During summer, vacations are at the forefront of many people’s minds. Pervasive questions such as “What did you do during summer?” and “Did you go anywhere over break?” make it seem as though there’s an ever-present pressure pushing people to go somewhere new and exciting so they can recount it later. But why?
“Travel is essential in the way books and hugs are essential. [It’s] food for the soul,” said Eric Weiner in “Why Travel Should Be Considered an Essential Human Activity,” a National Geographic article.
Yet travel is a vague term that holds different meanings for the varying individuals who hear it. Personally, travel should be defined as the ability to explore new places, create new memories and be exposed to new ways of life.
Unfortunately, when the word “travel” is mentioned, ideas of glamorous getaways and cruises are what first come to mind. In reality, traveling can be everything from a three-week-long tour of Europe to a weekend getaway 30 minutes from home. Both options have the potential to provide equal amounts of satisfaction as long as you’re emotionally present.
But how is travel beneficial? Why is it longed for? What’s the hype?
First and foremost it’s interesting. You’re exposed to new environments with new ways of living, eating, working and functioning. It’s hard not to be excited when stumbling upon any unfamiliar place.
Travel also means time to reset. Travel and vacation have become almost synonymous terms, meaning that if you’re traveling you’re probably not working. In a country where working may feel like running around on a hamster wheel, vacation time is treasured.
Travel also means the creation of new memories. Whether you’re with family, friends or alone, going to new places means making memories that you’ll hopefully treasure forever.
However, to achieve all of the benefits of traveling you have to be mindfully present. The ability to travel to enjoyable places is a privilege. If you don’t do it right then you can feel more stressed after than before you left.
So, the next time you find yourself on a car or plane ride to a new place, don’t be afraid to immerse yourself during your stay. You might just find yourself making lifelong memories.