward people who cannot escape. We learn privilege. We learn to be grateful that we were able to escape our troubles and hope to be better for those who cannot.

#8 – We Travel to Learn

By Brodi of Our Off Beat Life

My family and I travel to learn. When on the go, we prioritize picking up a few key phrases in the local language as well as educational opportunities in each place. If there are ruins, museums, or nature tours, we do it all!

However, education is more than formal learning. It’s also just experiencing new things to expand our worldview. Trying local cuisine in restaurants or food carts helps us learn about our new location. Staying in local housing, not just resorts, helps us understand how people live their lives around the world.

One of our favorite ways to learn is visiting local parks and playgrounds. This gives us an opportunity to see how local people like to spend their free time. Throughout Asia, we found many adults using the free outdoor workout equipment in the parks while kids played on playgrounds nearby.

Typically, our first reaction to travel is noticing how people and lifestyles are different from our own. However, the more we travel, the more we learn about the similarities between people and cultures around the world.

#9 – We Travel to Teach

By Sally of Our 3 Kids V the World

People travel for many different reasons, but mine as a mother is two-fold. I travel to teach my children, ‘our little citizens of the world’ we call them. Travel teaches them about different cultures, different food, different sights and senses, and to be more accepting of others and their differences. We have taught them to adapt quickly to new environments, to live outside their comfort zone, and, best of all, to challenge themselves.

When we travel, we give them their own money before we leave Australia. They have it changed into a different currency, whether that currency might go further than home or not as far. We teach them to budget their money so they can buy the things they want.

We teach them to catch public transport and how to get around in different places, using all sorts of modes of transport. We hire private guides at culturally significant landmarks such as Angkor Wat, Taj Mahal, and Bagan so that we learn the history of the place and why it is so significant to the country as we are visiting.

This learning can’t be taught in a classroom, and they are learning valuable lessons they will need later. Best of all, my kids are patient, accepting, adventurous and adaptable in all aspects of their lives, and I attribute that to all the amazing travel experiences we have been able to provide them with. And we get to see the world through a child’s eyes which is priceless.

#10 – We Travel to…

“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again- to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.” ― Pico Iyer

This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex .  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States. 

Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.

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Editor’s Note: We know that many of you are looking for help writing travel experience essays for school or simply writing about a trip for your friends or family. To inspire you and help you write your next trip essay—whether it’s an essay about a trip with family or simply a way to remember your best trip ever (so far)—we enlisted the help of Professor Kathleen Boardman, whose decades of teaching have helped many college students learn the fine art of autobiography and life writing. Here’s advice on how to turn a simple “my best trip” essay into a story that will inspire others to explore the world.

Welcome home! Now that you’re back from your trip, you’d like to share it with others in a travel essay. You’re a good writer and a good editor of your work, but you’ve never tried travel writing before. As your potential reader, I have some advice and some requests for you as you write your travel experience essay.

Trip Essays: What to Avoid

Please don’t tell me everything about your trip. I don’t want to know your travel schedule or the names of all the castles or restaurants you visited. I don’t care about the plane trip that got you there (unless, of course, that trip is the story).

I have a friend who, when I return from a trip, never asks me, “How was your trip?” She knows that I would give her a long, rambling answer: “… and then … and then … and then.” So instead, she says, “Tell me about one thing that really stood out for you.” That’s what I’d like you to do in this travel essay you’re writing.

The Power of Compelling Scenes

One or two “snapshots” are enough—but make them great. Many good writers jump right into the middle of their account with a vivid written “snapshot” of an important scene. Then, having aroused their readers’ interest or curiosity, they fill in the story or background. I think this technique works great for travel writing; at least, I would rather enjoy a vivid snapshot than read through a day-to-day summary of somebody’s travel journal.

Write About a Trip Using Vivid Descriptions

Take your time. Tell a story. So what if you saw things that were “incredible,” did things that were “amazing,” observed actions that you thought “weird”? These words don’t mean anything to me unless you show me, in a story or a vivid description, the experience that made you want to use those adjectives.

I’d like to see the place, the people, or the journey through your eyes, not someone else’s. Please don’t rewrite someone else’s account of visiting the place. Please don’t try to imitate a travel guide or travelogue or someone’s blog or Facebook entry. You are not writing a real travel essay unless you are describing, as clearly and honestly as possible, yourself in the place you visited. What did you see, hear, taste, say? Don’t worry if your “take” on your experience doesn’t match what everyone else says about it. (I’ve already read what THEY have to say.)

The Importance of Self-Editing Your Trip Essay

Don’t give me your first draft to read. Instead, set it aside and then reread it. Reread it again. Where might I need more explanation? What parts of your account are likely to confuse me? (After all, I wasn’t there.) Where might you be wasting my time by repeating or rambling on about something you’ve already told me?

Make me feel, make me laugh, help me learn something. But don’t overdo it: Please don’t preach to me about broadening my horizons or understanding other cultures. Instead, let me in on your feelings, your change of heart and mind, even your fear and uncertainty, as you confronted something you’d never experienced before. If you can, surprise me with something I didn’t know or couldn’t have suspected.

You Can Do It: Turning Your Trip into a Great Travel Experience Essay

I hope you will take yourself seriously as a traveler and as a writer. Through what—and how—you write about just a small portion of your travel experience, show me that you are an interesting, thoughtful, observant person. I will come back to you, begging for more of your travel essays.

Take Notes in a Cute Journal

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More from SmarterTravel:

• Genealogy Travel: How to Find Your Family Tree
• The Essential International Packing List
• 9 DIY Ways to Upgrade Economy Class

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Home > General Travel > Why I Love to Travel

Why I Love to Travel, Beyond the Obvious Reasons

The first time I traveled, I drank too much wine one night, met a lot of strangers, and slept in all sorts of unusual places. At least that's what my parents tell me. I was six months old, so I don't remember.

It seems that experience somehow wired my mind to love traveling because ever since then, the second I step off a plane, train, or bus into somewhere new, something deep inside my brain tells me, "It's go time!"

I have no idea how much money I've spent traveling. However much it's been, it's less than you think, and it was worth it. I also don't know how many countries I've visited. Counting countries is counterproductive . What matters most is how my travels have contributed to the story of my life. Travel has:

• Complicated my (mis-)understanding of the world.
• Filled my day-to-day with Easter eggs.
• Taught me what money's best for.
• Made my life a page-turner.
• And a lot more.

In no particular order, here are all the reasons I love travel.

Travel Enhances My Enjoyment of Life Back Home

When I travel long enough, I return home extra grateful for what I have. And I bring back memories that scatter Easter eggs throughout my day-to-day.

For instance, traveling increases the chances that I see places on movies o TV that I've been to.

Have you ever watched a TV show or movie that was filmed in a place you've been to?

My first such experience was a traumatic one: watching the original IT as an eight-year-old. Unbeknownst to my dad, who let me watch it, some of the horror movie's scenes were filmed at my elementary school and the community center down the street. It took my overactive imagination years to recover.

That's because seeing familiar settings on TV and in movies amps up the experience. You can more easily transport yourself into the scene and it brings back flashbacks?most having nothing to do with cannibalistic clowns?of your experiences there.

These benefits are confined to my couch, though. When I walk down the street and hear someone speaking Spanish with a Mexican or Colombian accent, I recall my travels in those countries. Then if I see a gorilla on someone's shirt, I remember the day I saw the real deal on Mount Bisoke in Rwanda. And when I buy cashews from the grocery store, I remember the time I walked into a cashew plant in Kenya and got a tour of how they're processed.

Travel Stresses Relationships

If you've watched The Amazing Race , you know what I mean?or even The White Lotus .

Even though TV is contrived for drama, you'd have to be extremely unlucky or boring to avoid your own dramatic scenes when traveling. While miserably stressful on relationships at the time, they become the stories that bring you back together to reminisce about over beers.

I wouldn't be having beers with some people if not for travel. I wouldn't even be married to Kim because our relationship began with me inviting myself to join her on a road trip up and down Jordan .

At the same time, there are people I don't need to see again after having traveled with them because the stress revealed our true colors, which clashed like yellow and green.

Travel Complicates Things

"Don't judge a book by its cover," we're all taught. But if all you've seen is the cover, what else are you supposed to think?

So I don't blame anyone for superficially thinking:

• Africa's a country full of skinny kids with flies on their faces.
• Most Arab people are hostile to Western ways.
• Racial tension in South Africa is tight as my pregnant wife's belly button.
• America is overflowing with ignorant, self-righteous, obese, gun-toting, loudmouthed freedom fighters.

But when I've traveled to such places, I've learned that the real story is more complicated and, almost always, less negative. These experiences contributed to me mostly giving up on following the news. And they've made me more critical of all "common knowledge"?good or bad. Before I believe it, I rather see for myself.

When I do, I'm always reminded what storytelling expert Brian McDonald calls The Golden Theme , the universal message in all stories: We are all the same.

Travel Creates Chapters and Interludes

Look at going through life like reading a book. If it's one long chapter, you can't help but start zoning out and wondering when it's ever going to end. But if it's broken into many James Patterson-esque mini-chapters, it can be endlessly engaging.

That's why I make sure to always have a trip to look forward to. At the very least, that trip will break the inertia of my regular life. Ideally, it will add a new, exciting, and transformative chapter. And, according to a New York Times article I read years ago, the anticipation brings more happiness than the trip itself.

Travel Teaches You What Money's Best For

If you were to give me hundreds of millions of dollars, I'd first say thank you very much. Then I'd take off traveling.

I might spend some of my riches on a seven-star hotel or three-Michelin-starred restaurant to see what the fuss is about. But then I'd revert to traveling like I learned how as a bummy 20-year-old: with minimal stuff , minimal plans, and minimal expectations. I'd eat at places that might make me sick, hang out with people who are a million times "poorer" than me, and take uncomfortable routes I could afford to helicopter over.

That's because travel has taught me not to maximize for comfort, happiness, or wealth but for growth . Such growth comes from unexpected experiences, authentic connections, and uncomfortable challenges. Well-spent money puts me in more such situations and protects me from anything having the opposite effect.

Travel Shifts the Polls

The farther I get away from home, the farther I get from all my identities that go with that life.

I can even change my name! When I traveled around Southeast Asia in 2008 with my cousin and brother, we became the Power brothers: Max, Super, and Austin. We let loose?identity-wise and otherwise. And we had a lot of fun with others who'd done the same.

