Philosophies of Travel
The concept of traveling seems simple, you go to a place that either you have never been or one that you do not go to very often if you have although the question of why we travel is one that we don’t frequently explore. I assume we just chalk it up to going someplace new and that may be enough for some but not quite myself. Most answers to these questions seem standard, we go because we want to get away or rather there is someone or something tied to this specific location that gives us access to aspects of being in this place that intrigues us enough to go. Traveling offers so much more though than an opportunity to take pictures of yourself relaxing or doing something mildly exciting to post on your Instagram or Facebook to show others that you are having such an “amazing” time. It offers so many more intrinsic and intangible benefits than you may realize.
Excitement of Discovery
We are far beyond the days of countries “discovering” new territories and claiming them on behalf of queen and country although, I don’t think that sense of accomplishment that we get from just going to a place that neither we nor the people closest to us have ever gone before. It is still, in a small sense, undiscovered territory and the thrill of being the first of our friends and family to go there can be a strong internal reward for venturing out to new places.
Stronger Sense of World Community
My next point is one that so many people need to take into account when traveling. This one specifically deals with international travel abroad. Whenever you make your way to a new or even familiar country it is the same as going to someone’s home for the first time. You are a guest, an outcast in a sense. Most times the language barrier alone is enough to limit how much you feel able to enjoy a place but it gives you a better understanding of how different our cultures are from your own. In the United States we are fortunate enough to have a melting pot of cultural influences from across the globe but it becomes ever more apparent that those of us who have not been anywhere besides this country that we live is in no way empathetic to the plight of those that come from far away and only speak their native tongue. The ideology that those that come from a new country should instantly adapt and learn the language and customs without receiving assistance or patience from those within that country is ludicrous. If you are someone that has been in another place across the world where you were faced with the same situation then you would be more understanding of those that try when they come here. To expect anyone new to a different language or culture to instantly adapt is foolish thought from foolish individuals. Travel to a country where you do not speak the language and see how difficult it is to get simple and menial tasks completed on a day to day basis.
Exploration of Other Cultures
The best thing about traveling by far is the exposure to the vastly unique, amazing, and at times strange cultural differences that the various regions of the world possess. I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different places in my life and the distinct characteristics, food, customs of these places are never the same. Even across this country of the United States it never ceases to amaze me just how different things are even when the distance between them is not great.
It is very easy to assume that we travel for selfish reasons or just to seize the opportunity to show off what crazy adventures accompany our daily lives but, without even realizing it, just the chance of being somewhere that you are unfamiliar can add so much more to us within as human beings. I would like to believe that ultimately we travel for a sense of fulfillment but, that philosophy is different from individual to individual. Whenever you are able to, take a trip in the hopes of becoming a part of this part you are and learning a bit more about things other than how you are going to take this awesome sideways shot with your selfie stick. Go someplace you have yet to even dream of making it to and do so because you are ready to be a part of this world community and gain insight into the lives of the very many cultures and amazing individuals along the way. That to me is what travel is truly about!