What I didn't realize until later was, "What happens in Southeast Asia doesn't stay in Southeast Asia." At least not everything. Because "every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become." 1 James Clear, Atomic Habits So while some of my travel stories will remain secret, I couldn't help but come back slightly changed because of those experiences?less inhibited, more open-minded, curious, adventurous, and fun-loving.

Travel Factory Resets You

When I "pretired" from my corporate career and traveled for months with a 32-liter backpack and no plan, all of the open programs hogging bandwidth in my brain eventually shut down. By the time I settled back into Canada to turn "real life" back on, I felt nearly good as new.

I don't think you have to quit your job and travel for months to reset, though. Every trip where I intentionally disconnect does so to some extent. This is especially the case on camping trips into deep nature, where the "3-Day Effect" has been shown to untangle your brain. And adept meditators can apparently Ctrl+Alt+Del everything on command without going anywhere. All are different forms of travel.

Travel Is Positive Climate Change

To me, good weather is like sex: Unless I'm terribly spoiled with it already, as I was during the years I lived in Panama, I'd rather not give up the chance to get some by traveling from one unsexy cold, dark place to another. I love that travel lets me go where I can take my clothes off and get a bit sweaty.

Travel Is Fun

• Blind taste testing aguardiente , cheese , and beer in Colombia.
• Playing multi-generational beach baseball in Nicaragua.
• Getting wobbly on thousands of types of sake in Japan .
• Spotting gorillas in the mist in Rwanda .
• Eating 24 foods in 24 hours in Taiwan .
• Butterfly and donkey racing in Kenya .
• Foraging mushrooms in Canada.

While there's plenty of fun to be had at home, too, it's hard to beat these experiences.

I Love Travel Like I Love My Wife

Travel's superficial beauty is a big part of what attracted me in the first place, but as I've spent more time with it, I've grown to love the less physically obvious things it brings to the table:

• Helping me forge new and exciting relationships.
• Challenging me in ways I couldn't on my own.
• Keeping me curious.
• Filling my life with extraordinary stories.

Sure it takes commitment, can sometimes ruin my day, and costs money. But I wouldn't want to live without it.

No two loves are the same, so your relationship with travel will differ from mine. I just hope you find something as endlessly life-improving as I have.

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

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25 of the best reasons to travel – as written by you

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Last week we asked on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram why you love to travel. You hit back with some pretty interesting, inspirational and, in some cases, downright beautiful reasons.

Whether you love travel for the adventure, the education or the food, you'll certainly be able to relate to a few of these. Here are 25 of our favourites – feel free to share why you love to travel in the comments below.

1. I love to travel because it makes you fall in love with your life. – by Amandeep Mathur on Facebook

2. I love to travel because there is always something new to taste. – by ‏@devourmalaga on Twitter

3. I love to travel because the souls you meet along the way leave an imprint on you and your own personal growth. You see things in awe, and make memories. – by Lee Morgan on Facebook

4. I love to travel because it keeps me living and experiencing this wonderful world. – by Diane Nichols on Facebook

5. I love to travel because every turn makes a new memory. – by wanderingangel67 in Instagram

6. I love to travel because it makes me appreciate my blessings, especially the gift of health. – by Judise Gonzales on Facebook

7. I love to travel because it always changes my perspective. – by @Catdui on Twitter

8. I love to travel because it allows us to see life through a unique lens and challenge our conceptions of conventional. – by nathanthoen on Instagram

9. I love to travel because it gives a sense of adventure and freedom. It allows us to get away from "normal" life, experience other cultures, to get to know places we have only seen in movies. We get to try new food and meet new people. – Aleksandra Ka on Facebook

10. I love to travel because it broadens the mind and feeds the soul. – by Lynne Nash on Facebook

11. I love to travel because I love to dream. – by @Mark_Selleck on Twitter

12. I love to travel because I want to know more than what I can read. – by Mary Faith Phillips on Facebook

13. I love to travel because it’s when I feel most alive. It is a time when I’m inspired to seek new adventures, to explore, to make new memories of fun at the beach, to discover the simple joys of nature and everything around me and to bring a renewed interest in life. – by Andy Haverson on Facebook

14. I love to travel because it opens my eyes to this glowing world and restores hope where humanity causes doubt. – by @robynjbell on Twitter

15. I love to travel because it gives you the freedom to be yourself. – by Jo Swabey on Facebook

16. I love to travel because it's like a natural high. challenges the intellect. – by Kelly McCann Photography on Facebook

17. I love to travel because humans are meant to be explorers. – by Rebeccaarosenthal on Instagram

18. I love to travel because it opens your eyes to ways of life you would never know. – by Andrew Mcdiarmid on Facebook

19. I love to travel because it’s the best education possible. – by Jfbartley on Instagram

20. I love to travel because it allows me to learn and to love other cultures, marvel at beautiful landscapes, and value what I have. – by Sonia Teruel on Facebook

21. I love to travel because it makes me free. – by Angelica Agront on Facebook

22. I love to travel because you can't experience life via Twitter. – by @LimaGourmetTour on Twitter

23. I love to travel because learned more about life from travelling than all my years in school. – by Vincent Lim Sui-leong on Facebook

24. I love to travel because it keeps your feet grounded and your mind humble. – by Kim Ryan on Facebook

25. I love to travel because it opens my eyes, gladdens my heart, sharpens my mind, tires my feet, lightens my wallet and brightens my life. – by Ramya Tirumalai on Facebook

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Why I Love Traveling

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Why do people decide to leave their beloved home and travel all over the world? Why do some people love travelling more than being at home? Every traveller has her/his own reasons of doing so. The love for travel is the reason why. Here are my reasons why I love traveling so much.

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I’ll give you five reasons why I love travelling so much. I’m not going to write a whole essay about it, but I could. I think I am loving traveling more and more since the last couple of years and I can only see my love for travel grow even bigger. My reasons for the love of travelling will only expand. And that’s such a cool process.

Why I love traveling – it’s eye-opening.

I have never been one to live in her own little life bubble and forgetting how life works in other places. Even so, traveling is extremely eye-opening. I love to watch how people live in other countries, what their traditions are and learn about their traditions and even celebrate with them. It might give you a new perspective on life and make you (more) humble of the life you have. When you’re travelling: you can do anything, you can go anywhere and I am so willing to try new stuff and push my own boundaries because I am in a new place. It gives me more strength and courage to step out of my comfort zone.

It also gives me a perspective on my own life. The life I’m currently living, doesn’t have to be my life forever. There’s so much out there which makes life so exciting. You don’t have to stay in that same position or same country if you’re not completely happy.

Why I love traveling – Explore, explore and explore

Along with the eye-opening part, I absolutely love exploring. Every country has its own beauty. Every country has its own story. I love to get to know the story through talks with locals and by looking around the place and getting to know the history. The landscape of a country tells so much without words. Sometimes I’m just in awe, even when no one has spoken. That feeling of admiration, pure happiness, calmness and excitement is something I want to explore every day of my life. I’m naturally very curious and very eager to learn and travelling combines these two perfectly!

You may like: What Not To Do In Bali How To Deal With Different Cultures

Why I love traveling – Getting to know yourself

Such a cliché, I know. People take a gap year to travel and to “find out who they are.” How many times have you heard it? And as cliché as it sounds, it is true. Traveling gets you out of your comfort zone, especially if you travel alone. You have to let go of your own way of living and adapt to the lifestyle of the destination. The only one who you can really rely on, is yourself. You have to trust yourself and your instincts. This is such a great learning process and you will get to know yourself so well. It might also give you a possibility to reflect on life.

That’s what I did when I was in Bali and I came back such a happier person. I’m always looking ahead of looking back. What’s going on tomorrow, what has to be done for next week, how can I achieve that one goal and WHY did I do that stupid thing two weeks ago. That was my mind for years and years. My journey to Bali and the things I learned from the locals gave me a new perspective. To live by the day. To enjoy everyday to the fullest. To live in the moment. And I have gotten so much better at it and I’m so much happier. Less stress, more happiness. Let’s all embrace the “living in the moment” vibes. We have no control over yesterday, we have no control over tomorrow. We do have control over today, so let’s take full control of our lives.

Why I love traveling – Appreciation of your own life

The new perspective gave me a new appreciation of life. Sometimes I’m so sucked up in the daily life, that I lose sight of what I have. There really isn’t a place like home and you’ll get to know that when you’re traveling. The simple things you always took for granted don’t seem to be as simple as you thought. Traveling is also a way to connect with your friends and family if they are traveling with you. I have made some awesome memories with my family and friends, that none of us will ever forget. No matter how far apart we are.

A shared experience will bring you closer together. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling with your close family, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your best friend or your group of friends. Travel will deepen your relationship. Travelling is also a great way to build new relationships, doesn’t matter if they are fellow travellers or locals.

Why I love traveling – Escaping “reality”

I love the saying that you need to build a great life at home where you don’t need escaping from. But don’t we all need to escape sometimes? We sometimes seek things we don’t have in our own life. Simple things like the nicer weather, a nicer scenery or that gorgeous beach. Or more complicated things like freedom, experiences and happiness. I love planning trips ahead because it makes me excited. It does get my mind off things and in some way helps me to  “escape” from my life. That doesn’t mean I’m not happy with my life. I am very happy at home. However, I am very happy while traveling too. To have the best of both worlds is such a blessing.

Travel also has the power to not only give you the freedom, but it also gives you the time to heal. A new place full of new experiences, challenges and exciting things will give your head some time to process.

I feel most alive when I’m traveling. And that’s because of the exact reason I said before: I can either be really sucked up in life or be too busy with thinking back in time or thinking ahead of time. I’m almost forgetting to live. It’s the ultimate awful daily routine. I get up, go to school or work for the day, return home, do some stuff, go to sleep, and redo the entire process the next day. Traveling brings me so much excitement. It doesn’t have a routine. You can’t have a routine while traveling. Everyday is new and you just have to wait and see what the days brings. That’s what I love most. You can hardly plan it.

I’m a 20-something Dutch travel enthusiast with a passion for writing and leaving a positive impact on the destination. On my happiest days I’m either writing or taking walks in nature with friends and family. You’ll most likely find me with my camera in my hands!

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13 Comments

I agree with all of these so much. In fact I wish I could travel continuously but you’re right about it making me appreciate my life at home too. It’s such a balance

Jenny | Local Leo

It really is a balance! I wish to travel full-time as well, however it’s nice to have a place called home I guess. It has two sides :-).

I think that travel make person peaceful. If some are anger if that person travel in nature that may also relax with travel. With travel we also go near to the nature and it teach that how we have live in nature in bear way.

I agree! It makes us re-think our daily life and think about the things we stress about. I’m always so relaxed while travelling and full of energy when I get back!

I am so grateful for this article you’ve provided here. I have really been looking for a good traveler’s blog as good as yours. I must say, you’ve really made my day and I would definitely be revisiting your site for valuable information.

I’m so happy to read this, thank you so much! 🙂

i too love to travel, but need to balance job and family. Hope this virus soon be over and I am thr to fly again, thanks

I totally understand! I hope we can travel soon too. 🙂

The last time I traveled was in last weekend of February and after that I just check out my old pics and vlogs to make myself believe that everything will be over and we will be back someday, hitting the roads, climbing the mountains, embracing nature…

Haha that’s been me as well! My last time was during Christmas in Paris and I’ve been looking at old travel photos ever since. We will be back someday tho, it’s just going to take a while. 🙂

Hi Melissa, this is a great piece! Many people love traveling. It is a crucial part of life. Whether you are always idle or a busy bee, you need to consider traveling at least once a year.

Thanks for sharing this! I was really trying to put into words why it is that I like to travel, and you hit the nail on the head. It does make you’re humble, and gives you new empathy for others. Plus as you get older, it feels like time goes by faster. I think this is because we’re no longer constantly learning like when we’re kids, and travel reawaken that, and makes it easier and more enjoyable to remember and be in the moment!

Aw thank you so much! I completely agree with time going by faster when you’re older, travel is the perfect way to slow down time. 🙏🏼

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Sunday, 5 May 2024

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Insider travel guides, travel tips, and travel itineraries – Amazing places to see in the world!

• Travel tips

Why I love to travel: 30+ powerful reasons to travel now

Since I have a travel blog, it’s clear that I love to travel. But you may ask: why do people love to travel? And I have to tell you that there are many powerful reasons to travel – and I’ll share them below!

I hope this article will show you the benefits of traveling more and will make you want to start planning your next trip and even give you some great travel destinations ideas.

Don’t forget about our series of free insider destinations guides for places across the globe, travel guides that include top tourist attractions, off the beaten path things to do, restaurants, hotels, and tips for each place.

You create special memories

My love for travel started when I was very young. My mom took me to the mountains as often as she could, as a toddler and as a child.

I have many wonderful memories from that period – sometimes only glimpses: a nun at a monastery giving me a special yogurt (I was lactose intolerant, which wasn’t a thing 38 years ago and there were NO alternatives for people with my condition… – however, in Cheia, a mountain resort in Romania, there was a monastery that had milk and yogurt made in-house that I could tolerate. Yes, odd, but I was thankful for that.)

I remember picking up wildflowers with my mom. I remember climbing mountains or visiting special resorts and, I have to admit, now I go back to those resorts with the love and affection – treasured travel destinations for me in Romania – Busteni, Sinaia.

Oh, travel for me is a trip down memory lane! I could go on and on!

One special tradition I created when my son was born, was to travel each year to a new place – doing something special.

Yes, he went to the seaside for the first time on his birthday. We went to a bear sanctuary last year. We went with a cable car in Sinaia the year before.

You get the picture.

Each year – at least as long as we’ll be able to – we’ll do this and I hope Eric will treasure these moments when he’ll grow

up (he’ll be 9 this year) as much as I treasure each memory I have from my trips with my mom and grandmother from back when I was a little girl.

Creating happy memories is something we all aspire to, and according to studies (read Meik Wiking, The art of making memories). So, where do you want to create your new happy memories?

If you need some inspiration, maybe choose some of the safest travel destinations https://www.earthsattractions.com/the-safest-cities-in-the-world-to-visit-right-now/ to visit right now for your next trips!

You discover new cultures

One of the top reasons why I love to travel is that I get to discover new cultures.

By discovering new lifestyles and different traditions, you’ll get to see the differences between your culture and the one of the countries you are visiting, but also to notice similarities.

You will also get the chance to see, see that it’s possible to do something in a different manner and to live in a different way.

Travel is Food for Thought. Literally.

That’s definitely a reason why so many people love to travel around the world.

You learn new languages or practice your foreign languages learned in school

I am blessed to come from a country where all the TV shows and music and everything is distributed in the native language. Movies have subtitles, but they are not dubbed.

That’s actually how I first learned English. I would watch TV series and movies and listen to music and try to understand the words, to associate the way word sounds with how it could be written in English, a language that’s very different than Romanian which is a phonetic language.

From TV I also learned some Spanish and Italian, and I studied German and French in school.

One of the top benefits of travelling for me is that I get to use the languages I learned in school or from TV, I get to expand my vocabulary re, language or at least some words in a new language.

It’s an amazing feeling to be able to get along with the locals in their mother tongue. and, and while it may be challenging for me because I don’t use French or German or Spanish or Italian every day, as opposed to English, it’s still great practice and it’s wonderful to be able to make use of what you learned in school.

I actually notice all the time I’m how happy the locals are when I interact with them in their mother tongue or when, if I don’t know the language, I’m at least making an effort to say the basic words in their language, even though the rest is in English.

One of the top reasons to travel is the fact that it will relax you. You forget, even if for a little while, of your everyday tasks and worries, and you are free.

You are out of your usual routine, you are trying new stuff, you are recharging your batteries. I guess that if we would ask the question “why people love to travel”, relaxation will be one of the top reasons to travel for many people.

Admiring the beauty of this world – waterfalls, beaches, oceans, mountains, flowers, wildlife

Our planet is stunning and there are numerous Earth’s attractions that will mesmerize everyone.

Whether you like impressive waterfalls, stunning beaches were just to admire the wonderful wildlife, whether you like the ocean, sand dunes, or mountains, you’ll definitely find many great travel destinations for you.

Admiring the beauty of this world is one of the reasons for travel! In fact, easily discover that there are so many places to visit across the globe, that it will be hard for you to choose where to go first and you’ll end up with a huge bucket list.

Enjoying local food

While I admit I’m not very adventurous when it comes to food in my own country when I travel I try to sample the best of the local food. I’m in like some dishes, I made this like others, but I would have tried them at least!

The further you go from home, the bigger the chances to discover fruits, vegetables, and food combinations that you don’t have at home, not even imported sometimes. So how can you resist the temptation of trying new foods?

So, for me, one of the reasons that I love to travel is that I get to discover the local cuisine of the place I am visiting.

Discovering local traditions

Many people visiting Romania on Christmas or Easter or on some other special local celebrations discover the unique way in which we are celebrating each holiday.

They are open to learning more about new cultures and their traditions, and so am I when I travel. I don’t always get to visit a new place when there is a special holiday or event taking place there, but if there is such a holiday, or fair or Carnival, I try to learn as much as possible about it and to enjoy it.

Visiting amazing tourist attractions

You can choose something that’s close to you – for instance, these are the most visited tourist attractions in Europe – or go anywhere you want to.

Whether you are looking for instagrammable places to visit in Asia or iconic landmarks in the USA, you have where to choose from!

So, create choose your next destination, create your travel itinerary , and start travelling.

I can only wish you to have happy and safe travels, no matter where you go!

Find out interesting curiosities

One of the books I recently read focused on curiosities from across the globe. I read it with my son, because it’s a book created for children, but I admit that I found out numerous things I didn’t know about people, traditions, wonderful initiatives across the globe.

Some of them were so unusual, that I actually decided to look them up to see if they are true or not. And they were true. All of them.

And then I realised that it’s not such a big surprise, or at least it shouldn’t be. In fact, I two discovered numerous curious things both when travelling domestically and when travelling internationally.

I have to see that sometimes the first thing that I’m called about the given place I visited, is such a curious fact I discovered there.

Meeting new people – and gaining new friends

I know that one of the reasons people love to travel is that they can meet new people and even make new friends.

I too love to interact with the locals when I’m travelling, because it’s a great opportunity to learn more about that place, it’s history and culture, off the beaten path things to do. Sometimes I keep in touch with these people even after leaving that particular place.

Visiting friends or relatives or people you’ve met online

Linked to the previous thing, another great reason to travel is that you can visit friends and relatives living in different cities or countries across the globe.

This way you’ll feel welcome and you know that you will have someone to guide you through the city and spend time with you, so you won’t be a complete stranger in that place.

Another great experience is to meet in real life some of the people you’ve been interacting with for a while now online. As a travel blogger, I made some friends online.  It is a privilege every single time I get to meet one of them in real life. if

Discover art and museums

I love to visit museums, and from technical to art or unusual museums, I visit them all.

In fact, museums lure many tourists in various cities across the globe. They are special, they offer a view into our past, and each and every museum, no matter how small or big, gives us an opportunity to evolve, intellectually speaking. When I saw the list of the most visited museums in the world , I couldn’t be happier to notice that I visited some of those.

Obviously, at home and on my travels, I went to many more museums that didn’t make this list, but that are just as good –  including Musee d’Orsay or Schonbrunn Palace , cool art museums in Bucharest, Romania , my hometown, or some museums in Vienna .

I was pleased to hear the conclusions of a recent study which showed that people interacting with art – museums, exhibits, concerts – live longer – so I instantly added a few Amsterdam museums to my list of places to visit very soon! 

Broaden your perspective

Travelling helps you see the big picture and this is one of the reasons why travel is good for your health and wellbeing. 

You can better understand the local conditions and circumstances, you can better understand why some people wish for something or not, and you get to understand that and you are very small in this world.

You begin to realise how different elements influence the evolution of the world today, and you start to go beyond news read on Facebook wear with some media outlets, and go deep within the locals minds and their concerns.

Also, as you travel, you get to see different perspectives, which, sometimes, are different than yours. And that’s a great reason to travel because you are broadening your perspective and you are getting a clearer picture of the world today.

Discovering that we are different, yet the same! – removing prejudices

Each person is unique, and each country and city has its particularities. We are indeed all unique, but, as you travel more, you come to realise that we are also pretty similar in many ways.

The grass is always greener on the other side we believe, but that’s not always the truth, you discover.

There is no perfection anywhere, and it’s up to you what you want to notice: the good or the bad, and what you decide to do with what you discover.

If you are always complaining about your country – and trust me I know many people who do that (read The Key to Happiness by Meik Wiking) – you may be discovered that they are people from other countries complaining about the same things.

Yes, it happened to me too to discover people from Nordic European countries complaining about the same issues we are having in Romania and considering that they have the worst of it.

One of the benefits of travelling is to remove prejudice. We may have some ideas about different countries or areas of the country,  different stereotypes.

Now these stereotypes may be true for some people in that area or country, but you’ll soon realise that it’s not something that can describe everyone there.

So there you have it: another great reason for around the world travel is that you get to discover how people really are, if the stereotypes are true or not, and you get to realise that we are all the same in some manners.

Doing something different – experience new things

I wouldn’t say that I’m the most adventurous person on Earth, but I tried to experience new things so when I travel.

True, there’s a safety line I wouldn’t cross, but sometimes I push my limits. And it’s great. I’m not risking my life, but I’m doing something different, and if the experience is good, then I have a new great memory and the story to tell.

Learn more about yourself

When you travel, you learn more about yourself and this is one of the unexpected travel benefits.

You see how you react in certain circumstances, what your beliefs are, and that’s great.

Travelling becomes a way to know yourself better, and that’s never a bad thing. On the contrary, that’s one of the top travelling benefits.

When you are travelling with your significant other, you learn more about you as a couple. you discover your dynamic, your preferences, beliefs, willingness to change and so on and so forth.

Travelling is a discovery journey: that of the world and of oneself.

Discovering your issues and fears and overcoming them

When you travel you may discover some issues you didn’t even know you had or fears.

And the best part? You may even overcome your fears or issues – one of the cool unexpected benefits of travelling.

I’m afraid of heights, for example, but I wanted to fly with an airplane. So I overcame my fear and I had an amazing trip to Paris and back. I was able to admire the sky and the mountains seen from above, and that, for me, was a huge win.

Get out of your comfort zone

One of the reasons people love to travel is that they can get out of their comfort zone, just as I did when I wanted to fly. Pushing yourself beyond your regular limits can be a good thing.

It can boost your confidence, it can show you that you can do more, and it can offer you through amazing experiences you would have otherwise missed.

Experience true happiness

Being free, doing what you want when you want, going where you want –  that’s true happiness. And travel brings this to you.

This is actually one of the top reasons why I love to travel.

Do something that seems unreal

Admiring an impressive waterfall may seem simple and common for some, but it is an amazing experience for me. But perhaps the most and the real experience I had was to see The Milky Way one night.

It looked just like in my encyclopedias as on TV or YouTube videos. Truly amazing!

Another thing that we like to do is to go, as often as possible, near a city and admire the meteorite shower taking place each summer.

One more great experience we share as a family and another reason to travel, even if it’s just a short distance from our house.

Learn to budget

One of the great things about travelling is that it helps you to be better with your finances.

As you plan your trip ahead, you need to budget everything: accommodation, transport, food, entry fees, souvenirs, etc. It helps you save money for your trips and to manage your budget while you are traveling. That’s something you really need on an everyday basis and one of the 30+ reasons why travel is important included in this article.

Learn to plan

As you can visit a specific city or area for a given amount of time, you learn to plan your trips better so that you can go everywhere you want to go and do everything you want to do.

These planning skills you are developing will help you on your job and on your personal life as well, so this is another benefit of travelling you have to consider.

Learn to be organized

As you learn to better manage your finances and to plan things, you’ll realise you are getting more and more organised.

This advantage of travelling will help you in your everyday activities and in your personal life, so go ahead and travel more!

Learn new skills (cooking classes or other types of classes)

Why you are travelling you can actually learn new things and skills. You may take a cooking class,  a pottery class, or a drumming lesson in Tokyo .

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn a new thing or skill, because they are truly beneficial for you and your health. You boost your brain and memory!

Boost your confidence

As you manage to sort everything out – the budget, planning your trips, packing your bag for a week in less than 30 minutes -,  as you get to be more open to interacting with new people, you’ll see a boost in your confidence.

You discover you can do it! In fact, this boost of your confidence is one of the top reasons why you should travel more because it will help you in every aspect of your life later.

Understand the need to protect the Earth

As you travel you’ll see that in order for everyone to be able to enjoy the beauty of our planet and the amazing natural wonders, which really need to keep the planet as is, to make it better, not worse.

You understand the more the people who are trying to gather garbage and the ones that try to limit the use of plastic.

More importantly, you realise that each action counts and that it’s important to recycle and to protect the Earth every single day,  for us, for our children and for the next generations to follow.

Spend time outdoors

There are studies showing that spending time outdoors is beneficial to our health, and travelling can help with that.

Depending on your skills and health, you can go hiking, taking long walks in the parks and beautiful botanical gardens, swimming, kayaking, going to the beach, skiing, etc.

While in your hometown you may not go outside as much as possible, and rather spend your time at the office, at home, at the mall, all when you travel you may be at least tempted to go more outdoors and that will be good for you and your health and spirit. This is one of the main reasons why travel is good for you!

Reduce the stress – feel carefree

There are studies that show travel can reduce the risk of a heart attack , and that it helps to manage stress and negative emotions .

Even taking just short vacations improves lowering your stress levels .

I admit, this is one of the top reasons why I love to travel and I feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and empowered after each trip or vacation I take!

Travel can reduce depression

Yes, travel can reduce depression and can impact, in a positive way, marital relationships, according to a study . You can easily see why travel is good for your health and your wellbeing!

So take as many trips or holidays as possible, as lowering the risk of depression is a great reason to travel more.

Learn to let go – Let things unfold

We are sometimes very cringy and stressed about what might happen, how things may unfold, what we want or what we think is good for us. We are on tight schedules and tight objectives.

When you travel more you actually learn to let go, to let things unfold.

And, as you do that, you will realise that you get more relaxed. you don’t need to control every single step and you are actually getting better results by letting go.

This may sound like a paradox –  and I have to say that it took me a while to understand it as well,  but as you learn to let go, you start to get the results you want because you are not cringing obsessing about anything, and you feel that you are worthy of what it is that you want to get.

Learn new skills and improve your career prospect

As mentioned a bit above, when you travel you’re learning new skills and they can help you in every aspect of your life.

As you get to discover more about how things work in a given country and culture, you may begin to see things in a new way and even do things in a different way, which may prove to be more efficient.

All the things you learn and the skills you are developing while you are travelling can improve your career prospects and give you an advantage when looking for a place to work.

And if you are trying to get a job in a multinational company, having interacted with people from different countries is definitely a huge asset for you.

Improve social and communication skills

As you travel more you often need to interact with the locals – to get directions to a specific place, to learn more about history or traditions, etc.

It may seem hard at first, especially if you are an introvert, but as you practice you’ll see that it gets easier and easier.

It becomes your second nature to speak with people from different countries and cultures, and did you get over the language barrier and fears, and doubting yourself, and you become better.

Yeah, improving your social and communication skills is one of the big reasons to travel!

Become more tolerant

It may surprise you to hear this, but as you travel more you become more aware of your own flaws.

And you get to accept that you are not perfect and that you can improve yourself.

As you do that, and as you become more aware of the differences between people and of the different ways to do something, and different lifestyles that are out of there, you get to become more tolerant –  and this is one of the huge benefits of travel.

As you can easily see, there are plenty of great reasons to travel. From the positive impact it has on your health, to the benefits to your career and your relationships, and to your personal development, travelling impacts every area of your life in a positive manner.

So travel more and be better.

Don’t think for an instant that you have to go overseas to travel. You can start locally, and go from there.

I hope the reasons to travel included in this article – and, as you probably might have noticed, I tried to group them to the best of my abilities –  will convince you to take as many trips as you can, shorter or longer, doesn’t matter as long as you travel.

For more information about quality and amazing backpacks for traveling check Tucker & Bloom .

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How To Write a Good Travel Essay

Home / Blog / How To Write A Good Travel Essay - Guide With Examples

Introduction

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

-Gustav Flaubert

Packing the duffel with the bare essentials and hopping into the car, getting behind the steering wheel and driving with no perfect destination in mind – we all dream to live such a life, don't we? Travelling to unseen places and exploring what it has to offer can be an enriching experience. However beautiful can travel be as an experience, writing a travelling essay can be quite a challenge. It may seem easy to come up with the ideas that you want to include in the essay but putting them into coherent sentences can be difficult. Your words should be impactful enough to be able to sweep the readers off their feet and take them on the cliff or make them feel the saline breeze on a beach.  

A perfect travel essay must reflect the journey and highlight the little-known facts about the region. It should be infused with the character and culture of the place. If you are feeling stymied while writing a travel essay, then we have some brilliant tips for you that can make the task considerably easy for you.

8 tips for an outstanding essay on travelling

Here are 8 tips that you can cash on to produce a winning travelling essay:

• Be specific with the destination

Before you choose a topic for your travel essay, keep the time spent in the location in mind. If your trip is just for a couple of days, then do not make the mistake of writing about an entire city. Think it out practically – is it possible to travel through a city in just a few days? Take for instance your essay is about London. It is quite an insurmountable task to be able to cover all the distance even in a week. So stick to a particular destination so that you can include the nuances and minutest details of the place to paint a picture in the reader’s mind with your words. 

• Less guide, more exploring

Also, the destination need not be about an exotic locale. It can be a story about an idyllic rustic location in the suburb of the teeming city. It can be about a cottage up on the hills with just the view of snowy valleys and iced peaks. Your words should give the sense of exploring and not touring. The essay should not be like a guide. It should be a view of the location through your lens.

• Know the location like the back of your hand

Before starting to write a travel essay, do your research. A travel essay isn’t a made-up story so there should not be any fake information. Readers will be looking for more than just the necessary information about the must-visit tourist attractions. So you need to go beyond the surface and include more about the history of the place. Just do not write about the restaurants – talk about the cuisine of the place and the story behind it, if any. To get into the innermost recesses of the location, you can speak to the residents of the area. To bring richness in your travel essay, you must reveal another side of the destination.

• Include the nitty-gritty

The key to an impressive travel essay is to be able to break down the location into kernels and write the core details about them. As mentioned earlier, so not just write about the tourist attractions and restaurants in the destination. Write about the lesser talked streets and unknown landmarks and the history behind them. If the place is known for its delicacies, write about how the cuisine has evolved and who had started it. From quaint bookstores to ice cream parlours to run-down shabby pubs – shed light to such nuances to bring your essay to life. You can even mention the negative things that you have faced in the place – like irregular transport modes or impolite locals. These little details will help you make your essay more impactful.

• Be creative with the writing style

Since a travel essay is more like an anecdote, there is no specific format to write it. Therefore, a travel essay gives you the scope of setting your foot into the unchartered areas of creativity. You have got the creative freedom to write what you want. You can study how the natives of the locale speak and learn some of the basic words and phrases they use. To put them into writing you can read the local newspaper to get the pulse of the city you are in. Using the colloquial lingo can help the reader get a closer peek into the lives of the people living in the place. It will reflect a slice of how they live their way of life. Your words should be simple and yet impactful to portray and not just merely narrate. Touch every bit of the rust in the roof to make the reader feel like they are on the same journey with you.

• Make it personal

The travel essay is your story. So add some personal experience in the story and at the same time do not make it self-indulgent. Include stories that can resonate with all your readers. Your experiences should be able to bring the reader back to the travel destination and connect him with the place. It should be the perfect blend of narration of the experiences you had while on the trip along with a vivid description of the place. To achieve the balance, write your essay in first person perspective to give a real touch to the story. Include the most interesting bits that will help the reader connect with you. You can even include the quotes of natives living in the area you had visited.

• Start with a captivating catch

Like every essay, the introduction is the key to make it an impressive read. The opening should be capturing enough to attract the reader’s attention. It should leave an impact and should make them want to go on reading the piece. Start with an unknown fact about the place and leave it hanging from the cliff. Use a tone of suspense to excite the readers to keep them guessing about the contents of the essay.

• Make it vivid with images

For certain places, words may fall short in being able to explain the exact description of a place. You cannot describe how the sky looked with the mountains seemingly touching the clouds or the horizon fading beyond the sea. Certain things cannot be explained in words – like the color of the sky or the water! This is where pictures come in! Providing real images of the place in between can help the readers stay connected. Vivid photos can also make the readers understand the story better by bringing them closer to it. So make sure you take breathtaking pictures of the place you are writing about. The images will help your essay stay in the readers’ mind longer.

With the above tips, we are sure you will be able to write an excellent travelling essay  that will impress your professor and fetch you a good grade.

And if you are still unsure about putting these to use, then below is a winning sample to show you how it is done!

Travelling essay sample

I have visited London several times, and yet it is amazing how I find something new to explore every time I visit the capital city. My visit last autumn too did not fail to surprise me. With the hustle and bustle and the rich royal history, London city has a lot to offer. Since I just had a few days to spare, I wanted to make the best out of this trip.

Although vast and sprawling, I decided to visit most of the city on foot this time. Now since in my previous visits I had seen most of the tourist-y attractions already, I wanted to take the path less travelled this time to discover the hidden gems of the city. The last time I had been to London, I had missed out on the chance to visit the chock full of literature and history that awaited me in the Shakespeare Globe Theatre. Being a student of literature, visiting the place where the Bard of Avon once enacted the plays he wrote was a spellbinding moment. And guess what? I also caught a staging of the Macbeth before I left the place. Before heading towards the Hyde Park tube station, I grabbed some of London’s famous Fish ‘n’ Chips from the oldest food market of the city, the Borough Market. From Hyde Park to Tower Hill in under fifteen minutes by Tube, I began exploring the Tower of London. It was there that I heard a guard speaking about where he hailed from. A quick conversation with Peter, I had gotten intrigued to know more about his village – Suffolk in Lavenham. I asked him how to get there and Peter, being the quintessential helping guide that Londoners are known to be, told me that I could either take a car from central London. Or I could wait for the next day and take the train from Liverpool to Sudbury and then take the bus route 753 and reach in around two hours. Having nothing to do, I spent that day in the British Museum and walking on Oxford Street.

The next morning, I started my journey to the quaint village of Suffolk. I had picked up a book about the village where I learned that the village had once housed Henry III in 1257. And a bonus for all the Harry Potter fans – the village also starred in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ as Godric’s Hollow where Hermoine and Harry are seen to be visiting Bathilda Bagshot. On reaching the village, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the picture-perfect silhouette of prosperous medieval England with all the half-timbered houses. The lime-washed and brightly coloured buildings added an idyllic element to the village with the De Vere House standing out from the rest. Adding to the rustic touch was the fifteenth-century St Peter Church with its soaring height of a 141ft tower. The autumn breeze welcomed me as I walked on the leaf-covered high streets. I saw some young guns cycling around in a park and called out to them for directions. My stay for the trip was an Air BnB home-stay where I had to put up with an elderly couple – the Havishams. I still remember how on reaching the gate of the house, I had caught a waft of crumpets and hot scones. After an exchange of banalities followed by me gorging on the scones, I had found out about the hidden gems from Mr Havisham who happened to be quite a cheerful talker. He told me what a must-visit Hadley’s was when in Suffolk. I had then set out with a local map to find the hidden gem. On reaching I had found that Hadley’s was a cutesy ice cream shop, almost run down, run by an old lady. Here Rebecca told me how the ice cream parlour was opened back in the 1850s and was still known for their hand-made sorbets.

Like the sorbet, my stay in Suffolk had been a sweet experience – a trip of revelation. The tour – with all the lonely walks – had in an inexplicable way helped me to get my perspectives right. It isn’t the exotic locales and the flight above the clouds that make travelling my drug. Rather, it is little but beautiful discoveries like Suffolk that feed my wanderlust. Thank you, London. Thank you for being a wonderful experience, once again.   

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• 5 years ago by Claire Trickett

10 reasons to love travel

What does travel mean to you here are just 10 of the many reasons i love to travel….

• Travel Specialist

In today’s tech-obsessed world, social media may well be the perfect platform to showcase the world’s beauty to armchair travellers across the globe, but travel is so much more than just getting that perfect Instagram shot. Travel should be meaningful. It should excite and inspire you, rejuvenate and ground you, educate and challenge you, and most of all, it should humble you.

Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.

Here’s what travel means to me…

For me personally, travel is a way of life. I was born into a travel-obsessed family and had already lived on three different continents by the time I started school, so wanderlust (and an often ridiculed hybrid accent) was inevitable for me. My sister and I are incredibly fortunate to have parents that insisted that travel was the best classroom and, thankfully, our school holidays were spent exploring fascinating places, both near and far.

Upon graduating university (and turning 21), I was given the greatest gift: the gift of travel. Armed with a round-the-world plane ticket and a sense of adventure, I took off on a six-month solo backpacking trip through Europe, Southern Africa and Australia and, without a doubt, it changed the way I saw the world. So, as a self-confessed travel addict, here are the 10 reasons why I love to travel.

1. Travel to leave our world a better place

I have been fortunate to work and travel with &Beyond for more than 13 years now and what inspires me most is our company ethos and unwavering commitment to care for the land, wildlife and people. Travelling with &Beyond has given me the rare privilege to actively take part in so many unforgettable and truly meaningful experiences, such as: witnessing endangered rhino being safely translocated; observing an elephant cow being collared for research and monitoring purposes; helping to relocate a vulnerable nest laid by an enormous and highly endangered sea turtle; spending a night in a traditional Maasai manyatta (homestead); and so much more. &Beyond ’s authentic, experiential travel not only enables travellers to participate, engage and learn, but it also allows them to travel with purpose and to help leave our world a better place.

2. Travel to meet different cultures

Travel exposes us to different cultures and ancient traditions and through these authentic encounters, we learn to embrace and celebrate both our similarities and our differences. Travel teaches us about humanity and gives us an appreciation, understanding and respect for different points of view and ways of life.

3. Travel to learn

Not all classrooms have four walls and travel is the best way to immerse yourself in geography, history, culture, gastronomy, languages, biology … you name it. Travel enriches the mind and educates us far beyond any textbook or travel guide. Not only do curious travellers learn about different landscapes, languages and lifestyles; glean fascinating facts while observing wild animals in their natural habitat; delve into a region’s history and taste the local flavours; but they also learn about themselves (and each other) along the way.

4. Travel to escape reality

We all need to fall off the radar and escape reality every once in a while. Travel allows us to enjoy complete anonymity in new and unexplored territories. It gives us absolute freedom to live in the moment and it allows us to be anyone, to go anywhere and to do anything. The best part of my six-month trip around the world, way back when, was the freedom of being able to just wake up and pick a spot anywhere on the map and find a way to get there. Travel enables us to be spontaneous and seek new experiences.

5. Travel to relax

Our lives are time-starved and technology-driven and, let’s be honest, it’s not often that we actually take the necessary time to de-stress and truly switch off. Travel allows us to escape life’s daily demands, dramas and deadlines and enables us to clear our minds. It encourages us to recharge our batteries and to truly disconnect (from our phones, Wi-Fi, emails, laptops, social media, etc.) in order to reconnect (with ourselves, each other and the natural environment).

6. Travel to explore

Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones. Whether you seek adrenaline and non-stop activity, or unapologetic siestas and ultimate relaxation, travel gives us the opportunity to explore with an open heart and an open mind.

7. Travel for humility

Without a doubt, travel is a crash course in humility. As we cross borders, and oceans, we gain true perspective. We learn to recognise and be grateful for all of the things we take for granted in our own lives, and we also gain an appreciation and respect for how others live. Travel teaches us to be tolerant, flexible and open-minded, and most of all it makes us humble.

8. Travel to eat

One thing you’ll never find on a suggested packing list is a diet. Leave it at home! Just make sure you bring a healthy appetite and a willingness to taste new flavours and sample all of the local delicacies. Remember, mimosas are totally acceptable at breakfast and dessert is always a good idea. Indulge, go back for seconds and exercise when you get home.

9. Travel to be transformed

Don’t just travel for travel’s sake. Travel to seek adventure and feel alive. Take part in authentic experiences that will not only change the way you see the world, but that will also encourage self-reflection, environmental awareness and global action to help protect and conserve our planet.

10. Travel to live out your bucket list dreams

Every traveller’s bucket list is different. Whether you long to watch the sun set over the Taj Majal, snowshoe on the side of an active volcano, witness Africa’s Big Five and the Great Migration, or find your Zen on a yoga retreat in the Himalayas, if you can dream it, you can do it. Travel is the best medicine and long may it continue to take our breath away and turn us all into storytellers (and committed custodians of our precious planet).

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How to write a travel essay

November 22, 2023 by Josh Collins Leave a Comment

Travel essays and short notes allow you to dive deep into the memories and share your experience with readers. If written well, readers can explore new places without traveling or get inspired to explore new things. The location you have visited may contain many things to discuss: architecture, sightseeing, nature, culture, and much more. How can you tell about it in a short essay? Whether you are planning to write an essay, blog post, or another type of writing – all the tips below will help you craft an appealing paper.

Understand your goals

Before writing a travel essay: 1. Define the main idea you want to stick to in your writing. If you have a specific word limit, you may be unable to cover everything you wish to write about. 2. Check whether the professor asked you to cover specific experiences during your trip or stick to a more descriptive writing style. 3. If you are free of what to write about, make up a list of things you wish to focus on.

Understanding your goals will help you see the big picture and write the text within a limited time. If you were assigned to write an essay about your travel and can’t meet the deadline or have no ideas, you can get punctual help with essay writing from EssayShark .

Write catchy introduction How did your travel start? What were your plans? You can start with a quote about adventure or just begin your story by planning or arriving at the destination place. For example, here are some starters for travel essays: ● Who has said traveling is pricy? ● Don’t let the routine bore you; add a bit of spice with traveling to your everyday life. ● And the adventure begins!

Experiment with various approaches to engage the reader. You can put this step at the end when you finish the first draft, when the overall idea will be more transparent.

Add vivid descriptions First, think about whether you can attach images to your essay to make it more appealing to the reader and support your adventures with real photos. An additional illustration can create a unique atmosphere that will transfer the reader to the place you have visited.

Use a more relaxed writing style and understand that a travel essay is not a formal academic paper but more personal writing. Use the language you use every day, and avoid cliches and slang to sound more natural and appealing to the reader.

Focus on several ideas What if you have no solid experience in traveling? Or maybe you haven’t seen anything special to talk about. In fact, even a small town has its own spirit and local sightseeing that, you can tell in your essay. For example, you can discuss local cuisine the weather, and share specific descriptions of the places.

Tell the simple story The main aim of every travel essay is to help the reader wear your shoes and imagine what you have experienced during the trip. Describe your emotions and experience in detail to help the reader feel like they have already visited the place. Avoid listing attractions or telling the traveling process step by step. Share your thoughts, and use creative expressions to keep your natural flow.

Ensure your travel story has a standard format and contains an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Don’t interrupt your writing in the middle of an idea; wrap up everything you have said in a meaningful conclusion.

Wrapping Up In general, you can approach traveling essays from different points of view. Grab the reader’s attention with an exciting intro, add vivid details, and focus on several aspects of your journey to keep them reading. Share your experience in a storytelling manner, and your writing won’t be unnoticed.

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How To Write a Good Travel Essay

• March 18, 2020

Travelling is one of the most exciting parts of everyone’s life. In the same way, this experience has the potential to be a fascinating topic for your writing assignments.

Writing a travel essay requires minimal creativity because trips are full of extraordinary events by their nature, as well as dramas and cultural findings. So, there’s no need to make things up or think through ideas while you are writing this kind of essay. To make life even easier you can even order essay .

However, as easy as it may sound, turning a travel experience into a piece of writing can be a bit challenging for students. Because if not careful, they will end up writing some dull clichés about a bunch of different places, and nothing more.

If you’ve never read any trips or you don’t have enough time to write a paper, you can quickly get your essay written by making use of available writing services. However, here we present some practical guidelines to help you write an exceptional essay:

Select Your Favorite City

Sometimes a trip is explicitly taken to collect information for an essay. If this is true about you, take your time to choose your destination carefully. Do some research before deciding on the city. Read about various regions and see which ones inspire you the most.

Your task here is to share useful information with people and get them involved in your journey. If you can’t enjoy your own trip, how can you let others have fun while reading the story? So it’s essential to choose a destination that you are interested in.

Choose a Few Attractions

Every city or town usually has several tourist attractions. If you attempt to include every single place you visited on that journey, your writing would be a boring list of city attractions that can be found anywhere, such as a tourist website.

Rather than mentioning multiple sights, focus on two or three places, and provide detailed information about them. Let readers know few, but know well.

Another point is that famous attractions are not proper choices for your writing because almost everyone knows the basic information about these places. Put your focus on unknown sites, remembering that people want to hear about something they have never heard.

Write a Compelling First Paragraph

Your first paragraph is usually the most important one. It’s where you convince the readers you had an incredible trip – one that has something new to teach your audience and is worth reading about.

Start with an unusual tradition you witnessed, an interesting dialogue you had, or a cultural misunderstanding you faced during your journey.

Use your sense of humor. Be as innovative as you can. No matter what you do, the final aim is to engage the readers and make them stick to your story.

Show Rather Than Tell

‘Showing’ is what makes a difference between a boring and outstanding travel essay. When you show something with your words, you actually describe what you experienced in full details. However, when you tell something, it’s like you’re just giving a brief report on what you did.

Readers won’t understand what an incredible park, a fabulous road, or a fantastic building means unless you show it to them. Showing makes the readers feel they’ve been there with you.

Therefore, don’t merely rely on telling where you went. Instead, add specific descriptions about that place, talk about your feelings, and paint an imaginary picture of that space in the minds of readers.

Images serve as a complement to your verbal description as they help readers imagine your story better.

One or two pictures is enough, but try to pick the most breathtaking ones that are more related to your narrative. Also, remember that vivid shots are always a better option than black and white ones because they are more eye-catching and can better intrigue the reader’s curiosity.

Keep It Simple

The primary purpose of writing a traveling essay is to entertain your readers. So, there’s no need to show off by using literary words or highly academic structure. Instead, use an active voice, try to be friendly, and bring readers closer to your story.

In this kind of essay, your writing intelligence depends on your ability to amuse people and your art of describing scenes, not using a lot of fluffy sentences.

Describe What You Achieved

If your traveling experience didn’t teach you anything or couldn’t make a positive change in your life, it would be a significant loss of time and money. Every great experience comes with great achievement. This can be as small as a shift in your beliefs, or as big as making wonderful friends. Whatever the accomplishment is, it’s worth telling your readers about it.

Give Readers a Good Ending

Every fantastic narrative begins with a good starting point, continues with a climax, and ends with a reasonable conclusion. Plan your paragraphs before writing. Think about the ways you want to start your story, go through the rising action, and then slow it down gradually to let readers know they are reaching the end of the story. If you end your writing in the middle of the turning point where the reader is reading the most thrilling part of the story, they might get puzzled and confused. It’s like putting an obstacle in front of a high-speed runner and making him stop all of a sudden.

Bottom Line

Travels are full of new experiences. Sometimes a short trip gives you a handful of stories to tell your future grandchildren. They have a lot to teach us and therefore, a lot to talk about. So why not use them as a subject for your writings? The next time you will be searching the net for online essay writing services with “interesting topics to write my essay,” think about your traveling experiences and bring everything you can remember on the paper. Then, google some “help write my essay tips” to learn the main guidelines for writing a travel essay.

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• essay writing
• student travel

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Essay on My Hobby Travelling

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Hobby Travelling in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Hobby Travelling

Introduction.

Travelling is my favourite hobby. It gives me a chance to explore new places, meet different people, and learn about various cultures.

Why I Love Travelling

I love travelling because it broadens my perspective. It helps me understand the world better and appreciate its diversity.

Learning from Travelling

Travelling is not just fun, it’s educational. I learn about history, geography, and different ways of life. It’s like a living classroom.

In conclusion, travelling is a hobby that enriches my life. It brings joy, knowledge, and a sense of adventure.

250 Words Essay on My Hobby Travelling

The allure of travel.

Traveling is more than just an escape from routine; it’s an exploration of the self and the world. As a hobby, it offers a unique blend of adventure, learning, and personal growth that few other pastimes can match.

Adventure and Discovery

The core of traveling is the spirit of adventure. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, taking on new challenges, and discovering uncharted territories. Every journey is filled with unexpected encounters and experiences that are both thrilling and enriching.

Learning and Growth

Traveling is also a profound learning experience. It exposes you to different cultures, languages, and perspectives, broadening your worldview and enhancing your understanding of people and places. This newfound knowledge not only enriches your mind but also fosters empathy and tolerance.

Personal Development

Traveling is a journey of personal growth. It teaches resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills as you navigate unfamiliar environments. It cultivates independence and self-reliance, and through overcoming obstacles, you discover your strengths and capabilities.

Connecting with Nature

Traveling allows you to connect with nature, offering a chance to appreciate the planet’s diversity and beauty. It instills a sense of responsibility towards the environment, inspiring sustainable travel practices.

In conclusion, traveling as a hobby is an enriching and transformative experience. It’s a journey that takes you beyond geographical boundaries, into realms of cultural diversity, personal growth, and profound learning. It’s not just about seeing new places, but about seeing the world, and yourself, with new eyes.

500 Words Essay on My Hobby Travelling

Travelling is more than just a leisure activity; it’s a hobby that broadens our perspective, enriches our experiences, and shapes our understanding of the world. As a college student, I find travelling an essential part of my personal growth, facilitating a deeper understanding of cultures, histories, and the natural environment.

The Allure of Travelling

The allure of travelling begins with the inherent curiosity that humans possess. We are natural explorers, driven by an insatiable desire to discover the unknown. Travelling allows us to satiate this curiosity, presenting us with new landscapes, cultures, and experiences. For me, the fascination of delving into the unfamiliar is the core of my hobby.

Learning Through Travelling

Travelling is an immersive learning experience. It is through my travels that I have learned about the historical significance of places like Rome, the vibrant culture of India, the technological advancements of Japan, and the environmental conservation efforts in Costa Rica. These experiences have not only expanded my knowledge but also fostered a sense of global citizenship.

Building Relationships and Empathy

Travelling fosters relationships, both with fellow travellers and locals. These interactions, often brief yet profound, have taught me the value of empathy. They have enabled me to appreciate the diversity of human experiences and perspectives, thereby promoting a sense of unity and shared humanity.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Travelling is a journey of self-discovery. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, challenging our adaptability and resilience. Through my travels, I’ve learned to navigate unfamiliar environments, communicate despite language barriers, and make decisions in unpredictable situations. These experiences have shaped my character, enhancing my confidence and self-reliance.

Preserving the Environment

As a traveller, I’ve become more conscious of my environmental footprint. I strive to travel sustainably, appreciating and respecting the natural beauty of the places I visit while minimizing my impact. This commitment to environmental stewardship is a crucial aspect of my hobby.

In conclusion, my hobby of travelling is a multifaceted experience that provides education, fosters relationships, encourages personal growth, and promotes environmental consciousness. It is more than just a pastime; it is a way of life that continually enriches my understanding of the world. As a college student, I believe that travelling provides invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the confines of a classroom, making it a hobby well worth pursuing.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Embracing the World: My Love for Travel and New Cultures

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: August 1, 2023  - Last updated: August 2, 2023

Categories Travel

You’ve got the travel bug, don’t you? That insatiable desire to pack your bags and explore what’s beyond your doorstep. It isn’t just about ticking off destinations from your bucket list or snapping the perfect Instagram photos. It’s more profound than that.

You yearn to immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, taste exotic cuisines, learn a smattering of foreign phrases, and understand how others live their day-to-day lives. To you, each journey is an open book filled with lessons waiting to be learned and stories begging to be told.

However, it’s not always smooth sailing – sometimes there are roadblocks along the way that test your resilience. But even these challenges bring a unique thrill of their own because they shape you into a seasoned traveller.

And after all is said and done, nothing beats the joy of coming home rich with memories and experiences that have forever changed your perspective on life and humanity.

Key Takeaways

• Traveling and experiencing new cultures enriches your perspective
• Immersion goes beyond sightseeing to traditions and authentic cuisine
• Culinary techniques showcase ancient recipes and traditions
• Embracing diversity enriches understanding and perspectives

The Excitement of Planning a Trip

There’s nothing quite like the rush of mapping out a new adventure, is there? The thrill of turning an abstract idea into a concrete plan is incomparable. You start by researching destinations, sifting through travel blogs and guidebooks. Each potential spot unveils a vibrant tapestry of customs and traditions waiting to be explored.

The next step involves clever budgeting strategies. There’s an art to this – stretching your money without compromising on experiences. The challenge lies in finding that sweet balance between affordability and indulgence.

Then comes packing essentials – choosing what gets to accompany you on this journey. It’s not just about clothes or gadgets; it’s about packing pieces of home while leaving enough room for souvenirs embodying the culture you’re immersing in.

This planning phase sets the tone for your entire trip, promising endless possibilities.

The Thrill of Departure

As you step into the bustling airport, the excitement of your journey begins to bubble up. The anticipation builds as you navigate through check-in, security procedures, and finally settle into your seat on the airplane, ready for take-off.

This flight won’t just transport you physically to a new destination but also immerse you in a rich tapestry of new experiences that’ll leave an indelible mark on your cultural understanding.

Airport Experiences

Navigating through a bustling airport, with its cacophony of foreign languages and the palpable anticipation in the air, is an intoxicating start to any journey. As you weave through throngs of travellers, perhaps you’ll encounter luggage mishaps or stringent security checks – these are part and parcel of your airport experience.

Here’s a snapshot that might resonate with you:

Each challenge brings its own adventure. While they may momentarily disrupt your travel rhythm, overcoming these hurdles can lead to rewarding experiences. You’re not merely passing through an airport; you’re absorbing new cultures before the journey even truly begins.

The Flight Journey

Once you’ve braved the airport’s hustle and bustle, you’ll find yourself cocooned in your airplane seat, greeted by the hum of engines preparing for take-off. The journey ahead is laced with anticipation.

Your eyes wander to the window; beneath a sea of clouds awaits an adventure unknown. You’re no longer simply a traveler but a global citizen, ready to immerse in diverse cultures.

In your carefully packed luggage lie essentials tailored to your destination: sunscreen for sunny beaches or woolen garments for snowy peaks.

Soon, the in-flight entertainment system comes alive on screen before you; choose from an array of movies from around the world, documentaries revealing cultural nuances or music that transcends borders.

Each flight is not just travel—it’s preparation for what lies beyond touchdown—each culture’s unique heartbeat awaiting your discovery.

First Impressions of a New Place

There’s nothing quite like that first glimpse of a new city, its skyline etched against the sky, full of promise and mystery waiting to be unraveled. Your heart races with arrival emotions; anticipation, excitement, and a dash of nervousness. The flurry of activity in unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming yet exhilarating.

Upon reaching your initial accommodations, you find comfort amidst the unknown. A soft bed to rest on after a long flight journey is an oasis in the chaos outside. Every corner holds a story – from the quaint cafe across the street to the bustling market around the corner.

Every sight intrigues you; every sound echoes with uniqueness – it’s as if every fiber of this place is inviting you on this journey to dive into its rich culture and history.

Exploring Local Landmarks

As you immerse yourself in the local culture, don’t miss out on exploring historical sites that have stood the test of time and natural wonders that take your breath away.

Each monument tells a story of times gone by, offering a rich tapestry of historical narratives waiting to be unraveled.

Marvel at nature’s masterpieces, where each vista offers not just scenic beauty but also an intimate glimpse into the unique ecosystem and biodiversity inherent to the place.

Historical Sites

Exploring historical sites isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s like diving headfirst into an epic tale of times long past. Each monument whispers secrets of civilizations that once were. You’re not merely visiting a place; you’re stepping back in time. Feel the hum of history beneath your feet as you wander through ancient ruins and archaeological discoveries.

Picture this: The sun-dappled stones of Machu Picchu or the mystifying pyramids of Giza standing tall against time’s test. Their monument preservation is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Trace your fingers over weathered inscriptions and centuries-old tales come alive. Connect with generations before.

So go on – immerse yourself in these timeless narratives. It’s more than travel; it’s an enriching cultural experience that forever changes the way you view our world.

Natural Wonders

You’ll find yourself breathless standing before nature’s incredible masterpieces, from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the shimmering Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Each holds a unique charm and offers opportunities for scenic photography and wildlife observations.

The Grand Canyon, with its vast, layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history, is an overwhelming sight. Here, you can capture stunning shots of sunrise or sunset painting the canyon walls with ethereal light.

Meanwhile, the Northern Lights offer a different spectacle – they create an enchanting dance performance above you in hues of green, purple and blue. This natural phenomenon is not just visually captivating but also culturally significant to many indigenous communities around the world.

Through travel, you experience these wonders firsthand while respecting local cultures and traditions. You’re not just observing—you’re truly living it.

Immersing in the Local Culture

Immersing yourself in the local culture isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s also about diving into their traditions, tasting authentic cuisine, and mingling with the natives.

Cultural immersion benefits are aplenty. You get a sense of belonging, an understanding of diverse perspectives, and a richer travel experience.

But, remember that language learning obstacles can be part of this journey. Don’t be disheartened if you fumble over unfamiliar words or struggle to understand local dialects – these challenges often lead to amusing stories and fond memories.

Soak up every bit of your destination. Stroll through bustling markets filled with exotic smells and vibrant colors. Engage in spirited conversations at local cafes. Participate in traditional dances or festivals – all while being respectful towards their customs and way of life.

This is how you truly appreciate a new culture!

Sampling Local Cuisine

Savoring the local cuisine isn’t just about pleasing your palate; it’s an intimate way to understand a foreign culture. It gives you the chance to not only taste but also comprehend the history and tradition packed into every bite. Discover culinary techniques that have been passed down through generations, each dish telling a story of survival, celebration, or adaptation.

• Culinary Techniques: Witness how locals expertly knead dough or grill fish over open flames, breathing life into ancient recipes. Observe the finesse with which unique ingredients are transformed into dishes rich in flavor and heritage.
• Unique Ingredients: Embark on a sensory journey as you sample exotic fruits, spices, or even insects that are staples in some cultures. Appreciate how these ingredients contribute to intricate flavor profiles and symbolize regional biodiversity.

This truly is an incredible opportunity to explore and connect with diverse cultures through their food.

Interacting with Locals

After savoring the delightful tastes of various local cuisines, let’s shift our focus to another fascinating aspect of traveling – interacting with locals. It’s a wonderful way to truly immerse yourself in a new culture and gain perspectives that guidebooks can’t provide.

You may face language barriers, but don’t let them deter you. In fact, they can often lead to unexpected friendships and memorable encounters! Trying out public transportation is not just economical but also an excellent opportunity for these interactions.

Here’s a simple table to help you:

Remember, being open-minded and respectful will ensure your experiences are enriching and unforgettable.

Collecting Souvenirs and Memories

Don’t forget, gathering souvenirs and capturing moments isn’t just about material things; it’s about creating a tangible connection to the places you’ve visited.

It’s essential to be mindful of souvenir ethics. Always choose locally made goods that support the community rather than mass-produced items. This way, you’re respecting the culture and contributing to their economy.

Preserving memories goes beyond collecting trinkets. It often includes capturing scents, sounds, and smiles that stay with you long after your journey ends. Whether it’s through photographs or journaling vivid descriptions of your experiences, memory preservation is vital.

These captured moments can transport you back in time, rekindling emotions and stories from your travels. In essence, these keepsakes are priceless reminders of the cultures experienced and explored.

Reflecting on the Travel Experience

As you journey across the globe, immersing yourself in a variety of cultures, it’s crucial to reflect on these experiences. Understanding cultural differences isn’t just about recognizing that customs and traditions vary; it’s also about appreciating the diversity that makes each society unique and beautiful.

In delving deeper into your travel experiences, you’ll uncover layers of richness that will broaden your perspective and enrich your life.

Understanding Cultural Differences

Immersing yourself in different cultures isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about understanding and respecting their unique traditions and customs. It’s a chance to appreciate the diversity of the world and broaden your perspective.

You’ll become more aware of cultural sensitivities, such as the significance of traditional attires. In Japan, wearing a kimono represents respect for their ancient customs. In India, donning a sari is a celebration of their rich history.

Another aspect to consider is customs regarding food and dining manners. Using chopsticks correctly when in China shows respect for their culinary culture.

Religious customs also play a significant role in understanding cultural differences. For example, understanding Ramadan fasting practices while visiting Islamic countries shows sensitivity towards their beliefs.

Remember: traveling is not solely for relaxation or excitement; it’s an opportunity to cultivate an appreciation for global diversity.

Appreciating Diversity

Embracing diversity isn’t just about accepting differences, it’s a thrilling journey that enriches our understanding and perspectives. When you travel, you encounter various cultures, traditions, languages, food habits and lifestyles. Appreciating this diversity is key to developing cultural sensitivity and a global mindset.

Here’s a table that emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity:

Having this awareness can help you better appreciate the diversity around you while enhancing your overall travel experience.

Planning the Next Adventure

Let’s dive into the exhilarating process of plotting our next journey, where every step towards planning feels like stepping on foreign soil! The thrill isn’t just in the travel itself but also in the meticulous preparation leading up to it. Here’s a short list to guide us:

• Budgeting Strategies : Start by defining your budget limits. This helps you prioritize and allocate resources effectively.
• Destination Research : Spend time researching your destination, its customs, language, and local hotspots.
• Look for cost-effective accommodations keeping comfort and location in mind.
• Discover local eateries which offer an authentic taste of the culture and fit within your budget.
• Pack smartly, carrying only essentials to make mobility easier.

Remember, each adventure is unique to its destination. Let’s embrace this diversity with open minds and hearts as we plan our next cultural exploration!

Sharing Travel Stories

Sharing your travel tales not only brings back treasured memories, but it also inspires and educates others about the unfamiliar terrains you’ve navigated. It’s a chance to relive those moments of unexpected discoveries, and yes, even recount your travel mishaps with humor.

Here’s a snapshot of some stories:

Each tale is an opportunity for you to share snippets of different cultures, promoting understanding and appreciation.

Incorporating Travel into Lifestyle

Incorporating global adventures into your daily life isn’t just about packing a suitcase and boarding a plane. It’s about transforming your mindset and opening your eyes to different ways of living. By understanding the cultural nuances that make each destination unique, you can truly appreciate the beauty of diversity and foster a sense of connection despite geographical distances.

Budgeting strategies also play an integral role in sustaining this lifestyle. You learn to prioritize experiences over material possessions and save for future trips rather than indulging in fleeting luxuries. Embracing sustainable tourism is another important aspect, ensuring that your travel leaves minimal environmental footprints while contributing positively to local communities.

In essence, integrating travel into everyday life is an enriching journey that reshapes perspectives and nurtures global citizenship.

Learning from Travel

After exploring how you can weave travel into your daily life, let’s delve deeper into the essence of traveling – learning from each journey. Traveling isn’t just about ticking off destinations on a map; it’s about immersing yourself in various cultures and gaining wisdom from diverse experiences.

Cultural adaptation is at the heart of every trip. By living even momentarily within different societal norms, you develop an appreciation for diversity and adaptability.

Language learning is another exciting aspect. Attempting to learn a few phrases in the local tongue not only eases communication but also enriches your cultural experience.

You’ll gain unique insights into history, art, and cuisine that textbooks can’t provide.

The encounters with locals will challenge your preconceptions and broaden your worldview.

Remember, every journey adds to your life story!

Dealing with Challenges

Embracing the unexpected bumps on your road trip can truly test your mettle, don’t you think? Dealing with challenges like language barriers and visa complications isn’t just a nuisance, it’s an exercise in adaptability and resilience.

You’re thrust into an unfamiliar setting, trying to decipher cryptic signs or decode a conversation that sounds like music to your untrained ears.

Visa complications might have you pacing in foreign offices, presenting documents you never knew existed. It’s frustrating when things don’t go as planned, but there’s something beautiful about pushing past these obstacles.

It teaches you patience, flexibility, and empathy for others navigating similar situations. So next time you’re tested abroad, remember: each challenge is another opportunity to grow and learn from the culture around you.

The Joy of Coming Home

As you unlock your front door and step into the familiar surroundings of home, there’s an undeniable joy that floods through you, tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

Your mind begins to replay memories of the journey you’ve just taken – the vibrant cultures you’ve embraced, the challenges conquered and lessons learned.

As these reflections bring a smile to your face, your heart starts to flutter with anticipation at the thought of planning your next great adventure.

Reflecting on the Journey

Reflection on your travels will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures you’ve encountered. Journey introspection becomes an essential part of your post-travel routine, where you recount the myriad experiences and lessons learned.

As you sit in your favorite armchair, flipping through photos or journal entries, remember the vibrant markets in Marrakesh, the quaint tea houses in Kyoto, or the soulful Fado music filling Lisbon’s alleyways. Each memory brings a newfound respect for diversity and a sense of personal growth.

Reflecting on these moments gives depth to those experiences. You realize how much richer you are now with these cultural insights tucked away inside you. This reflection isn’t just about reminiscing; it’s about acknowledging how travel has broadened your horizons and enriched your life.

Planning for the Next Adventure

As we prepare for our next adventure, one critical element often overlooked is travel insurance. Despite being a crucial component of any well-rounded travel plan, it’s frequently regarded as an unnecessary expense. Yet, its importance cannot be understated.

Travel insurance serves as a safety net, providing protection against the unpredictable nature of travel. This includes scenarios such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or loss of personal belongings. Let’s say you’re in a foreign country and you fall ill or sustain an injury. Travel insurance can cover the hefty medical bills that may arise, saving you from potential financial distress.

Moreover, even the most meticulously planned trips can face unforeseen interruptions. Extreme weather conditions, personal emergencies, or even global crises can disrupt your travel plans, leading to last-minute cancellations. With travel insurance, you can recover the pre-paid costs, thereby cushioning the financial blow.

Additionally, losing your luggage or personal items can be a distressing experience, especially when you’re far away from home. Travel insurance policies often include coverage for lost or stolen belongings, providing an added layer of protection.

In essence, while we plan our adventures with optimism, it’s essential to also plan for potential hiccups. Travel insurance allows us to do just that, ensuring we can fully immerse ourselves in our travels without worrying about unexpected incidents.

I spent 9 months traveling the world. I had a great time, but I'd never do it again.

• I spent nine months traveling the world , and I wouldn't do it again despite having a great time.
• Because I was on a tight budget, I often found myself turning down cool experiences to save money.
• I also struggled to make genuine friendships and missed having a space to call my own.

When I was working remotely in 2021, my boyfriend and I packed up and traveled to 22 countries across Europe and Latin America.

Although these were some of the best days of my life, I quickly learned that a lot of the videos I saw on social media that glorified full-time travel didn't always showcase the downfalls of the lifestyle.

More and more people are becoming digital nomads — countries like Italy have even implemented specific visas for remote workers. But during my nine months abroad, I learned that the lifestyle isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Here's why I wouldn't travel full time again.

I found myself constantly looking for places and experiences that felt like home

While traveling full time, I found myself constantly looking for places and experiences that felt like home.

In some ways, it was cool to feel like a local in a new city. However, when I returned home and took shorter vacations, I started to value the places I was visiting for their differences rather than trying to find some semblance of home.

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Nowadays, I like having a home base. Shorter trips help me to break up the monotony of life without sacrificing the comfort of home.

It felt like I was constantly thinking about money

When I was traveling full-time, I was on a strict budget . I either drained my wallet or ate cheap food to maintain some sort of financial security while on the road.

I talked myself out of going to every museum I wanted to and purchased cheap meals for dinner instead of indulging in local cuisine that might have been out of my budget.

The moments I would slip up on my spending were when I forgot this wasn't a never-ending vacation, but rather, my new everyday life.

During the first two weeks of our trip, I wanted to go to all of the must-try restaurants in Paris . However, I soon realized that came at the cost of establishing a strict daily budget for the remainder of our three weeks there.

Of course, it was worth it in the end to save money so that I could travel for nine months. However, now that I take a few shorter trips a year, I have more flexibility to make them everything I want them to be.

My friendships at home changed, and the new ones I made were fleeting

I think what travelers yearn for the most is community. When I was traveling, it was really hard to find the same quality of friends that I have at home.

When I did meet friends abroad, it was often short-lived. I found that many people traveling full time were only in a city for a few days. Even when I did find someone I connected with, it was hard to maintain a long-distance friendship.

Traveling full time also took a lot out of my friendships at home, as it seemed like they learned to live without me.

When I returned home, it felt like we didn't have as much in common as we used to. It took me months to get my friendships back to where they were before I left.

I missed having a space to call my own

While traveling, I stayed in 25 different places across nine months. Although seeing so many new places was cool, I missed having a space to call my own.

After spending so many nights in beds that weren't my own, it was an indescribable feeling to come back home. In fact, when I got back, I was able to create a space that took inspiration from the places I'd been.

I think traveling is something everyone should prioritize, but there are ways to see the world that don't involve doing it full time.

Nowadays, I plan to take at least four international trips a year, ranging from one to two weeks. This allows me to live a travel-filled life without giving up the comforts of home, career, and relationships.

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Vietnamese backpacker Joy finds community in the outback town of Birdsville

Joy Nguyệt says arriving in outback Queensland from Vietnam to swarms of flies in an isolated and dusty town was initially terrifying.

"I was a bit worried at that time and I sent a picture to my parents, and they said I cannot stay here," she said.

"They said, 'Where are the people?' There's nothing."

The 29-year-old landed in Birdsville, 1,500 kilometres west of Brisbane, expecting a bustling airport but instead walked straight off the runway and across the road to the local hotel.

But it's been seven months and Joy, or Ánh as she's known back home, has chosen to extend her stay in the small outback town.

Birdsville, with its population of 110, is situated on the edge of the Munga-Thirri Simpson desert and is known for its rolling red sand dunes and events like the Big Red Bash.

But it's the locals and day to day life working at the roadhouse that have Joy hooked.

"I like the life, I like the people," she said.

"You get to know them better than living in a city."

Learning in more ways than one

Joy was working remotely as a recruiter when she felt it was time for a new adventure, and decided to travel to Australia on a working holiday visa. 

She saw a post on a community Facebook page from a previous Vietnamese employer at the town's roadhouse, a one-stop shop for fuel, groceries, and a friendly conversation.

"Every people [sic] in town come to the roadhouse to buy things and I get to know people that way," she said.

True to her name, the locals love her, and some are even teaching her how to drive.

Resident Greg Watkins spends his Sunday afternoons jumping in the car with Joy.

Like many people in town, Mr Watkins wears many hats and refers to himself as an "odd jobs man".

"I thought, 'Well there's no driving instructors out here' and rather than her jumping in a car and driving around vacant country roads, she needs to learn how to drive correctly," he said.

Driving around the streets of Birdsville – or street rather – is quite different to driving in the city.

"We've only got two give way signs in town and no roundabouts.

"I try and create traffic for her while she's driving, and I'll say there's a car on your right."

Mr Watkins says Joy is a quick learner.

"I call her a bit of a sponge, ever since she's got here she's wanted to learn things and takes a lot of things in," he said.

"She's come from a community where there's lots and lots of people, to a town where there's very few.

"She worked right through the summer in 40 degrees, day after day, and didn't complain."

Word of mouth keeps outback businesses staffed

Backpackers like Joy keep the outback turning, particularly in the busy season.

A couple of hundred kilometres away, Windorah has a population of about 100 people and, like Birdsville, can see tens of thousands travel through during the tourist season between April and October.

Marilyn Simpson, the owner of the only pub in town, said they "need the backpackers to be able to function".

"There were some scary times post-COVID when so many people hit the outback and we couldn't do it, we didn't have the staff," she said.

While numbers are "back to normal" now, things are set to change yet again.

From July 1, British backpackers — who make up the largest population of working holiday makers – will no longer have to complete 88 days of regional work, prompting fears of an outback worker shortage.

But Ms Simpson isn't too concerned.

"This year I've got predominantly Italian and Argentinian and that is because of … word of mouth."

Reputation travels fast in the world of backpacking – one worker from last season recommends a friend for the next, until the pub is filled with Argentinian backpackers.

Ms Simpson said she prefers this method rather than hiring through agencies, which she calls a "costly exercise".

"I like meeting them and sharing our culture and sharing their experience," she said.

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